1. What are the different Green Card options available for international students?
The three main Green Card options available for international students are:
1. Employment-Based Green Cards: This involves getting a job in the United States and sponsoring yourself for a green card. This is done through a process known as “labor certification” and requires the prospective employer to demonstrate (by advertising and interviewing) that no qualified US workers are available for the job.
2. Family-Based Green Cards: This type of green card allows certain family members of US citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents themselves. Depending on the relationship, the wait times for obtaining this type of green card can vary widely.
3. Diversity Lottery Green Cards: This lottery is designed to provide green cards to individuals from countries with low rates of US immigration. Winners are randomly selected and must meet certain criteria to qualify, such as education or work experience qualifications.
2. What are the steps to apply for a Green Card?
1. Determine Eligibility: Determine if you qualify for a Green Card based on family, employment, or other qualifying circumstances.
2. Prepare Forms: Gather the necessary documents and fill out the appropriate forms.
3. Submit Application: Submit the application, supporting documents, and filing fees to the appropriate agency.
4. Biometrics Screening: Complete biometric screening at a USCIS Application Support Center.
5. Interview: Attend an in-person interview at a local USCIS office.
6. Decision: Receive a decision from USCIS on your application.
3. How long does it take to get a Green Card after applying?
The time it takes to get a Green Card after applying depends on the type of application and the individual’s specific circumstances. Generally, processing times range from 6 months to several years.
4. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Green Card?
In order to obtain a Green Card, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Generally, you must be eligible for one of the categories of immigration, such as family-based, employment-based, refugee or asylee, special immigrant, or other categories. Additionally, you must be admissible to the United States. Factors that may make an individual inadmissible include prior criminal convictions, security concerns, public charge concerns, health-related issues, and more. Finally, you must be able to prove that you have a qualifying relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative, have an approved petition from an employer or qualify for another category of immigration.
5. Are there any special considerations for international students applying for Green Card?
Yes. International students may qualify for an employment-based green card if they meet certain criteria. They may seek permanent residence through several means, such as:
• An employer’s sponsorship
• The Special Immigrant Visa Program
• The Diversity Visa Lottery
• Applying under the family-based immigration system
• Self-petitions through Eb-1 or Eb-2 visas
International students should also be aware of extra steps they might need to take in order to receive a green card. This could include being fingerprinted, getting a medical exam, and providing certain documentation.
6. How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card?
The filing fee for the I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is $1,140. In addition to the main application fee, you may also need to pay additional fees for biometrics services, and other processing fees.
7. What types of background checks are required when applying for a Green Card?
When applying for a Green Card, the applicant must undergo a security background check, which includes a biometric check, criminal background check, and an investigation into their financial history. Additionally, the applicant must complete an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and provide documentation proving their identity and eligibility for a Green Card.
8. How can an international student find out if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card?
International students can use the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website (www.uscis.gov) to determine if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card. Additionally, they can contact their college or university’s international student office or an immigration attorney for guidance.
9. Is there an age limit for applying for a Green Card?
No, there is no age limit for applying for a Green Card. However, applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements for the particular Green Card category they are applying in. Depending on the category, applicants may need to demonstrate their ability to support themselves, have an offer of employment, or meet other criteria.
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. This is because the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires applicants to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses in the United States. The required documentation includes copies of income tax returns, bank statements, and other documents that demonstrate the applicant has enough income or assets to support themselves while 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 may apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. To do so, they must first have an eligible visa status, such as F-1 or J-1 student visas. Additionally, they must have an employment authorization document (EAD) or an approved immigrant visa petition. Certain other requirements may apply.
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. This is done through a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The form must be submitted with the appropriate filing fee and the supporting documents that are required. Once the form is approved, the applicant will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that will allow them to work legally in the United States while their Green Card application is being processed.
13. How does an international student prove their identity when applying for a Green Card?
International students must provide proof of identity when applying for a Green Card, such as a passport, birth certificate, national identification card, or driver’s license. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security may require further documentation to verify the student’s identity.
14. What documents need to be submitted with the Green Card application?
The documents required to be submitted with a Green Card application include a copy of the permanent resident card (if one is already available), birth certificates of the applicant, valid passport, marriage or divorce certificates, proof of the relationship between family members, proof of employment, and other documents to prove eligibility for a Green Card. Additionally, applicants must submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status along with the relevant fees.
15. Are there any restrictions on the type of job an international student can work while on a Green Card?
Yes. International students on a Green Card must work in a job related to their field of study and must be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can be employed. They must also work for an employer that is authorized by the USCIS to hire foreign nationals. Additionally, they may only work for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks.
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 EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is one such program, which allows foreign investors to invest in businesses and receive permanent residency status in the United States in return. Other programs include the Diversity Visa Lottery, the employment-based Green Card, and other family-based immigration options.
17. How long is a Green Card valid once it has been issued?
A Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed by submitting Form I-90 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
18. Are there any fees associated with renewing a Green Card?
Yes. The fee for renewing a Green Card is $455.
19. Are there any additional requirements that international students must meet in order to apply and receive permanent residence through a Green Card?
Yes, international students must meet the same requirements as any other applicant seeking a Green Card. They must show proof of identity, submit a valid passport, and demonstrate that they have the necessary financial resources to support themselves while living in the United States. Additionally, they must meet the qualifications of one of the immigrant categories (family-based, employment-based, etc.), which may involve providing evidence of their professional qualifications or other required documents. Lastly, they must undergo an immigrant visa interview with the U.S. Department of State.
20. What rights and privileges does a permanent resident have after obtaining a Green Card?
A permanent resident is granted the right to live and work in the United States legally and permanently. Permanent residents are also allowed to travel in and out of the United States with certain restrictions, and they can access public benefits (such as Social Security and Medicare). They are also protected by US laws, can apply for citizenship after a certain number of years, and can sponsor family for permanent residence.