1. What are the different Green Card options available for international students?

Green Card options for international students include the following:

• Employment-Based Green Cards: This type of Green Card is available to those who have received a job offer from a U.S. employer.

• Family-Based Green Cards: This type of Green Card is available to relatives of a person who is already a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.

• Diversity Visa Lottery: This type of visa is available to those who have been selected in the annual Diversity Visa Lottery run by the U.S. State Department.

• Special Immigrant Visas: This type of Green Card is available to certain individuals who have provided assistance to the U.S. government, refugees, or asylees.

• Asylee and Refugee Status: This type of visa is available for those who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S.

• Student Visa: This type of visa is available to international students studying in the U.S., and some may be able to transition to a Green Card without having to leave the U.S.

2. What are the steps to apply for a Green Card?

1. Determine Eligibility: The first step to obtaining a Green Card is to determine whether you are eligible for a Green Card.

2. Choose a Path: Once you have determined that you are eligible, you must decide which path to take.

3. Submit an Application: Depending on your path, you will need to submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

4. Attend an Interview: Once your application has been accepted, you may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer.

5. Receive Your Green Card: Once all necessary steps have been completed, you will receive your Green Card in the mail from USCIS.

3. How long does it take to get a Green Card after applying?

It usually takes between 7 and 33 months to receive a Green Card after applying. The exact timeline for processing your application varies depending on the category you apply in and the USCIS office that processes your application.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Green Card?

The eligibility requirements for obtaining a Green Card vary depending on the individual’s immigration situation. In general, individuals must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible to apply for permanent residence in the United States. Depending on the particular circumstance, requirements may include being sponsored by a qualifying relative or employer; having a job offer from a U.S. employer; being eligible for an immigrant visa through refugee or asylum status, certain family relationships, or employment; or having a special immigration status. Additionally, individuals must meet other requirements such as having no criminal record or medical conditions that would pose a danger to public health and safety.

5. Are there any special considerations for international students applying for Green Card?

Yes, international students who wish to apply for a Green Card must meet certain criteria. Depending on the student’s country of origin, they may be eligible for a diversity visa or may have to obtain an employment-based Green Card. Additionally, international students should be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to applying for a Green Card, including what documents they need to submit and the timeline for processing.

6. How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card?

The cost to apply for a Green Card depends on your specific situation and the type of Green Card you are applying for. If you are applying for a family-based Green Card, the cost is approximately $725. Other types of Green Card applications have different fees associated with them, so it is important to understand which type of application you are filing and the associated fee.

7. What types of background checks are required when applying for a Green Card?

When applying for a Green Card (Permanent Residency), applicants must undergo an extensive background check that includes criminal background checks, security checks, and financial background checks. Depending on the applicant’s country of origin, additional checks may be needed.

8. How can an international student find out if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card?

The best way for an international student to find out if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card is to consult an immigration attorney or an accredited representative. Such professionals can analyze the student’s individual situation and advise on the best course of action. In addition, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website contains valuable information about the eligibility requirements and other details related to Green Card applications.

9. Is there an age limit for applying for a Green Card?

Yes, there is an age limit for applying for a Green Card. Generally, to be eligible to apply for a Green Card through family-based immigration, you must be 21 years of age or older. For certain types of employment-based immigration, you may also need to be at least 21 years old.

10. Does an international student need to provide financial evidence when applying for a Green Card?

Yes, all applicants for a Green Card must provide evidence of financial stability. This is especially important for international students, who may need to provide additional supporting documents to demonstrate their ability to support themselves in the United States.

11. Are there any special application processes in place for international students who are applying for a Green Card?

Yes, international students may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through the following processes:

1. Employment-Based Green Card: International students are eligible to apply for an employment-based Green Card if they are sponsored by their U.S. employer.

2. Family-Based Green Card: International students may also be eligible to apply for a family-based Green Card if they have family members in the United States who are citizens or permanent residents.

3. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV): The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program allows individuals from certain countries to apply for a U.S. green card if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

4. Special Immigrant Juvenile: Special Immigrant Juveniles are individuals who have been declared dependent on a court in the United States and who have been subjected to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. They may be eligible to apply for a green card.

12. Is it possible to obtain employment authorization while waiting for a Green Card application to be processed?

Yes, it is possible to obtain employment authorization while waiting for a Green Card application to be processed. Depending on the individual’s immigration status, they may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or other forms of employment authorization.

13. How does an international student prove their identity when applying for a Green Card?

An international student can prove their identity when applying for a Green Card by submitting a passport with a current visa, a birth certificate, and other official documents. They can also submit proof of their student status, such as an I-20 form or other documents issued by their institution.

14. What documents need to be submitted with the Green Card application?

The documents that need to be submitted with a Green Card application include the following:

1. Application for Permanent Residence (Form I-485)
2. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (if applicable)
3. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (if applicable)
4. Supporting Documentation, such as marriage and birth certificates and documents verifying employment eligibility
5. Medical Examination Report Form I-693
6. Two passport-style photos
7. A copy of your passport or other government-issued identification
8. A copy of your birth certificate
9. A copy of any court or police records (if applicable)
10. Proof of financial support (Form I-864)
11. Payment of the filing fee and biometrics fee
12. Additional documentation may be required depending on the type of green card being applied for.

15. Are there any restrictions on the type of job an international student can work while on a Green Card?

Yes, there are restrictions on the type of job an international student can work while on a Green Card. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) specifies that Green Card holders are only eligible to work in the United States if they have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Certain types of jobs are off-limits for Green Card holders, such as certain agricultural, seasonal, and domestic jobs. Furthermore, DHS also requires that foreign workers have the appropriate visa or permit for their job.

16. Are there any special programs available specifically for international students looking to obtain a Green Card?

Yes, in some cases there are special programs available to international students looking to obtain a Green Card. For example, the U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Immigrant Visa Program offers several permanent residency options for international students. Additionally, certain international students may be eligible for permanent residency through the Employment-Based Immigration Programs. In addition, certain international students who have graduated from certain U.S. institutions may be eligible for the Optional Practical Training Program or other employment-based programs.

17. How long is a Green Card valid once it has been issued?

A Green Card is valid for 10 years.

18. Are there any fees associated with renewing a Green Card?

Yes, there are fees associated with renewing a Green Card. The cost to renew a Green Card is $540 for adults and $390 for those under the age of 18. In addition to the fee, applicants must also pay an biometric services fee of $85.

19. Are there any additional requirements that international students must meet in order to apply and receive permanent residence through a Green Card?

Yes, international students must meet additional requirements in order to apply for and receive a Green Card, including having a valid passport, a valid visa, and providing proof of financial support. Additionally, they must demonstrate good moral character and meet all other eligibility criteria under U.S. immigration laws.

20. What rights and privileges does a permanent resident have after obtaining a Green Card?

As a permanent resident, you are granted certain rights and privileges by the U.S. government, including:

– The right to live and work permanently in the United States
– The right to travel in and out of the United States freely
– The right to petition to bring certain family members to the United States
– The right to apply for U.S. citizenship, after having been a permanent resident for at least five years
– The right to receive Social Security, Medicare, and other government benefits
– Eligibility for some federal jobs