You can live and work continuously in the U.S. if you have a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card. There could be various steps you need to take to file a Green Card application, depending on your unique situation.

The general application process for a green card:

There can be many steps you need to take to submit a Green Card application, depending on the specifics of your circumstance. However, the typical application procedure that the majority of applicants will follow is as follows;

  1. Typically, someone must submit an immigrant petition on your behalf (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you). You might be able to file on your behalf in some circumstances.
  2. You submit either a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. when USCIS approves the immigrant petition and a visa is available in your category. Division of State. You appear for a biometrics appointment, where you are asked to submit fingerprints, pictures, and a signature.
  3. You attend the interview.
  4. You get the outcome of your application.

Green card application:

Keep the following things in mind;

  • Find out if you qualify.
  • Submit Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status in the U.S. with all necessary fees if you meet the requirements.
  • USCIS will meet with you after examining your application.
  • Ten years after it is issued, your Green Card remains valid.

Eligibility for renewing green card:

  • Permanent Legal Residents:

Your Green Card needs to be updated if;

  • Your Green Card has expired or will do so in the following six months.
  • Your last card was stolen, damaged, lost, or destroyed.
  • Unless your card expires before turning 16, you obtained it before turning 14 and have now achieved that age.
  • You were a commuter before becoming a permanent resident of the country.
  • You recently attained commuter status after living in the country as a permanent resident.
  • You now have the Status of a permanent resident by default (This includes applicants for special agricultural worker status who are converting to permanent residence status.)
  • You need to update your outdated Alien Registration Card with a current Green Card if you still possess a USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103, or Form I-151 to confirm your immigration status.
  • The data on your card is inaccurate.
  • Since you last obtained your card, you have legally altered your name or other biographical details.
  • The last card we sent you was never delivered to you.
  • Permanent Conditional Residents:

Your Green Card needs to be updated if;

  • Your last card was stolen, damaged, lost, or destroyed.
  • The data on your card is inaccurate.
  • Since you last obtained your card, you have legally altered your name or other biographical details.
  • The last card we sent you was never delivered to you.

How to file for a green card?

You can file it online or by paper. 

  • Online file:

To file online;

  • Create a USCIS online account.
  • Submit documentation and pay costs online.
  • View the whole case history and receive case progress updates.
  • Connect with us directly and securely.
  • Answer questions on the evidence.
  • Sign in to your account if you already have a USCIS online account.
  • Paper files:

You have to;

  • Read the instructions for Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
  • Fill out and sign Form I-90.
  • If necessary, pay the filing fee.
  • Give all necessary justifications and supporting data.

After you file:

You will receive a: as soon as we receive your Form I-90.

  • Notification that we have received your application.
  • Notification of biometric services, where applicable.
  • If necessary, a reminder to present for an interview.
  • Notification of our choice.

Green card lottery visa:

The Diversity Visa (DV) program was established by the Immigration Act of 1990, and it began issuing 55,000 immigrant visas through an annual lottery in the fiscal year 1995. Giving preference to applicants from nations with low rates of immigration to the U.S. during the lottery has been trying to diversify the country’s immigrant population for the last five years.

Follow the Diversity Visa Process instructions on usvisas.state.gov to apply for a diversity visa. After completing those procedures, you should reread the directions provided by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) and the details provided on this website for additional instructions and guidance.

Interview:

You can get an email from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) informing you that an interview has been arranged for you once you have finished the stages of the Diversity Visa Process on usvisas.state.gov, including submitting the necessary immigrant visa application form (DS-260). You will receive or get instructions through email on how to view the day, time, and location of your interview by logging into the Entrant Status Check section of the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website using your DV entry confirmation number.

On usvisas.state.gov, you may get more information regarding the interview procedure.

Case status:

The consular officer will advise you whether your visa application was granted or denied after your immigrant visa interview.

After a consular officer has interviewed the visa applicant, specific visa applications must go through further administrative processing, which takes time. This requirement is disclosed to applicants at the time of application. After the visa interview, most administrative processing is finished in 60 days. Depending on the particulars of each case, the timing will vary when administrative processing is necessary. On ceac.state.gov, you can look up the Status of your visa application.

At usvisas.state.gov, you can find helpful information on exclusions and waivers if your visa application has been rejected.

After interview:

If your visa request is approved, it will be known how your passport and visa will be returned to you. Study the section under “After the Interview” on usvisas.state.gov carefully to find out what to do after receiving your visa, entering the country, paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, and other crucial details.

References:

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/renew-or-replace-my-green-card

https://pk.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/diversity-visa/