People who meet the requirements can apply for the Permanent Resident Card.

The Green Card, also officially known as the Permanent Resident Card, is one of the most coveted documents for immigrants who wish to live in the United States. Once obtained, it allows you to apply for US citizenship, as long as you have resided in the country between one and five years and you prove to be a person of "good moral character." This process is carried out through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here we present all the relevant information about this procedure that you should take into account.

How to apply for the Green Card effectively

The USCIS indicates that the steps to apply for the Green Card may vary depending on the applicant's personal situation. However, most applicants will follow these steps:

• Filing the Petition: Someone must file an immigrant petition on behalf of the applicant. In certain cases, the applicant himself can present this petition.
• Petition Approval: Once USCIS approves the immigrant petition, the applicant must file a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the US Department of State.
• Biometric Appointment: The applicant must attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature.
• Interview: An interview is conducted.
• Decision: The applicant receives a decision on her application.

Necessary requirements to acquire the Green Card

According to USCIS, eligibility requirements may vary depending on the immigrant category requested. These are the different categories of the Green Card that the USCIS website breaks down:

• Through family.
• Through a job.
• Special immigrant.
• Through refugee or asylum status.
• Victims of human trafficking and other crimes.
• Victims of abuse.
• Other categories.
• Through registration.

Necessary forms

Most Green Card applicants will need to fill out at least two forms: an immigrant petition (usually filed by a sponsor or “petitioner”) and the Green Card application (Form I-485). Depending on the applicant's immigrant category, additional forms may need to be completed. These are the most frequent:

• Form A-130, Application for Foreign Relative.
• Form A-140, Application for Foreign Immigrant Worker.
• Form A-730, Application for Refugee/Asylee Family Member.
• Form A-589, Application for Refugee and Suspension of Deportation.
• Form A-360, Application for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant.
• Form A-526, Immigrant Application by Independent Investor.
• Form A-918, Application for U Nonimmigrant Status.
• Form A-929, Application for a Qualified Relative of a U-1 Nonimmigrant.

Applying from inside or outside the United States

• Within the United States: Adjustment of status or consular processing depending on location.
• Outside the United States: Consular processing at the United States Department of State.

Steps for consular processing

• Check if you meet the requirements to apply for the Green Card.
• Submit the immigrant application.
• Wait for the decision on the petition and a notification from the National Visa Center.
• Schedule an interview at the consular office.
• Verification of personal information by the National Visa Center.
• Granting of the visa and receipt of the Green Card.

Green Card processing time

Processing time may vary depending on the category of immigrant, the offices that manage the case and other factors. It can take from several months to several years.

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