A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
It allows a non-U.S. citizen to live and work permanently in the United States, provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship after a specified period, typically 3 to 5 years.
To apply for Green Card, you will need to complete and submit at least two forms which are an immigrant petition and a Green Card application (Form I-485).
Usually, the petition is required to be filed by the individual who is sponsoring or petitioning for you. In some cases, you may be eligible to file for yourself.
Now, let’s find out the common petition forms used in United States and their application fee, which would be useful for your immigration journey!
Fee required: $675
Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is used by U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage.
The petitioner must prove their intent to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e) entering the U.S. and that they have met in person within the past two years from the date of filing the I-129F petition.
Petitioner can submit evidence such as any travel itineraries such as a copy of the airline ticket that includes the name of the passenger and flight detail, or photo taken together during the meetup.
After filing the form with supporting documents and paying the fee, USCIS processes the petition. If approved, the foreign fiancé can apply for a K-1 visa, and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
After getting the K-1 visa, the foreign fiancé(e) must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of arrival.
Fee required: $625 (e-application), $675 (paper)
To sponsor their close family members for a green card, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are required to submit application by using Form I-130, Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative.
The petitioner must prove a qualifying relationship with the beneficiary, such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.
After completing the form, submitting supporting documents, and paying the fee, USCIS will process the petition.
Fee required: $700
For U.S. employers who would like a foreign worker to work in United States, they need to file in Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
It is a petition of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an immigrant visa on behalf of a foreign worker.
This form is a key step in the employment-based immigration process, allowing employers to classify workers in various categories.
The categories are such as priority workers, professionals with advanced degrees, or those with exceptional abilities, ultimately leading to permanent residency (a green card) in the United States.
Fee required: $325
When individuals apply for an immigrant visa from outside United States, Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application need to be submitted.
This form is completed online; however, it is different from other applications stated above, Form DS-260 is reviewed by the National Visa Center (NVC) and not the USCIS.
It collects biographical information and details about the applicant's background, which are used to determine eligibility for an immigrant visa. Once submitted, the applicant will attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate as part of the visa application process.
This form is used by those seeking an immigrant visa from abroad, either through family, employer sponsorship, or the diversity visa program.
Fee required: $1,440
Individuals who are already staying in United States and would like to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) will need to do filing for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
This form is an essential part of the process for those who wish to adjust their status from a non-immigrant visa holder to a permanent resident, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Filing Form I-485 allows applicants to stay in the U.S. while their application is processed and may include provisions for work and travel authorization during this period.
Securing a Green Card in the United States is a complex, multi-step process that involves several critical petitions and applications.
This complicated pathway ensures that only those who meet all criteria are granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States.
Looking for a property investment opportunity in the United States or other regions? Kindly reach out to us by clicking below!
Global New Developments 
Juwai Commercial 
Juwai LUXE