Check List To Make Sure You Are Ready To File For Green Card Usa!

By Author: Nancy Mervin
Total Articles: 56
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Formerly known as Alien Registration Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form I-151), a United States Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551) is an identification card proof of an alien’s permanent resident status in the United States. From 1946 until 1964 it had been green in color and so known informally as a green card and it has reverted to that color since May 2010. Immigration process of becoming a permanent resident is also called Green card.

For a lawful permanent resident (LPR) the green card is a proof that its holder has been officially granted immigration benefits. The benefits include permission to live and work in the US. The holder must maintain LPR status and if certain conditions of this status are not met can be removed from the United States.

There are many ways to obtain a green card: through employment, a family member or marriage. In order to apply for a Family-Based Green Card you must be sponsored by a family member in the U.S by petitioning using Form I-130.

Form I-130 support documents

Proof for your United States citizenship status is a must while ...
... filing a petition for alien relative for green card. Proof provided to USCIS could be one of the following:
• Birth certificate if you are born in the U.S.
• Certificate of naturalization after you APPLY FOR US CITIZENSHIP if you were naturalized or your form FS-240 (Report of Birth Abroad of a United States Citizen).

Documents as proof for prior marriages been legally terminated through annulment divorce or death must be submitted. You should state ‘none’ on application form if you have not been previously marriage since "N/A" is not acceptable.

Similarly the beneficiary also should provide proof for legal termination of prior marriages through annulment, divorce, or death. State "none" on the application form if the beneficiary has not been married. A "Decree NISI" is not evidence of termination.

You must have parental or legal guardian consent to marry in case you are a minor and evidence that such consent is acceptable in the jurisdiction in which the marriage occurred should be submitted. Evidence for your marriage to the beneficiary must be submitted. Marriage certificate is acceptable evidence. If it’s not in English, the certificate must be accompanied by a translation.

Remember to check the following before submission:

Did you answer each question on the Form I-130 petition?
Did you sign the petition?
Did you enclose the correct filing fee for each petition?
Did you submit proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence?
Did you submit other required supporting evidence?

Make sure you included the following if you are filing for your husband or wife, did you include:
• Your photograph?
• His or her photograph?
• Your completed Form G-325A?
• His or her Form G-325A?

Your spouse may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status if you are a U.S. citizen and your spouse is currently in the United States at the same time as you file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for GREEN CARD USA.

Instructions for Adjustment of Status filing

Your spouse will be notified by the Department of State when a visa number is available if you are a lawful permanent resident and your petition for your spouse is approved. At the time of notification he or she must go to the local U.S. consulate and complete visa processing, if your spouse is outside of the U.S, with the Department of State issued visa number. Your spouse may file the Form I-485 using the Department of State issued visa number if already in U.S.