Updated: Feb. 24, 2020
SimpleCitizen makes immigration easy.
Since 2014, we’ve helped immigrants navigate the complex process of applying for green cards, green card renewals, and citizenship. Just like how TurboTax helps people file taxes, SimpleCitizen helps users fill out and submit their immigration application.
If you’re interested in learning more about SimpleCitizen, here are a few articles:
SimpleCitizen Rated #1 2018, 2019, & 2020 Online Green Card Service
– Top Consumer Reviews
The Business that Love Built
– Fast Company Magazine
Founders of SimpleCitizen resolve to streamline the immigration process
– American Bar Association Journal
Our Guarantee
Every SimpleCitizen application comes with our 100% money back guarantee. We’ll refund you 100% money back AND reimburse your government fees if for any reason you don’t get a Green Card.
Before you get started
It’s a good idea to gather some documentation before you get started.
The following documents are required to be attached to your green card application. Further down, we’ll show you how to upload them to your SimpleCitizen account:
- Birth Certificates for you and your spouse (or whomever is sponsoring you)
- Marriage Certificates (if you are married)
- Proof of Residence
- Passports
- Copies of your Visa
If you don’t have all these documents right now, it’s ok. You can still get started and we’ll help you attach them later. To see a complete list of all the documents you need, please create an account and answer your questionnaire.
Finding the right application with the Eligibility Quiz
In order to make sure you are eligible to apply and that you choose the correct application for your situation, use our free eligibility here.
Click here to watch how to use the eligibility quiz.
If you have questions during the eligibility quiz, feel free to chat with SimpleCitizen support by clicking on the chat icon at the bottom left side of the screen. After you select your application package you will be emailed a link to your new account.
Immigration Attorney Review
With SimpleCitizen, you can have your entire application reviewed by a professional immigration attorney. This will make sure there are no mistakes or missing paperwork in your application. If you would like to talk to an immigration attorney before starting your application, click here to schedule a free consultation.
Starting Your Application
This is the first thing you will see when you login for the first time:
Before answering questions, it’s important to understand a few important terms:
- The Immigrant, Applicant, or Beneficiary are all the same person. This is the person that needs to get the green card.
- The Sponsor, Petitioner, or Spouse is the U.S. citizen or Green Card holder petitioning for the immigrant. For example, in a marriage based green card application, this is the person married to the immigrant.
- The Joint Sponsor, or Financial Sponsor. This is the person that might be the financial sponsor if the Petitioner doesn’t make enough income to meet the requirements.
If you are having difficulty understanding the different roles and requirements, please reach out to our support team.
To get started on your application, click on the “Start Here” button:
You will then be asked to confirm the Applicant’s name:
Step 1: Immigrant Information Questionnaire
Here you will be asked various questions about the immigrant/applicant. Please answer all the questions and if you need any help, feel free to chat with our support team by clicking on the chat button on the bottom left side of the screen.
Every answer is saved as you go, so feel free to complete the questionnaire at your own pace. Your information will automatically be saved if you decide to log out and finish later.
Step 2: Immigrant & Family Questionnaires
Here you will answer a few more questions about the applicant, then you will be asked to provide some information about the applicant’s mother, father, and children.
To start each section, click on the “Start Here” button.
Employment Authorization & Form I-765
If the applicant is planning on working in the United States while waiting for their green card, please answer the Employment Authorization question as “Yes“. This will add a completed Form I-765 to final application.
Travel Authorization & Form I-131
If the applicant is planning on, or would like to travel outside the United States while waiting for their green card, please answer the Travel Authorization question as “Yes“. This will add a completed Form I-131 to the final application.
Keep in mind: If you sign up for the Attorney Review package, every answer and form in your application packet will be reviewed by a licensed immigration attorney before we print and ship your application.
Medical Examination & Form I-693
To apply for a green card, the applicant must complete a medical examination before submitting the final application to USCIS. During this exam the doctor will complete the Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
SimpleCitizen will help determine if you need a Form I-693 and help you schedule your appointment. The medical examination is good for 2 years and the exam must be completed no later than 60 days before USCIS receives the application.
Doctors that are authorized by USCIS are called Civil Surgeons. To find a Civil Surgeon near you, visit: https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor
If you have questions about the Medical Examination process, please contact our support team.
Public Charge & Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency
Starting on Feb. 24, 2020, USCIS will require the Form I-944 to be included with all green card applications. This form is used to determine if the applicant is likely to become a public charge.
Don’t worry, this form is automatically included with applications prepared with SimpleCitizen. If you have any questions or concerns about public charge, please contact our support and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Step 3: Connection/Spouse Questionnaire
In order to apply for a green card, the applicant must have a direct connection to the United States; an immediate family member (spouse or parent) that is a U.S. citizen/ Lawful Permanent Resident or a child over 21 years old that is a U.S. citizen. This person is known as the Petitioner or Sponsor.
Step 3 is where you provide information about the Petitioner/Sponsor.
Step 4: Supporting Document Upload
Here is where SimpleCitizen helps you upload and attach all the required supporting documents for your application.
Click on the orange upload buttons to upload each document.
Supported file types include: JPG, PNG, & PDF. If you do not have a scanner, you can login to your account on a smart phone and take pictures of your documents with a camera phone.
When uploading a document, please indicate the “Document Language” by choosing from the drop down. This will let SimpleCitizen know that the document needs to be translated by a USCIS certified translator. We provide translation services at no extra cost.
If you have questions or need help with your supporting documents, please chat with or reach out to our support team.
Step 5: Application Review & Finish
Finally, it’s time to look over your application and make sure everything is correct.
Here you will be able to see a PDF version of your entire application. Please review the application to check for typos or mistakes. Once you complete your review, clicking “Next” will send your application to our immigration law firm for the final legal review.
During the immigration law firm review, you will receive email updates to let you know the status of your application or if any changes need to be made.
Application Printing & Delivery
Once the reviews are complete, our team at SimpleCitizen will print and ship the application to you. You will also receive a tracking number so you can track the package.
All you have to do when you get the application is sign the forms (we attach stickers so you know where to sign). We also include a pre-addressed USCIS shipping envelope for you to insert the signed application and place in the mail.
Along with your application, we attach detailed USCIS filing instructions so you’ll know exactly what you need to do and how to do it.
As always, if you ever need any help, please reach out to our support team. We’re here to help!