Green Card Policy Updates and Changes

1.What are the latest updates to the Green Card policy?


The latest updates to the Green Card policy include:

1. The U.S. government has extended the deadline for applying for a Green Card through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-Lottery) until December 7, 2020.

2. Expanded eligibility guidelines for DACA recipients and TPS holders to apply for Green Cards.

3. The Biden Administration has removed the “public charge” rule that had been used to restrict the ability of certain immigrants to obtain a Green Card.

4. Proposed legislation that would create a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

5. The Biden Administration has proposed legislation to make it easier for family members of U.S. citizens to apply for Green Cards, including through expanded waivers of certain inadmissibility criteria and the elimination of certain green card backlogs.

2.What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Green Card?


The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Green Card (also known as Lawful Permanent Residence) vary depending on the individual applicant’s situation. Generally, applicants must be sponsored by either an employer or family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, applicants typically must meet certain eligibility requirements related to their immigration status, employment history, criminal background, health, financial situation, and other factors.

3.What is the process for applying for a Green Card?


The process for applying for a Green Card depends on the immigrant’s eligibility category. In general, the application process has several steps, including:

1. Determine Eligibility: Eligible immigrants must first determine their eligibility for a Green Card by consulting the U.S. Department of State’s website or by speaking with a qualified immigration attorney.

2. Complete Application: Immigrants will then need to complete an official application, Form I-485, which is available online or through a qualified immigration attorney.

3. Gather Supporting Documents: Applicants will need to gather several documents that prove their eligibility for the Green Card. These documents could include birth or marriage certificates, financial documents, and proof of any U.S. citizen family members.

4. Submit Forms and Fees: Applicants will need to submit the completed application form and all supporting documents as well as the appropriate filing fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

5. Attend an Interview: Depending on the category, some applicants may need to attend an in-person interview with an immigration officer in order to be granted a Green Card. The USCIS will contact applicants to schedule the interview if necessary.

6. Receive Notification: After all steps have been completed and approved, applicants will receive notification from the USCIS regarding their application status and when they can expect to receive their Green Card in the mail.

4.What documents are needed to apply for a Green Card?


In order to apply for a Green Card, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Evidence of Your Identity and Citizenship: You must provide a valid passport or birth certificate.

2. Employment Authorization Document: This document is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can be obtained from your local USCIS office.

3. Evidence of Financial Support: You must include proof of your income and/or financial support. This includes bank statements, tax returns, and other forms of financial documentation.

4. Medical Examination Report: The United States requires all applicants for a Green Card to have a medical examination by an approved physician.

5. Affidavit of Support: Your sponsor must provide an affidavit of support that states they are willing and able to provide financial support for your stay in the United States.

6. Filing Fee: The filing fee for the application is currently $1,225.

5.What are the fees associated with applying for a Green Card?


The cost for filing an application for a Green Card (Form I-485) is $1,140. This does not include any additional fees for biometric services, such as fingerprinting ($85) or additional fees that may be required for other forms.

6.What is the timeline for obtaining a Green Card?


The typical timeline for obtaining a Green Card depends on the applicant’s eligibility category. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, but could take longer depending on the individual’s circumstances. The exact timeline will also depend on the visa category and whether a visa is currently available in that category.

7.What is the income requirement for eligibility for a Green Card?


The income requirement for eligibility for a Green Card is based on the Affidavit of Support form. The form requires the petitioner, usually a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, to demonstrate that they have an adequate income or assets to support their sponsored immigrant(s) at 125% of the federal poverty level.

8.Are there any changes to the Green Card policy in 2021?


Yes, there have been several changes to the green card policy in 2021. These changes include: an increase in the number of green card visas available, a new application process for certain green cards, and a new public charge rule that makes it harder for certain people to get green cards.

9.What family members are eligible to apply for a Green Card?


Close family members of a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, parent, sibling, or unmarried children under 21 years of age, are eligible to apply for a Green Card.

10.Can I work while waiting for my Green Card application to be processed?


Yes, you can work while waiting for your Green Card application to be processed. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows applicants to work while they wait as long as they have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

11.What are the restrictions on traveling outside of the United States while my Green Card application is being processed?


While your Green Card application is being processed, you must remain in the US. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers any travel outside the US as abandonment of your Green Card application. This means that if you leave the US while your Green Card application is being processed, it will be denied. However, if you have an urgent need to travel outside the US while your Green Card application is pending, you may apply for Advance Parole before you leave. An Advance Parole document allows you to reenter the US after traveling abroad without abandoning your Green Card application.

12.How long will it take to receive a decision on my Green Card application?


It typically takes 6 to 12 months to receive a decision on a Green Card application.

13.Are there any additional requirements I should be aware of when applying for a Green Card?


Yes, you must pass a medical exam and establish your admissibility by meeting the requirements for immigration law, such as demonstrating that you do not have criminal convictions or any disqualifying health issues. You must also demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and any dependents. Additionally, you must be able to pass a background check and provide certain documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police certificates.

14.What are the current priority dates for obtaining a Green Card?


The current priority dates for obtaining a Green Card vary based on the applicant’s country of birth and what type of Green Card they are applying for. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin.html.

15.How often do Green Cards need to be renewed?


Green Cards do not need to be renewed; they are valid for 10 years.

16.What is the difference between a Green Card and a permanent resident visa?


A Green Card is an official US government document that allows an immigrant to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, while a permanent resident visa is a type of visa issued to people who have been authorized by the US government to stay in the US for an indefinite period of time.

17.What are the current immigration quotas and limits on green cards?


The current immigration caps and limits on green cards vary depending on the type of green card. There are approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas available each fiscal year, with approximately 7% of the total going to individuals from any single country. This means that individuals from any one country are limited to no more than 9,800 green cards in a given fiscal year. There are also limits on family-based green cards, with a total of 226,000 available each year, with 23,400 available to any single country. Additionally, the Diversity Visa lottery makes up to 55,000 green cards available each year to individuals from countries with low levels of immigration to the United States.

18.Does having an approved green card guarantee entry into the U.S.?


No, having an approved green card does not guarantee entry into the U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to deny entry to any individual upon arrival, even if they possess a valid green card.

19.What are some of the rights and responsibilities of owning a green card?


Rights:
– Permanent residents can live and work in the United States without restrictions.
– They are eligible to receive most benefits of U.S. citizens, such as social security and Medicare.
– Permanent residents can travel outside of the United States and return, as long as they have a valid green card.

Responsibilities:
– Permanent residents must pay income taxes on all earnings in the United States.
– They must comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
– Permanent residents must maintain a valid green card and update it with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) when it is due for renewal.
– Permanent residents must apply to become a citizen if they wish to vote in federal elections.

20.Are there any restrictions on owning multiple green cards at one time?


No, there are no restrictions on owning multiple green cards at the same time. However, it is important to note that having multiple green cards can complicate matters when it comes to filing taxes and other legal matters. It is recommended that individuals seek professional advice when navigating the complexities of owning multiple green cards.