Be Informed: All You Need to Know if You’re Trying to Get a Green Card

Are you looking to become a lawful permanent resident in the United States? In that case, you need to obtain a green card.

There are many ways to do this, and it would be really confusing to list every way. However, we will certainly cover the general process behind applying for your green card.

In this article, we will cover how to apply and how to track the progress of your application.

So whenever you’re ready to begin this journey, keep reading.

1. Are You Eligible for the Green Card?

The immigration laws in the US come with a variety of application methodologies, all of which allow you to get a Green Card. The requirements for status adjustment will vary based on the category of immigration you are applying with.

The first step in this process is to determine if you are eligible, and which category you belong to. If you visit the Eligibility Categories page of the immigration website, you will find everything there.

Once you find the category, you can go to the specific page that covers all of the requirements.

Given the complexity of immigration processes, it may be helpful to seek advice from an experienced professional, such as an immigration lawyer in Orlando, FL, to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria and submit accurate documentation.

2. Apply With Form I-845

If you are in the US and eligible for immigration, you might have to file the Form I-485. You can find the application instructions on the USCIS website. Go to

If you are applying to adjust status for the lawful permanent resident under the Immigration and Nationality Act, you have to submit both Form I-485 and Supplement A, Adjustment of Status.

3. Go to Support Center Appointment

After you file your form, you will receive a notice for an appointment at your local Support Center. You will provide a signature, photograph, and fingerprints. The notice will have a time, date, and location. The biometrics are used to verify identity and are necessary for security and background checks.

At your appointment, you will be asked to sign a certification of your information being revised, and that all of the information is true and complete. If you do not sign this or miss your appointment without notice, your form will be subject to rejection.

4. Go to Interview

USCIS will review your application to decide if an interview is required. If they do choose to schedule one, you will have to appear under oath to answer questions. You will be sent a notice with time, date, and location if needed.

When you arrive, you and the members who filed their petition for you will have to bring all documentation originals. This includes travel documents, passports, and Form I-94, regardless of their expiration date.

The interview is critical if required, so try not to miss it. If you miss your interview, the application will be subject to rejection, pretty much in all cases.

5. Get Decision

When USCIS concludes, they will send you a decision notice. If the application is approved, you will receive a notice of approval and then you can obtain a Green Card.

If the application is in denial, the notice will explain why it has been denied, and provide an opportunity to appeal. You cannot appeal your decision to deny an adjustment to status.

Even if you cannot appeal, you can still file a motion to reconsider or reopen your case. Both motions and appeals are part of Form I-290B. If you don’t apply for your motion or appeal, there will be a time limit upon how early you can apply again for your Green Card. In many cases, this is a very long time and it’s not something you want to experience.

Track Green Card Delivery, Travel Document, And Employment Authorization Document

First, sign up for your Case Status account to get updates, including your USPS tracking number when the document is sent.

Register for your Informed Delivery via USPS to get regular images of the mail-in travel. You can also set up text alerts, track the packages, and enter USPS instructions for your carrier.

If your USPS tracking info shows the delivery has been made but you have not gotten it, contact your local post office as soon as you can. Remember, that your travel document or Green Card will be sent to the address on the applications unless you filled out an Appearance of Attorney form.

If your address changed after the application, you have to update your address with USPS and USCIS quickly. It’s recommended that you use the Zip Code tool to make sure USCIS gets the full address with correct formatting for USPS.

If you don’t update the address, your case will most likely be subject to delay. Your documents can get lost, and you will have to pay the fee and reapply again.

Your Green Card, Your Choice

Now that you know how to get your Green Card, you are well on your way to begin this process towards becoming a permanent resident. In any case, this is your life and your choice. If you want a Green Card and you have the means to get it, you will achieve your goal. It’s not difficult, it only requires a bit of effort, time, and research.

Without this triad of characteristics, you will not get the Green Card. Thus, leaving you unaccomplished and dissatisfied with the result. Don’t be lazy, put in the work, and get your card. You deserve it, and only you can prove that.

If you’d like to learn more about similar legal and government topics, check out the category for this article or read the recommended content on the sidebar.

*This is a collaboration post

Adobe Stock royalty-free image #180655409, ‘United States of America permanent resident card, green card, with US flag in the background. Legal immigration concept.’ uploaded by leekris, standard license purchased from https://stock.adobe.com/images/download/180655409; file retrieved on April 17th, 2019. License details available at https://stock.adobe.com/license-terms – image is licensed under the Adobe Stock Standard License