1. What are the different Green Card options available for international students?

The different Green Card options available for international students include:

-Family-based Green Cards: These are available for immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of US citizens, or unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens).

-Employment-based Green Cards: These are available for specialty occupations, professions, and foreign investors.

-Student Green Card: This type of permanent resident status is available to international students who are enrolled in a US college or university.

-Diversity Visa Lottery Green Card: This type of green card is available to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US.

-Humanitarian Reasons Green Card: This type of green card is available to those who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the US.

2. What are the steps to apply for a Green Card?

1. Determine eligibility: To apply for a Green Card, you must first determine if you are eligible. There are several paths to eligibility, including through family, work, and humanitarian-based programs.

2. Gather documents: Once you have determined your eligibility, you must gather the necessary documents to prove your identity and eligibility. This may include providing proof of a job offer, birth certificates, and tax returns.

3. Complete the application: After gathering the required documentation, you then need to complete the application for a Green Card. This includes filling out forms and providing additional documentation as needed.

4. Submit the application: You must submit the application, along with any supporting documents, to the appropriate government agency (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) for review.

5. Attend an interview: Depending on your case, you may be required to attend an interview with a government official in order to verify your identity and eligibility for a Green Card.

6. Receive decision: After you have completed all of the necessary steps, the government will review your application and make a decision on your Green Card status.

3. How long does it take to get a Green Card after applying?

The processing time for a green card application varies depending on the individual’s immigration status and the type of green card being applied for. Generally speaking, the process can take from 6 months to 2 years or more.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Green Card?

In order to obtain a Green Card, you must be eligible under one of the categories listed below:

1. Family-based immigration: This category allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor family members for a Green Card.

2. Employment-based immigration: This category allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for a Green Card by filing an immigrant petition on their behalf.

3. Refugees and asylees: This category allows people who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States to apply for a Green Card.

4. Special immigrant categories: This category includes individuals who are eligible for a Green Card due to their particular circumstances, including religious workers, members of the U.S. military, and former employees of the U.S. government abroad.

5. Diversity lottery: This category allows individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States to apply for a Green Card through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.

6. Victims of certain crimes or human trafficking: Individuals who are victims of certain crimes or human trafficking may be able to apply for a Green Card under the U visa or T visa program respectively.

5. Are there any special considerations for international students applying for Green Card?

Yes, there are special considerations for international students applying for Green Cards. Depending on the type of visa, international students may be eligible to apply for a Green Card without having to return to their home country. Additionally, international students may be eligible for certain Green Card categories such as the Employment-Based Green Card or the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. Additionally, some international students may be eligible for certain exemptions or waivers that could make the application process faster and easier. It is important to consult an experienced immigration attorney to discuss the specific eligibility criteria and options available for each individual.

6. How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card?

The cost of applying for a Green Card depends on the type of application you are submitting and the form you are using. Generally, the filing fee for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is $1,140, plus an $85 biometrics fee per applicant. Depending on the type of application, additional fees may apply.

7. What types of background checks are required when applying for a Green Card?

When applying for a Green Card, applicants must undergo a background check that includes an evaluation of criminal, national security, and immigration histories. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will conduct a comprehensive background check, which may include a review of biographic and biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs. Additionally, applicants will also be required to submit to a medical exam with a designated civil surgeon and to provide evidence of means of financial support.

8. How can an international student find out if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card?

An international student can find out if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. On the website, there is a page titled ‘Green Card Eligibility’, which outlines the various eligibility categories for applying for a Green Card. Additionally, USCIS provides online tools to help determine immigration eligibility.

9. Is there an age limit for applying for a Green Card?

Yes, there is an age limit for applying for a Green Card. Generally, applicants must be under the age of 31 at the time of filing their application in order to be eligible. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as family relationships or special immigrant status.

10. Does an international student need to provide financial evidence when applying for a Green Card?

Yes, an international student needs to provide financial evidence when applying for a Green Card. The evidence must demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to support themselves financially during their stay in the United States.

11. Are there any special application processes in place for international students who are applying for a Green Card?

Yes, international students who are applying for a Green Card must go through the same application process as U.S. citizens. However, they must file an additional form called Form I-539 (Application to Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status), in addition to the standard application forms.

12. Is it possible to obtain employment authorization while waiting for a Green Card application to be processed?

Yes, it is possible to obtain employment authorization while waiting for a Green Card application to be processed. Generally, this is done by applying for a work permit (aka Employment Authorization Document or EAD).

13. How does an international student prove their identity when applying for a Green Card?

An international student applying for a Green Card would need to provide proof of identity, such as their passport, a driver’s license, an identity card, or other government-issued documents that show their name, photograph, and other identifying information. The student may also need to provide a birth certificate or other documents that demonstrate their legal status in the country.

14. What documents need to be submitted with the Green Card application?

The documents that need to be submitted with a Green Card application include:

– Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
– Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
– Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
– Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
– Birth Certificate
– Marriage Certificate
– Passport Photos
– Copies of Any Previous Immigration Documents
– Evidence of Employment Qualifications
– Police Certificates From Your Country of Origin
– Proof Of Financial Support
– Proof of Legal Entry Into the U.S.
– Tax Returns or Tax Transcripts
– Immigration Court Documents (If Applicable)

15. Are there any restrictions on the type of job an international student can work while on a Green Card?

Yes, there are certain restrictions on the type of job an international student can work while on a Green Card. The following job categories are not eligible for employment with a Green Card: jobs that involve commission-only or self-employment, jobs that involve working for a family member, and jobs that require special skills or security clearance. Additionally, international students may not work in positions that pose a risk to national security or public health.

16. Are there any special programs available specifically for international students looking to obtain a Green Card?

Yes, there are special programs available specifically for international students looking to obtain a Green Card. The most common program is the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, which offers up to 50,000 Green Cards to randomly selected applicants from eligible countries. Other program options include family-based petitions, student visas, employment-based petitions, and specialized programs.

17. How long is a Green Card valid once it has been issued?

A Green Card (also known as a Permanent Resident Card) is valid for 10 years, after which it must be renewed.

18. Are there any fees associated with renewing a Green Card?

Yes, there is a $540 fee associated with renewing a Green Card.

19. Are there any additional requirements that international students must meet in order to apply and receive permanent residence through a Green Card?

Yes. In addition to the standard requirements for permanent residence, international students must also show that they have a valid student visa and that they have maintained their student status for at least two years in order to apply for a Green Card. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they have either completed an academic course of study or are currently enrolled in an academic program at an accredited institution. Finally, they must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and pass a background check.

20. What rights and privileges does a permanent resident have after obtaining a Green Card?

Permanent residents have the right to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. They are also eligible to apply for certain government benefits, including Social Security and Medicare. Permanent residents can travel in and out of the United States, though they must carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) with them when they do so. Permanent residents also have the right to petition for certain family members to come to the United States. Additionally, they can apply for U.S. citizenship after a period of time, if they meet the eligibility requirements.