We have provided answers to some of the frequently asked questions that our office receives for family-based immigration and obtaining a green card through a family member. Don’t see an answer to your question? Contact us at [email protected].
What is the “green card application”?
- The green card application, also known as form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the green card application allows for a qualifying foreign national to apply for lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
What is form I-130?
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to petition for an eligible relative to immigrate to the U.S.
What is a lawful permanent resident?
- A foreign national who is authorized to live and work in the U.S., also known as “green card holder”
What is conditional permanent residence?
- Valid for two years, this residence is issued when a foreign national applying for lawful permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen has been married for less than two years at the time the green card is approved. The conditional resident will need to file form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90-day period prior to completing the two-year residency requirement.
What should I do if my green card is lost or stolen?
- File a police report in the city where your green card was lost or stolen to protect yourself from any future legal implications. Once a report has been filed, proceed with filing an I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card to obtain a new green card.
What is form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?
- As part of the application process to adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident, the Medical Exam is required to establish that the foreign national applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds.
Can I work while my green card is pending?
- If the foreign national applying for permanent residency has an underlying visa or valid work authorization, then they can continue to work while the green card application is pending. If currently undocumented, then the foreign national can begin working when form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, filed jointly with the green card application, has been approved and the EAD, employment authorization document, has been issued.
Can I travel while my green card is pending?
- Filed in conjunction with form I-485, form I-131, Application for Advanced Parole, allows for the foreign national with a pending I-485 to re-enter the U.S. after temporary foreign travel.
What is the DS-260?
- Filed with the Department of State, the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-260), is a form used to collect applicant information from persons seeking to apply for immigrant visas.
What is a biometrics appointment?
- As part of certain application processes, USCIS and the Department of State will require biometrics appointments for applicants. At these appointments, applicants will provide fingerprints, photos, and signature in order for the government to review records for any serious criminal history or relevant immigration violations.
When can I apply for naturalization?
