US Green Card: How to apply for Green Card in America? Understand the complete process and see the list of necessary documents.

Permanent residence in the US: Lakhs of Indian citizens are living in America. There is a race among Indians to get permanent residency in America, so that they can live and work in the country without any restrictions. Permanent residency in America is also known as Green Card. After getting a Green Card, any person can live in America for life without any restrictions and can work. To achieve this, certain conditions also have to be fulfilled.
There are many options for obtaining US Permanent Residency (PR). Because of this, applicants have to choose one before applying for PR. The most popular option is to get the petition through an employer. You can also get PR by sponsoring through an American spouse. Let us know what are the eligibility criteria for Green Card, what documents are required and how it can be obtained.

What are the eligibility criteria for Green Card?

• It is necessary to reside in America for at least five years. If you are married to an American citizen, then there should be a record of staying in the country for three years.
• Must have a record of good behavior while living in the United States. The applicant must not have taken part in any kind of criminal activity.
• Must have knowledge about the American government and the history of the country. One should know how the American system works.
• It is important to be able to read, write, understand and speak English. IETLS or TOEFL scores may also be required to prove knowledge of English.
• Before applying for a Green Card, it is necessary to stay in any district or state of America for at least three months.

How to apply for green card?

• After meeting the eligibility criteria, file Form I-485, which is the Application for Permanent Residency form.
• You will get information regarding required documents and fees through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• After receiving information from USCIS, schedule an appointment where you will be interviewed.
• On the day of your appointment, USCIS will review the application form and you will be interviewed.
• After getting approval from USCIS, a green card will be issued, which is valid for 10 years. Then it can be renewed.

What are the documents required for Green Card?

• Two passport-size photographs
• Photocopy of birth certificate
• Photocopy of passport with non-immigrant visa
• Proof of no criminal record
• Record of medical examination
• An Affidavit in Support of Form I-485
• a biography information sheet

In what ways is a green card obtained?

Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (Green Card Lottery): Every year 55 thousand green cards are issued through this program. This green card is available to people from those countries whose country has the record of lowest immigration in America. Applicants have to meet educational and financial requirements, but selection is entirely a matter of luck.

Employment Based Green Card: This option is best for skilled workers who are working in America and want to obtain permanent residency. But it requires a lot of paperwork. There are many categories in this too, which include priority employees, professionals with advanced degrees, skilled and unskilled workers, special immigrants and investor visas.

Family-Sponsored Visa: This is the easiest way to get a green card for relatives of an American citizen. Through this, a green card is given to the spouse, child or sibling of an American citizen. Different types of priorities are set for every relationship. For example, it is easier for a spouse to get a green card than a sibling.

Refugee or asylum status: People facing life-threatening situations in their country can obtain permanent residency through this option. People in this category often get a green card within a year.

It usually takes 7 to 33 months for a green card to be approved. Applicants can check Permanent Residency Status online only. People can check the status on the official website of USCIS from three days after submitting the form.