12/14/2021
Quick Overview of the Application Process for Permanent Residence
An application for a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) usually begins with completing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and together with all the supporting documentation it is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, I will describe the process of applying for a green card (Form I-485) concurrently with filing Form I-130. Here is how this process looks step-by-step.
Step 1: Since you are filing forms I-130 and I-485 concurrently, you will need to submit both forms to the USCIS at the same time. You will also need to include all the supporting documentation, in addition to requesting a work authorization and travel document, if you would like to work and travel while your case is pending. Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative establishes that the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, green card holder or a U.S. national and that he has a qualifying relationship with the beneficiary (intended immigrant). Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by the intended immigrant to apply for lawful permanent status (green card).
Step 2: After receiving your forms, the USCIS will mail you an invitation for a biometrics appointment that will take place at your local USCIS field office. At this appointment your fingerprints and eye scan will be taken.
Step 3: If you failed to submit any documents, the USCIS will reach out to you with a notice called “Request for Evidence.” They will specify in the notice what information they need from you. If you have not submitted your medical examination with your initial application, the USCIS will send you a reminder stating that you will need to submit it later. If you submitted your medical exam and all the supporting documents, you will move to the next step.
Step 4: As long as you submitted all the required information, the next step will be for the USCIS to schedule you for an interview. Although in some cases the interview is waived, it is likely that you will be required to attend an interview. You will need to bring all the original documents to your interview. If something is missing during your immigration interview, the USCIS might require further evidence and they will issue a Request for Evidence before the officer can adjudicate your case. In some rare cases you can also be called for a follow-up interview.
Step 5: You will receive a decision regarding your application soon after your interview (often that same day!). Check your status online at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do If your application is granted, you will receive a notice in the mail, and your green card will arrive soon thereafter. Congratulations on becoming a green card holder!
