If you are an immigrant seeking permanent residence in the United States, you’ve most likely heard about Green Cards and the freedoms they can provide. Green Cards make it easier for immigrants to get certain jobs, allows them to obtain Social Security cards, and permits immigrants to take their road tests and obtain a driver’s license. Green Cards also enable cardholders to travel outside of the country for less than one year at a time and still be admitted back into the country. If getting a Green Card sounds like something that interests you, please read on to learn more about the legal process going forward. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Am I eligible for a Green Card?
To be eligible for a Green Card, you will have to meet certain qualifications. Generally, qualifying spouses or children of asylees may apply for permanent residence one year after you are granted asylum status. Additionally, certain employment or job positions permit the issuance of a Green Card, though generally, these are highly specialized jobs. If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, on the other hand, you may not have to wait for a visa, and an unlimited number of visas can be issued.
How do you apply for a Green Card?
Your sponsor will first sign an immigrant petition on your behalf. If you are currently living in the United States, you may be able to attain permanent residency through an adjustment of status. From here, you shall complete the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Next, you will ensure you include the appropriate filing fee with Form I-485 and, in some cases, the biometric services fee. You must submit evidence and supporting documentation, and finally sign and file the application and the proper filing location according to the form’s instructions. Hire an experienced attorney to ensure you properly draft and submit the aforementioned information.
What happens after I apply for a Green Card?
Once USCIS receives your Form I-485, they will process your application. Once processed, you will receive the following:
- A receipt notice verifying your application was received
- A notice for the date of your biometrics appointment
- A notice to appear for an interview with an immigration officer at your nearest USCIS office
- A written notice of the decision.
Contact our experienced Wisconsin firm
John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our firm understands what is at stake when it comes to immigration law matters, which is why If you have any questions, you should not hesitate to contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.