Green Card USA

To apply for a Green Card, you need to qualify under one of the following categories:

• Family-based: If you have a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (e.g., spouse, parent, child, sibling).
• Employment-based: If you have an offer for permanent employment in the U.S. or possess skills in demand (e.g., professionals, skilled workers).
• Diversity Visa Lottery: If you are selected in the Diversity Visa Program (also known as the Green Card Lottery).
• Refugee or Asylee Status: If you are a refugee or asylum seeker who has been granted asylum in the U.S.
• Other Categories: This includes special immigrant visas, human trafficking victims, or other special circumstances.

The process for applying for a Green Card generally involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Determine Eligibility: Identify your eligibility category (family, employment, etc.).
• Step 2: File a Petition: A U.S. citizen or permanent resident (if family-based) or an employer (if employment-based) must file a petition on your behalf. In most cases, this is the Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
• Step 3: Wait for Visa Bulletin Priority Date: If your category has a cap (family or employment-based), you must wait for a priority date to become current in the U.S. State Department’s visa bulletin.
• Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If you are in the U.S., you can apply for a Green Card through Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). If you’re outside the U.S. (Pakistan), you’ll go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Step 5: Attend an Interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate or USCIS office.
• Step 6: Approval and Green Card Issuance: If your application is approved, you’ll receive your Green Card.

• Family-based Green Card: The timeline can range from several months to a few years, depending on the relationship and visa category.
• Employment-based Green Card: Typically, it can take 1 to 3 years, depending on your specific category and priority date.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: If selected, the process generally takes about 1-2 years, depending on the availability of visas and your specific case.
• Refugee or Asylee: Typically takes about 1 year or more after receiving asylum status.

Processing Times:

• Petition approval (Form I-130/I-140): 6-12 months
• Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): 8-14 months
• Consular Processing: 6-12 months after petition approval.

Fees can vary depending on the category and forms. Typical fees include:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $535
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): $700
• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,140 (for adults); children under 14: $750
• Visa Processing Fees (Consular Processing): Varies by embassy/consulate but generally around $325.
• Biometrics Fee (for certain applicants): $85
• Medical Examination: Typically around $200-$500 (cost varies based on the physician and location).

• Passport
• Birth certificate (translated into English)
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical examination report (from an approved doctor)
• Proof of relationship (for family-based cases)
• Employment-related documents (for employment-based cases)
• Visa fee payment receipt

• Visa Bulletin: Green Cards for some categories may be subject to visa caps, causing delays in processing. The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly by the U.S. Department of State and will determine when you can move forward with the application.
• Affidavit of Support: For family-based Green Card applications, the sponsor (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), ensuring they can financially support you.
• Medical Exam: You will be required to undergo a medical exam by a U.S. Department of State-approved physician.

Key Points to Remember:

• The process can take anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on the type of Green Card you’re applying for and whether there are any visa caps.
• If you’re applying from Pakistan, you’ll most likely go through consular processing at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
• Make sure to regularly check the U.S. Visa Bulletin to stay informed on your case’s priority date and when it becomes eligible for processing.