APPLY FOR GREEN CARD

Having a Green Card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The steps you must take to apply for a Green Card will vary depending on your individual situation.

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The steps you must take to apply for a Green Card will vary depending on your individual situation. However, here is the general process that most applicants will go through: 

1. Someone (“sponsor” or petitioner) usually must file an immigrant petition for you. In some cases ( for example VAWA self-petitioner), you may be eligible to file for yourself. 

2. After USCIS approves the immigrant petition, and there is a visa available in your category, you file either a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State. 

3. You go to a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature. 

4. You go to an interview. 

5. You receive a decision on your application.   

Are you eligible to apply? The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under. See Green Card Eligibility Categories below, all the possible categories you can apply under and what the eligibility requirements are. Green Card applicants will need to complete at least two forms: an Immigrant Petition and a Green Card application. Here are the most common forms:

 

Green Card through Family
You may be eligible to apply as a…If you are the…
Immediate relative of a U.S. citizen Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusSpouse of a U.S. citizen Unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
Other relative of a U.S. citizen or relative of a lawful permanent resident under the family-based preference categories Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusVAWA self-petitioner – victim of battery or extreme cruelty-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen or the fiancé(e)’s child-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusA person admitted to the U.S. as a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (K-1 nonimmigrant)Person admitted to the U.S. as the child of a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (K-2 nonimmigrant)
Widow(er) of a U.S. citizenWidow or widower of a U.S. citizen and you were married to your U.S. citizen spouse at the time your spouse died
VAWA self-petitioner – victim of battery or extreme cruelty-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusAbused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident Abused child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent residentAbused parent of a U.S. citizen
Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status
You may be eligible to apply as a…If you are the…
Asylee Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusWere granted asylum status at least 1 year ago
RefugeeWere admitted as a refugee at least 1 year ago
Green Card for Victims of Abuse
You may be eligible to apply as a…If you are the…
 VAWA self-petitioner – victim of battery or extreme crueltyAn abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)
Special Immigrant JuvenileAre a child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by your parent and you have SIJ status
An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment ActThe abused spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen
An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)The abused spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who received his or her Green Card based on HRIFA
Green Card as a Special Immigrant
You may be eligible to apply as a…If you are the…
Religious workerAre a member of a religious denomination coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization
Special Immigrant JuvenileAre a child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by your parent and you have SIJ status
Afghanistan or Iraq nationalServed as an Afghan or Iraqi translator for the U.S. government. Were employed by or for the U.S. government in Iraq on or after March 20, 2003, for at least one year. Were an Afghan employed by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
International broadcasterAre you a retired officer or employee of certain international organizations, or NATO, and certain family members Go to the Green Card through Other Categories section for information on other eligibility categories for diplomats.
Are you a retired officer or employee of certain international organizations, or NATO, and certain family members Go to the Green Card through the Other Categories section for information on other eligibility categories for diplomats.An employee of an international organization or family member or NATO-6 employee or family member
Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
You may be eligible to apply as a…If you are the…
Human trafficking victimCurrently have a T nonimmigrant visa
Crime victimCurrently have a U nonimmigrant visa
Green Card through Registry

You may be eligible to register for a Green Card if you have resided continuously in the U.S. since before Jan. 1, 1972.

Green Card through Other Categories
Sponsor’s Household Size100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* For sponsors on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who are petitioning for their spouse or child
Diversity Immigrant Visa ProgramWere selected for a diversity visa in the Department of State’s diversity visa lottery
Cuban Adjustment Act Are you a Cuban native or citizen, or you are the spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen
An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment ActAre the abused spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen
Dependent status under the HRIFAAre the spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who received his or her Green Card based on the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA)
An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under HRIFAAre the abused spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who received his or her Green Card based on HRIFA
Lautenberg paroleeWere paroled into the U.S. as a Lautenberg parolee
Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000Are a native or citizen of Vietnam, Kampuchea (Cambodia), or Laos who was paroled into the U.S. on or before Oct. 1, 1997, from Vietnam under the Orderly Departure Program, a refugee camp in East Asia, or a displaced person camp administered by UNHCR in Thailand.
American Indian born in CanadaHave 50% or more of the blood of the American Indian race and were born in Canada

After USCIS approves the immigrant petition, and there is a visa available in your category, you either file a Green Card application with USCIS or file Visa Application with the U.S. Department of State.

IN THE UNITED STATES
What application process to useYour next steps
Adjustment of status with USCIS    If you already have an approved immigrant petition and an immigrant visa is available, file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, or If you do not currently have an approved immigrant petition, check the eligibility requirements for your Green Card category to see if you can file the petition and the Form I‑485 together at the same time (this is known as concurrent filing).
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
What application process to useYour next steps
Consular Processing with the U.S. Department of State.    Go to our Consular Processing page for the next steps    

How much does it cost to apply for a green card?

TitleUSCIS FeeBiometrics Fee
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status – A biometric services fee is required from applicants 14 – 78 years of age.$1,14085
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status – If under 14 years of age and Filing with the Form I-485 of at least one parent;$750N/A
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status – If under 14 years of age and NOT filing with the Form I-485 of at least one parent.$1,140N/A
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status – If filing for adjustment as a refugee under INA section 209(a) No FeeN/A

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR IMMIGRATION LAWYERS & GET IMMEDIATE HELP TODAY!   

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

DIRECT FILING ADDRESSES FOR FORM I-130
DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FORM I-131
FAMILY-BASED APPLICANTS ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS 
I-485 WITH GRANTED ASYLUM/REFUGEE STATUS ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
GREEN CARD FOR FAMILY PREFERENCE IMMIGRANTS
GREEN CARD FOR IMMEDIATE RELATIVES OF U.S. CITIZEN
PREPARING FOR YOUR BIOMETRIC SERVICES APPOINTMENT

If you already submitted a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and your case is pending with USCIS, go to USCIS While Your Green Card Application Is Pending with USCIS page for more information check your case status, update your address, and make appointments with USCIS.

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Джума Мыратгелдиев
Джума Мыратгелдиев
2023-05-31
Great attorney, easy to work with, highly recommend, my case was dismissed Thank you so much Igor LITVAK
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2023-05-17
Mr. Igor is one of the best lawyer, I have ever met. He had been so kind and full of understanding. Had a privilege to hire him to represent us in federal court. And he did everything possible, to get us out of the trouble. A true man of words. Highly recommended.
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2023-04-17
Had the best experience with Igor! Fast, reliable and professional! Highly recommend!
Jekaterina Shapovalova
Jekaterina Shapovalova
2023-04-10
Igor Litvak is an outstanding lawyer in New York, and I am beyond impressed with his level of professionalism and expertise. I recently had the privilege of working with him on a complex legal matter, and his knowledge, dedication, and attention to detail were simply unparalleled. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Mr. Litvak went above and beyond to ensure that I understood all aspects of the legal process and was always kept up to date on the status of my case. He provided sound advice, was always available to answer any questions, and took a personalized approach to my legal needs. Mr. Litvak is not only a brilliant attorney, but he is also an exceptional communicator and an empathetic advocate. He is a true professional who genuinely cares about his clients and their well-being, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal services. If you want an attorney who is not only knowledgeable, but also compassionate, diligent, and committed to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients, then look no further than Mr. Litvak. He is simply the best.
renier valle
renier valle
2023-03-28
A very good attorney, I highly recommand him, i had a major criminal case which he resolved with no record. Just a great attorney.
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2023-02-17
The best attorney you can get, he will fight for you like he did for me, he was also very detailed on the case and always answering his call, you actually get to have his cell phone. Highly recommended.
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