A green card is also known as a permanent visa. It is an immigration document that permits an individual who is not a citizen to reside within the United States. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) oversees green cards.
An applicant may qualify for a green card in one of a few different categories. It is important to note that each category has a limit on the number of green cards that are issued for individuals who fall into that category. Categories include:
- An immediate family member visa;
- A marriage visa;
- A work visa; and
- A long term illegal resident.
Where Can I Get a Green Card Application?
A green card application can be found online at the official United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. The application is free to download online.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a Green Card?
Although the green card application itself is free, there are filing fees associated with each type of green card petition. An application is not considered unless and until the filing fee is paid. These fees are subject to change at any time.
The main application form is called document Form I-485. The form is entitled, “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.” The filing fee for Form I-485 is $985. If any biometric data is required, there is an additional $85 fee, making the total fee for this form $1,070.
There are other green card based filing fees. These include:
- Form I-698, Petition to Change Status from Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident – $1,020 filing fee;
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative – $420 filing fee;
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé – $340 filing fee; and
- Form I-90, Petition to Replace Green Card – $365 filing fee.
Costs are often a major issue in immigration matters. It is necessary to be prepared for basic fees as well as any additional costs.
In some cases, a fee waiver may be available. Form I-912, entitled Request for Fee Waiver, is available in certain cases for an individual’s green card application. Not all applications will qualify for a fee waiver.
In order to qualify for a fee waiver, several requirements must be met. These include a household income below the poverty level or other types of extreme financial hardship.
What is a Visa?
A temporary visa, also known as a nonimmigrant visa, permits an individual to study or work in the United States for a period of time. An individual can acquire a non-immigrant visa for a temporary stay. An individual can also acquire an immigrant visa for a permanent stay in the United States. Visitors to the United States can acquire temporary visas for things such as:
- Business;
- Tourism; or
- Pleasure.
Immigration visas are overseen by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In certain cases, an individual may obtain a visa waiver. A visa waiver permits an individual to enter the United States without completing the visa application process. The requirements for obtaining a visa waiver include:
- Coming to the United States for 90 days or less;
- The individual is a citizen of a visa waiver country;
- The individual possesses a valid passport;
- Typically, the individual must provide a round trip ticket with their return date; and
- The individual is required to fill out certain forms from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
An individual will be subject to a maximum length of stay in the United States no matter what type of visa they obtain. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) may revoke an individual’s visa if they appear to intend to stay beyond the allowed time period since these visas are only issued for a short period of time.
How do I Apply for a Visa?
In most cases, if an individual is coming from another country, especially a country that does not participate in the visa waiver program, they must obtain a visa prior to leaving their country. In most cases, an individual’s country should have a United States consulate where they can begin their visa application process.
It is important to begin the visa application process well in advance of any anticipated travel dates. In addition, if the applicant is coming from certain countries, the United States consulate will require proof of sufficient funds to finance the stay in the U.S.
Do I Need a Photograph for My Visa or Green Card Application?
Yes, all visa or green card applications require a photograph for identification purposes. The photograph is required to be taken within six months of the immigration application.
Some immigration agencies also employ fingerprinting or other forms of biometrics to identify individuals. For example, fingerprints are used by the Secure Communities Program in order to identify possible deportees.
What Type of Photograph Is Required?
The requirements for a visa or green card photograph are very specific and very important. Failure to meet any requirement may result in the denial of an immigration application. For example, there are some sizing and positioning specifications that a photograph must meet in order to be accepted.
There are some photographers that may be familiar with the requirements of immigration photographs, and it is best to use one if possible. Since not all photographers are familiar with the requirements, it is important to arrive with the most up-to-date information and requirements.
It is imperative that an applicant follow all requirements for visa or green card photos. If an applicant fails to submit a paper photograph, the application may be denied. In general, photograph requirements are the same for permanent resident applications, United States visa applications, and passport applications.
Are There Further Specific Requirements for the Photograph?
Yes, the application photograph must meet certain specific requirements. It must be on quality photograph paper. It must be in color. It must measure 2 inches by 2 inches. Photographs with busy, dark, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
The applicant’s face must cover about 50 percent of the photograph. It must also be centered within the frame. The applicant should face the camera directly and not look down to either side. Profile or angled views of the applicant are not accepted.
The purpose of this application photograph is to clearly show the applicant’s face. Therefore, the applicant should follow certain requirements regarding appearance, including:
- A head covering or hat is only acceptable if worn due to a religious belief, but may not conceal any portion of the face.
- A tribal costume, national dress, or other headgear that is not specifically religious in nature is not acceptable.
- A traditional face mask or veil that obscures the face and does not permit adequate identification will not be accepted.
- Sunglasses, dark eyewear, or other tinted lenses that cover the applicant’s face will not be accepted unless they are required for medical reasons.
Do I Need A Lawyer?
Yes, if you are applying for a green card or a visa, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer. A lawyer can assist with filling out the application as well as any additional required forms. A lawyer can assist with any communications with immigration authorities. A lawyer can also provide up to date information and requirements for your application and ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.
