Checklist for Filing a Green Card Application

Ensure you don’t miss a step with this comprehensive checklist for filing your Green Card application. StayLonger is here to help!

Dreaming of becoming a USA permanent resident? Getting your Green Card is a huge milestone, but the process can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got your back!

We’ve put together this super simple checklist to help you stay on top of everything you need when filing your Green Card application. With this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do, what documents to gather, and how to breeze through the process like a pro. Let’s get started!

1. Know Your Green Card Eligibility Category

Before diving into paperwork, you’ve gotta know which Green Card category applies to you. The USA offers several pathways, and it’s important to figure out which one is your ticket to a permanent residency card. Some common categories include:

• Family-Based Green Card: If you have a close relative (like a spouse, parent, or sibling) who is a USA citizen or permanent resident, this one’s for you.
• Employment-Based Green Card: If you have a job offer in the USA or are super talented (like in the arts or sciences), this could be your way in.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: If you’re from a country with low immigration to the USA, you might be lucky enough to win a spot through the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery.
• Asylee or Refugee Status: If you’ve been granted asylum or refugee status in the USA, you may qualify for a Green Card after one year.

2. Gather Your Documents

This step is key. You’re going to need a solid pile of documents to support your application. Here are some must-haves:

• Proof of Identity: Passport, birth certificate, or government-issued ID.
• Proof of USA Status: If you’re applying through family or employment, you might need a copy of your relative’s USA passport or Green Card, or your employer’s petition.
• Medical Exam: Yup, you’ll need to get a medical exam from an approved physician. Your doctor will fill out Form I-693 to confirm you’re good to go.
• Police Certificate: Some applicants need a police certificate from their home country (and any country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since age 16).
• Financial Support Documents: Your sponsor (a USA citizen or permanent resident) will need to provide Form I-864 to prove they can financially support you.

3. Complete the Forms

Alright, it’s time to start filling out the forms! The main forms you’ll need are:

• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): This is the key form for people who are already in the USA and want to adjust their status.
• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): If you’re applying based on family, this form is filed by your relative in the USA
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): If you’re going through employment, your employer files this form to get the process started.
• Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): This shows your sponsor is financially able to support you while you live in the USA

4. Submit Your Application & Pay the Fees

Once your forms are filled out and your documents are in order, it’s time to submit your application! Be sure to double-check everything before sending it off, and don’t forget to include the required filing fees. The fees vary depending on the form and your specific situation, but they can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

5. Biometrics Appointment (Don’t Skip It!)

After you submit your application, you’ll likely be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. This is where you’ll have your fingerprints and photo taken for a background check. It’s an important step in the process, so be sure to attend.

6. Prepare for Your Green Card Interview

If you’re applying based on family or employment, there’s a good chance you’ll need to attend an interview. This is your chance to meet with a USCIS officer who will ask questions to verify the details of your application.

Here’s how to prep:

• Review Your Application: Go over everything you submitted and make sure you’re familiar with all the details.
• Bring Extra Documents: If your officer asks for additional proof (like updated financial records or relationship proof), be ready to provide it.

Get Expert Help for a Smooth Green Card Application

The Green Card application process can be lengthy and intricate, but with careful planning and the right assistance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this checklist and making sure you’re prepared every step of the way, you’ll be in a great position to secure your permanent residency in the USA

Ready to start your USA journey? Schedule a free call with one of our experts today. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Let StayLonger help make your dream of permanent residency in the USA a reality!