More than 44 million immigrants live in the United States.If you want to become a permanent resident in the US, you have to apply for an immigrant visa.If you are already in the US, you can apply for permanent resident status through the "adjustment of status" process.You may be able to become a naturalized citizen after 5 years of living in the US as a permanent resident.
Step 1: You need to identify the appropriate category for your visa.
If you want to come to the US permanently, you need an immigrant visa.Each of the immigrant visa categories requires a different application form and documentation.The US gives priority to immigrant visas based on categories.Immigrants who have family in the US who are either US citizens or permanent residents are the priority.Immigrants who are already employed in the US are the next highest priority.You can apply for an asylum visa.These visas are very limited.Depending on your current country, the number of visas may be limited.Sometimes the wait list for a visa in these categories can be years long.
Step 2: Someone will sponsor your visa application.
You need a US citizen to sponsor you if you want to apply for an immigrant visa.If you're applying for a family visa, your family member will be a US citizen.Your prospective employer will be your sponsor for the employment-based category.The person sponsoring you must be a US citizen over the age of 18.If the person sponsoring you has never sponsored an immigrant before, the two of you may need to take some time to read through the process and understand what's involved.An attorney who specializes in immigration law can walk you through it.There are nonprofits that help immigrants.
Step 3: Your sponsor can submit a petition on your behalf.
You can download the required forms from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.Instructions for completing the forms are included.Form I-130 will be filed if you are sponsored by a family member.Form I-140 is used to file a petition for alien worker.
Step 4: Wait for the National Visa Center to inform you.
If your petition is approved, it will be sent to the NVC.Your visa application, fees, and supporting documentation are collected by the NVC.It may be months or even years before you hear from the NVC because there are a limited number of visas available each year.Instructions on the next steps to apply for an immigration visa can be found in the NVC notification.If you don't understand the instructions, get assistance from an immigration lawyer or nonprofit agency.Your application could be rejected if you don't follow the instructions.You can choose an agent to receive the communications on your behalf.If you don't have a permanent address, this may be necessary.You can be your own agent.
Step 5: You must submit your application, fees, and documents to the NVC.
The application for an immigration visa is lengthy.You must provide official documentation for most of the information on your application.Send the entire package when you've completed your application and gathered the required documents.Before you submit your application, it's a good idea to go through it with an immigration lawyer.You have to pay more than US$1,000 in fees.If your application is denied, you won't get any of the money back, and you'll have to start over again.You can use the Consular Electronic Application Center to submit your application, fees, and documents in some countries.The process is more secure.
Step 6: You should have a medical examination.
If you are found to be a threat to public health, you must have a medical examination.You will receive vaccinations and be screened for diseases.The doctor will seal the Form I-693 in an envelope.Do not remove the form from the envelope.You have to deliver it to the office on the day of the interview.The medical examination is valid for 6 months.
Step 7: You can attend your interview with a consular officer.
Where you live in your home country is where the interview will take place.During the interview, the officer will ask you questions about your application.If you apply with a family member, they must attend the interview with you.At the end of the interview, you will find out if your visa has been approved.The consular officer will let you know if they need more information before they approve your visa.As soon as possible, get those documents to them.Your visa application may be denied by the consular officer.There isn't usually an appeal from a denial.You might be able to get your application reconsidered by another officer.An additional interview may be required.
Step 8: You can travel to the US with an immigrant visa.
Your immigrant visa will be available a few days after your interview.You can pick it up at the embassy or consular office.Your medical examination is valid for 6 months, so keep that in mind, but you are expected to travel to the US before the visa expires.You will receive a sealed packet of documents at the port of entry.Do not open it.
Step 9: You can find out if you're eligible for a green card.
If you're in the US on a non- immigrant visa and want to become a permanent resident, you can apply for an adjustment of status.For people with stable full-time employment in the US or a family member who is a US citizen, permanent residency is available.If you came to the US on a student visa and later became a professor at your university, you could apply for an employment-based Green Card with the university as a sponsor.Green cards are given to people who fall in love with someone in the US and decide to get married.The categories are listed on the website.Before you start the application process, it's a good idea to talk to an immigration attorney.They can help you navigate the process.
Step 10: You have to apply for permanent residency.
If you want to apply for a Green Card from within the US, you need to fill out Form I-485.The form inquires about your educational, work, and criminal history, as well as your reasons for seeking permanent residency.Instructions for filling out the application can be found at www.uscis.gov/i-485.
Step 11: You should gather documents to support your application.
All statements you make on your application for permanent residency must be backed up with official documents.Depending on your application category, you'll need specific documents.If you married a US citizen and are seeking an adjustment of status, you will need to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate.If you have a full-time job in the US, you would need documents to prove it.This usually includes a letter from your supervisor.Copies of your most recent tax return are included in the financial documents you need for your application.
Step 12: Attach your application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
After you've completed your application and gathered all the required documents, mail them to a USCIS lockbox for processing, along with the application fee.It's a good idea to make a copy of everything you send before mailing it off.Depending on your eligibility category, the address where you send your application and supporting documents is different.The appropriate address can be found at www.uscis.gov/i-485-addresses.
Step 13: Go to your appointment to get your fingerprints.
Biometrics are used to verify your identity.You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment when your application is received.You can schedule biometrics appointments at the Application Support Center.You will be fingerprints and photographed during this appointment.All the information on your application is correct to the best of your knowledge and you will be asked to sign an acknowledgment certifying that.
Step 14: If necessary, attend your interview with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If you've had a visa interview recently, an adjustment of status isn't necessary.An agent from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services will ask you questions during the interview about your application and reasons for applying for permanent residency.Answer their questions honestly and completely.They can clarify or give you time to find an accurate answer if you let them know that you don't understand something.If you're applying for permanent residency because you married a US citizen, your spouse must attend the interview as well.Each of you may be interviewed by the agent.
Step 15: Receive a decision on your application.
You will usually get a written notice of the decision from USCIS.You will get your Green Card a few weeks after you receive the decision notice.The notice will tell you if you can appeal the decision if your application was denied.There are a lot of reasons for denial that do not allow for an appeal.If you want to submit additional supporting documents or information, you can file a motion to reopen your case.
Step 16: You can live in the US as a lawful permanent resident.
If you want to become a US citizen, you have to live in the country for 5 years as a permanent resident.If you are married to a US citizen, the period is reduced to 3 years.The time starts over if your residency is continuous.30 months of continuous residency in the US is required for short trips out of the country.Follow all applicable laws while you're a permanent resident.It is more difficult to become a citizen if you have any violations.
Step 17: You need to apply for naturalization.
You can apply to become a US citizen after living in the US for a certain amount of time.The application can be found on the website.You can live in the US permanently as a Green Card holder.If you become a naturalized citizen, you have the right to vote and receive benefits from the federal government.Carefully fill out the application.If you think the truth might hurt your chances of becoming a citizen, be honest in your answers.The Guide to Naturalization should be read before you start the application process.The guide can be downloaded from the UScis.gov website.
Step 18: You can submit your application.
Mail your application along with the fees for processing to the appropriate lockbox facility once you've completed it.Addresses for the lockbox facilities can be found in the Guide to Naturalization.The address you use depends on where you live in the US.
Step 19: An agent from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services will conduct a citizenship interview.
You will get a notice of the date, time, and location of your interview after your application is processed.The interview usually covers questions about your background, your character, and your attachment and loyalty to the US Constitution.You are considered to be under oath while you are taking the interview.If the agent catches you lying, they will reject your application.
Step 20: Take the US citizenship test.
The English and civics tests are part of the citizenship test.You need to be able to read, write, and answer questions in English to take the English portion of the test.There are 10 questions about the US government and history in the civics test.You have to answer at least 6 of the 10 questions correctly.You may be asked 100 civics questions.You can get a copy of the questions from the website.You can either take a preparation course or use a study guide.Most public libraries have these resources for free.You can get free resources from universities and nonprofits to help you prepare for the test.
Step 21: Attend the naturalization ceremony.
You will be invited to a naturalization ceremony if you pass the citizenship test.You are not an official US citizen until you take the Oath.Most new citizens take part in the naturalization ceremony.You have other options if you can't attend.If you choose, you can take the Oath at the end of the test.