Green Card: USCIS, Costs, Eligibility Criteria

Have you ever had a dream that seemed impossible? Or a goal that felt out of reach? That’s how I felt about getting a green card in the United States. With determination, perseverance, and support from my loved ones, I overcame the challenges.

I discovered I was eligible for a green card after living in the US for years on a work visa. I longed for stability and more opportunities. So, I started the immigration process, knowing it was a complex journey.

It involved understanding which immigrant category I belonged to. Plus, filing the right immigrant petition was crucial. I tackled USCIS forms, including Forms I-130, and I-140, to understand every requirement and deadline.

The process covered various steps, like adjusting status and attending interviews. I constantly tracked my application, hopeful for any updates.

Months later, the news came that my green card application was moving forward. The excitement was overwhelming. I eagerly waited for the card to arrive in my mailbox.

One day, opening my mailbox, I found the envelope with my green card. Holding it, I felt accomplished and thankful. It marked the end of a challenging yet rewarding journey.

With the green card, a new life chapter opened for me. It brought endless opportunities and the ability to chase my dreams in the US. I felt a deep sense of belonging as a permanent resident.

Obtaining the green card wasn’t easy, but it was truly worth it. It showed me the value of resilience and not giving up on your dreams. Now, sharing my story feels like a privilege, offering hope to others on a similar journey.

If you’re on the path to a green card, remember you’re not alone. There are many resources and professionals ready to help you succeed. In the sections below, we’ll explore how to get a green card in the US, from who’s eligible to the costs and ways to make it more affordable. Let’s make your American dream real together.

USCIS Immigrant Fee – Payment and Exemptions

Live in the United States permanently and you’ll need to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. This must be done online, unless you qualify for an exemption. The fee covers the costs of processing your visa and making your Green Card.

It’s best to pay this fee once you’ve got your visa but before you travel to the U.S. Yet, if you can’t pay, someone else can do it for you. They’ll need your A-Number and a special ID from the State Department. You can also pay after you arrive in the U.S. Your Green Card, however, will only come after the fee is settled.

There are some groups that don’t have to pay this fee. They include kids adopted from outside the U.S., special immigrants from Iraq or Afghanistan, and a few others.

Paying the fee is easy. You can use a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or a U.S. bank account. It’s crucial to make sure USCIS has your correct address. If you don’t receive your Green Card on time, you must contact them.

Payment Methods for USCIS Immigrant Fee

Paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee is possible with:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Prepaid debit card
• U.S. bank account

Make sure your payment info is right before you pay. And ensure there’s enough money in your bank account too.

After you’ve paid, stay updated on your Green Card’s status. Your Green Card will come to the address you provide. You can track your card’s progress online.

Green Card Costs and Ways to Save

Getting a green card in the U.S. has many costs applicants need to know. There are fees for government filings, medical exams, and vaccinations. You’ll also pay for translation, documents, and professional photos. Don’t forget about travel and shipping costs too. The fee for a family-based green card changes. It’s $1,340 to $3,005, depending on where you live. The medical exam isn’t included, and its cost changes.

It’s smart to plan and set a budget for these costs. Use the $50 reduction for online filing that USCIS offers. Knowing all your costs beforehand helps. You might choose to apply by yourself, with a lawyer, or use a service like Boundless. Boundless can help you all through your application.

If you have little money, USCIS can help with waivers and discounts for some low-income people. You might get out of some fees for humanitarian reasons. Think about what works best for you. Boundless can make the application process easier and cheaper for you. And if you choose to ‘apply for ‘self petition’ for EB1A or EB2-NIW, Green Card For Alien can help you write the application.

FAQs

What are the eligibility categories to apply for a green card in the United States?

The main eligibility categories to apply for a green card include family-based, employment-based, refugee or asylum status, the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, and special categories like those eligible under the national interest waiver. Each category has specific requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How does one get a green card through marriage?

To obtain a marriage-based green card, the U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the USCIS. Following approval, the foreign spouse can apply for an immigrant visa or adjust status to a permanent resident within the United States if they are already on a nonimmigrant visa.

What is the Diversity Visa Lottery and how can one apply?

The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the green card lottery, is a program that allocates approximately 55,000 green cards annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. Applicants must submit their application through the official DV lottery gov website within the specified entry period and meet the basic education or work experience requirements.

What are the steps in the green card process?

The green card process generally involves filing a petition (either by a family member, an employer, or oneself in certain categories), getting a priority date, waiting for a visa number to become available, applying for the immigrant visa or adjustment of status, and attending an interview. The specific steps can vary depending on the green card category and whether the applicant is inside or outside the United States.

How long does it take to get a green card?

The green card timeline varies widely depending on the category of the green card, the applicant’s country of birth, and current USCIS processing times. It can range from a few months for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to several years for some family-based and employment-based categories.

What are the costs involved in applying for a green card?

Costs for obtaining a green card can include filing fees for the necessary USCIS forms, biometrics fees, medical examination fees, and potentially legal fees if hiring an immigration lawyer. The total can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, excluding any fees for dependents.

Can employment-based green card applicants apply for a national interest waiver?

Yes, individuals applying for an employment-based green card may apply for a national interest waiver, which allows them to bypass the labor certification process if they can demonstrate that their work is in the national interest of the United States. This is commonly used by those with extraordinary ability in their field.

How can one live and work in the United States while waiting for a green card?

While waiting for green card processing, individuals may live and work in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa that allows for dual intent, such as certain H, L, and O visas. Alternatively, if an individual has already filed for adjustment of status, they may apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to work legally in the country.

What is the difference between a green card holder and a U.S. citizen?

A green card holder, or lawful permanent resident, is allowed to live and work permanently in the United States but does not have the full rights of a U.S. citizen, such as voting in federal elections. A green card holder can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain eligibility requirements, including a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.