There are two modes of immigrating to the USA; one as a permanent immigrant and the second as a temporary immigrant. For permanent immigrant to the US, there is available the Green Card (or the United States Permanent Resident Card ) which acts as an identification evidence for a permanent immigrant to the US who does not have U.S. citizenship. The Green Card (also referred to as Form I-551 ) ensures that the holder is permitted to permanently reside and take employment in the US. Now how to apply for a US Green card for acquiring a permanent residency in the US?
There are two modes of immigrating to the USA; one as a permanent immigrant and the second as a temporary immigrant. For permanent immigrant to the US, there is available the Green Card (or the United States Permanent Resident Card ) which acts as an identification evidence for a permanent immigrant to the US who does not have U.S. citizenship. The Green Card (also referred to as Form I-551 ) ensures that the holder is permitted to permanently reside and take employment in the US. Now how to apply for a US Green card for acquiring a permanent residency in the US?
Process :
An applicant for the US Green card generally has to go through a three-step process to get the green card. The entire process may take several years depending on the type of application and the country of origin.
First, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) approves the immigrant petition by a qualifying relative, an employer, or even by the applicant himself/herself.
Second, unless the applicant is an immediate relative of the petitioner, an immigrant visa number must be available through the US State Department. This number might not be available immediately even if the USCIS approves the petition because the amount of immigrant visa numbers is limited. Most immigrants are placed on lengthy waiting lists. However, those immigrants who are immediate relatives (spouses and children under 21 of US citizens, and parents of a US citizen who is 21 or above) are not subject to such limited quotas of immigrant visas and can proceed to the next step immediately.
Finally, when an immigrant visa number is available, the applicant has to apply with USCIS to change their current status to permanent resident status. If the applicant is outside the US, he/she has to apply for an immigrant visa at the nearest U.S. consulate in the country of location before being allowed to come to the US.
A Green Card holder in the US can apply for citizenship (naturalization) with subject to some conditions like:
- Age of at least 18 years
- Continuous residence in the US for five years after obtaining the permanent residency status
- Good moral character
- Ability to read, write, and speak English
- Declaration of allegiance to the US and its Constitution
A permanent resident in the US is entitled to al, privileges, excepting the right to vote, contest for public office, or sponsor relatives for immigration. Thus it is very common that one spouse has acquired US citizenship while the other continues to be a permanent resident if the US but a citizen of a foreign country.
For more information on Apply For a US Green card, please refer to www.mapsofworld.com .
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