We’ve all heard horror stories of how taxing the process is for obtaining a green card. The U.S. administration has made it clear that they’re cracking down on immigration. To get accepted, you really do have to meet all the necessary requirements.
A large part of the acceptance process is obtaining the necessary forms and records. This can be difficult, especially as a non-native speaker. But, if you don’t have the proper documentation, your application will be tossed by the wayside.
It should be noted that the eligibility requirements will vary depending on the category one is applying for. But, there are some forms that are standard across the board. Here are the basic documents required for a green card application.
All of the different forms can be confusing. Read this article to learn what documents are required for a green card application.
Immigration Petition
The process for obtaining a green card begins with filling out an immigration petition. In most cases, another person must file this petition for the applicant. This process is usually referred to as “sponsoring” or “petitioning.”
A sponsor must be 21 years of age and have a direct relationship with the applicant. The most common cases of a “sponsor” or “petitioner” are alien relatives, employers, and refugee/asylee, relatives.
Immediate family members, including children, parents, and spouses may sponsor their relative. You can find the forms for these respective cases here.
Form 1-485
The next step in the acceptance process requires applicants to complete a Form 1-485. This is the official application to register as a permanent resident or to adjust resident status.
This document will require you to provide information on your immigration history, residential history, former employers, etc. It’ll also cover some of the basics, such as family history (marital and children) and biographic information.
Even if your petition was not approved, you may be able to file the two documents together. To file concurrently, you must meet the requirements stated here.
Employment-Based Immigrants
Applicants may qualify as an employment-based immigrant if they are currently living in the United States. They must have been properly inspected and admitted into the United States to be eligible.
Other requirements include:
- Filing a Form I-485
- Being physically present at the time the Form I-485 is filed
- Eligible to receive an immigrant visa
- An immigrant visa must be available
They must also submit a Form I-140, as well as a Form I-485 Supplement to confirm their job offer is still valid. Two passport-style photos, a government-issued ID, and birth certificate are also required.
The application for permanent residency as an employee-based immigrant can be found here.
Questions on the Documents Required for a Green Card Application?
The U.S. government offers support to those looking for immigrant status. If you have questions on the documents required for a green card application, you can reach them here.
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