Green Card Options for Certain Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad

1. What are the criteria for qualifying for green card options for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad?


The criteria for qualifying for green card options for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad are as follows:

1. The employee must have been employed in a qualified position in a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad for at least three years.

2. The employee must have had no break in service during the three-year period.

3. During the three-year period, the employee must have been performing duties directly related to the U.S. government’s foreign affairs activities.

4. The employee must meet the requirements of all applicable immigration laws and regulations.

2. How do I qualify for a green card based on an international organization employment?


To qualify for a green card based on international organization employment, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You must be employed by an international organization, such as the United Nations or the World Bank, in a G-4 visa status.

2.You must be a professional with specialized knowledge or skills.

3.You must have a valid employment offer from the international organization.

4.You must be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications for the position.

5.You must be able to demonstrate that your presence in the United States is required for your job with the international organization.

3. What documents do I need to apply for a green card based on my international organization employment?


To apply for a green card based on your employment with an international organization, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Proof of employment with the international organization.
2. Proof of good moral character (e.g., police clearance).
3. Proof that you meet the eligibility requirements of the organization.
4. Passport and two passport-sized photographs.
5. Evidence of any additional qualifications required by the organization.
6. Two forms of identification (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate).
7. Proof of financial support or an affidavit of support from a sponsor.
8. Medical examination documentation from a doctor approved by the U.S. government.
9. Applicable filing fees and any other documents requested by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

4. What is the process for applying for a green card based on my international organization employment?


The process for applying for a green card based on international organization employment varies depending on the type of visa you have. Generally, to apply for a green card based on international organization employment, you must first be admitted to the U.S. with a nonimmigrant visa, such as an A-1 or G-4 visa. After being admitted to the U.S., you may then file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to receive a green card. You must also submit several supporting documents such as evidence of your international organization status and other evidence of eligibility. Once your application is approved, you will be able to live and work permanently in the U.S.

5. Are there any restrictions when applying for the green card options for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad?


Yes. Generally, employees of the U.S. government abroad are subject to the same eligibility criteria as any other immigrant applying for a green card. However, there may be additional restrictions or requirements based on the specific employment status of the individual. For example, certain Tier 5 (diplomatic and consular officers) employees must demonstrate three years of continuous residence abroad prior to filing their application. Additionally, some nonimmigrant visa categories (such as A and G visas) may have specific restrictions that must be met in order to be eligible for a green card.

6. Is a criminal background check required when applying for green card options for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad?


Yes, a criminal background check is typically required when applying for green card options for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad. The criminal background check is usually conducted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine if the applicant has any criminal history or other issues that would make them ineligible for a green card.

7. How long does it take to process the application for a green card based on my international organization employment?


It typically takes between two and six months to process an application for a green card based on international organization employment. Processing times may vary based on an individual’s circumstances and the number of applications the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is receiving.

8. What are the fees associated with applying for a green card based on my international organization employment?


The fee for applying for a green card based on international organization employment is $215.

9. How can I check the status of my application for a green card based on my international organization employment?


The best way to check the status of your application is to contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Customer Service Center. You can call USCIS toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 or you can check your case status online at www.uscis.gov.

10. Can I work while I am waiting for my application to be processed?


Yes, you can work while your application is being processed. However, you must have a valid work permit before you can start working.

For more information on the requirements for getting a work permit, please refer to the Canadian government website.

11. If I am approved, what type of visa will I need to enter the United States?


The type of visa you will need to enter the United States will depend on your purpose for visiting. Generally, for temporary visits such as tourism, business, or transit, you will need a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa. For study or work-related activities, you may need an F-1 or J-1 student visa or an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, or L-1 work visa. You should consult an immigration attorney to determine which visa is best for your specific situation.

12. What are the benefits of having a green card based on my international organization employment?


Having a green card based on international organization employment offers the following benefits:

1. Permanent residence in the United States
2. Ability to work and study in the United States
3. Access to certain social services, including Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare
4. Ability to travel in and out of the United States without a visa
5. Possibility of eventually becoming a U.S. citizen

13. Can I travel while I have a valid green card based on my international organization employment?


Yes, you can travel while you have a valid green card based on your international organization employment. However, if you plan to be outside of the United States for more than one year, you may need to obtain a reentry permit or other documentation to ensure that you are able to lawfully return to the United States.

14. Are there any tax implications associated with having a green card based on my international organization employment?


Yes, there are tax implications associated with having a green card based on international organization employment. Green card holders are generally considered U.S. residents for tax purposes and are required to report all worldwide income and pay taxes on it, regardless of where it was earned. They may also be subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes, depending on their status and wages. Additionally, any foreign income or assets may also be subject to special rules and reporting requirements. It’s best to speak with a qualified tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information about the specific taxes that apply to you.

15. How long can I stay in the United States with a valid green card based on my international organization employment?


A green card based on international organization employment allows the holder to stay in the United States indefinitely.

16. Do I have to renew my green card based on my international organization employment every year?


No. Your green card does not need to be renewed annually based on your international organization employment. However, you may need to renew it every 10 years or if your legal status changes.

17. Is it possible to lose my green card because of my international organization employment?


Yes, if you are employed by a foreign government or an international organization that is not recognized by the United States, you may be found to have abandoned your green card and be subject to removal proceedings. Additionally, if you work for a foreign government-sponsored organization that is determined to be engaged in activities that are detrimental to the United States, you may be subject to removal proceedings.

18. What kind of support can I expect if I am approved for a green card based on my international organization employment?


If you are approved for a green card based on your international organization employment, you may be eligible for certain forms of assistance from the U.S. government. This may include:

• Financial support for settling in the U.S.
• Access to legal and medical services
• Assistance in finding housing and employment
• Access to language and cultural orientation classes
• Access to social services and other resources
• Assistance with filing U.S. taxes
• Eligibility for certain government benefits, such as Social Security
• Assistance with naturalization and U.S. citizenship

19. Are there any special considerations or rights associated with having a green card based on my international organization employment?


There are no special considerations associated with having a green card based on international organization employment. However, there may be certain rights and benefits that are available to green card holders under U.S. law, such as the right to petition for certain family members to join you in the United States, the right to travel outside the United States and return without difficulty, and the ability to become a U.S. citizen after a certain period of time.

20. Is it possible to change jobs while maintaining my green card based on my international organization employment?


Yes, it is possible to change jobs while maintaining your green card based on international organization employment. However, you must meet certain criteria for eligibility and your new job must be in the same general field or specialty as your prior job. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate that you continue to have a continuous employment relationship with the international organization and must receive a new Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, from USCIS.