Green Card Process: Pathway to Permanent Residency
Becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States—commonly known as obtaining a Green Card—is a significant milestone for individuals seeking to live and work in the U.S. long term. Whether you’re applying through family, employment, or a humanitarian program, the process requires careful preparation and accurate documentation.
At Translations Certified, we support applicants throughout the process by providing certified and notarized translations that meet all USCIS requirements.
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What Is the Green Card Process?
The Green Card process allows foreign nationals to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the U.S., granting them the right to live and work in the country permanently. Green Cards can be obtained through several pathways, including:
- Family Sponsorship
- Employment-Based Immigration
- Humanitarian Programs (Asylum or Refugee Status)
- Diversity Visa Lottery
- Special Categories (e.g., battered spouses or victims of trafficking)
- Each path has specific eligibility requirements, application forms, and timelines.
What Are the Main Steps in the Green Card Process?
While the process may vary depending on the visa category, here are the general steps for most Green Card applications:
- Immigrant Petition
- Filed by a sponsor (e.g., Form I-130 for family or Form I-140 for employment).
- Priority Date and Visa Bulletin
- For categories with annual limits, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current based on the Visa Bulletin.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if the applicant is in the U.S.
- Form DS-260 (Consular Processing) if the applicant is abroad.
- Biometrics Appointment
- USCIS collects fingerprints, photographs, and a signature for identity verification.
- Interview with USCIS or U.S. Consulate
- To verify eligibility and review submitted documentation.
- Green Card Approval
Once approved, applicants receive their permanent resident card (Green Card) in the mail.
For more details about eligibility, visit our Green Card Eligibility page. To start the process, see our Green Card Application Guide.
What Documents Are Required for the Green Card?
Applicants must submit a variety of supporting documents, depending on the category:
- Valid Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Immigration Forms (e.g., I-130, I-140, I-485, or DS-260)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Financial Support Evidence (e.g., Affidavit of Support)
- Police Clearance or Medical Exam (in some cases)
- Any documents not in English must be submitted with a certified English translation.
Translations Certified ensures that your foreign-language documents are translated accurately and in compliance with USCIS standards.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
Green Card processing times vary based on several factors:
- Visa Category (Family vs. Employment-Based)
- Applicant’s Country of Origin
- Case Complexity
- Backlog and Priority Dates
Some applicants may receive a Green Card in 8–12 months, while others could wait several years if their category is oversubscribed.
Can You Work While Waiting for a Green Card?
Yes, many applicants are eligible to apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD) using Form I-765 while their Green Card application is pending. This allows them to work legally in the U.S. during the waiting period.
For more information, visit our page on Form I-765: Employment Authorization.
What Happens If Your Green Card Application Is Denied?
Green Card applications may be denied for reasons such as:
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Ineligibility in the selected category
- Criminal history or security concerns
- Public charge inadmissibility
- Failure to attend biometrics or interview appointments
If denied, applicants may be able to:
- Appeal the decision
- File a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider
- Reapply with corrected information
How Translations Certified Helps with the Green Card Process
Filing for permanent residency is a complex and highly regulated process. At Translations Certified, we help simplify this journey by providing:
- Certified Translations for birth certificates, marriage licenses, and legal forms
- Notarized Translations when required by USCIS
- Fast Turnaround within 24–48 hours
- USCIS Compliance Guarantee for all submitted translations
Whether you’re applying from within the U.S. or abroad, our professional translators help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
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References:
https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures
https://www.deel.com/blog/understanding-the-steps-in-the-green-card-process/
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and current, it is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation or legal questions.