If you are already in the United States and hold an immigrant Visa, you can apply for permanent residency in the country through Adjustment of Status. Here are the steps you need to follow in applying for a Green Card. Determine Your Green Card Eligibility The initial step in the Green Card application process is determining your eligibility, a crucial task for which the skills of an immigration lawyer are indispensable. With their guidance, you can navigate the complexities of identifying the specific type of immigrant Visa you hold. You can also receive tailored advice on the subsequent steps in the application journey. Immigrant Petition Someone must petition for you. For family-based sponsorship, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member must file Form I-130 or Petition for Alien Relative for you. The petitioner must establish the qualifying relationship with the beneficiary, such as spouse, child, or parent. Meanwhile, employers can also do that for you, but they must obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor before filing an immigrant petition. They must file the Form I-140 or Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker on your behalf. USCIS Approval Once your petitioner filed the necessary forms, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the application. They forward it to the National Visa Center (NVC) if approved. Visa Availability Family-sponsored preference categories have numerical limits, so the petitioner and beneficiary must wait for a Visa to become available. Similarly, employment-based Green Cards are not exempt from such constraints. The wait time varies based on the relationship and the country of origin. Green Card Application When a Visa becomes available, the beneficiary can apply for it and then apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485. It is also called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Biometrics Appointment USCIS schedules biometrics appointments to collect fingerprints, photos, and signatures. It is crucial for identity verification and application accuracy in the immigration process. Attend An Interview Certain permanent residency applicants may be obligated to undergo a comprehensive interview. This serves as a crucial element in evaluating and determining the eligibility of the applicants. It allows immigration authorities to gather additional information and assess the applicant’s suitability. Wait For The Decision The USCIS evaluates the Green Card application and subsequently renders a decision. In the event of approval, the applicant attains the esteemed status of a lawful permanent resident. Securing a Green Card for permanent residency is a laborious process. Yet, understanding the myriad benefits that come with holding one can make the entire endeavor immensely worthwhile. Lozano Law Firm - Abogados de Inmigración 5718 University Heights Blvd #104, San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 899-2290 https://www.AbogadoLozano.com/