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Last Updated: January 15, 2020

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Some messes happen in an instant while others are more drawn out over weeks or years. A recent, well publicized incident took place in in 2010, when an oil rig exploded and sank, resulting in the worst oil spill in history. It wreaked havoc on the environment as 210 million gallons of oil drained into the Gulf of Mexico over the course of just 87 days. BP, the company responsible for the mess and subsequent four-year clean up, ended up paying $18.7 billion in fines, not to mention that the environment was substantially damaged and that eleven people went missing and were never found.

If not carefully planned, managed, and executed, large business and government projects can easily become a debacle. Today we’re talking about how the USCIS has struggled to digitize the immigration process through the Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) since 2005. It started with the goal to digitize eight popular types of immigration forms, which would make a 29% dent in the six million immigration forms processed each year. The original budget was $536,000 with the completion date being 2013. Not too complicated, right?

But a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from May 2015 found that the program is actually going to cost up to $3.1 billion and will be deployed “no later than March 2019.”

What happened?

Let’s start with the most obvious: governments, like large enterprises, are big ships and are difficult to steer. The more moving parts something has (and the USCIS deals with plenty of this; a single green card application has more than 80 pages of paperwork), the more difficult it can be to make impactful changes. The USCIS employs 13,000 full time workers along with 5,000 contractors. This means that in digitizing the immigration process, the USCIS has to effectively train thousands of people on how to navigate and use a new application system, which is a massive, time-consuming undertaking.

Another obstacle is changing the outdated development and project management techniques the government is all too familiar with: According to the GAO’s report, USCIS failed to implement agile and open source techniques, among other management issues, which contributed to the delayed launch and the increase in budget.

Now, after missing its launch date and going vastly over budget, ELIS only supports one form in limited availability. At one time ELIS supported 3 forms, again in limited availability — just a hair more than 15% of applications processed every year. Notably, in July 2015 an inspector found it actually took twice as long to close a case using ELIS as opposed to the traditional paper application.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Vastly over budget, ELIS only supports one form in limited availability.” quote=”Vastly over budget, ELIS only supports one form in limited availability.”]

The ELIS applications are still only available in English, which severely slows down the process for non-native applicants and increases the likelihood that they’ll make mistakes that get their applications rejected.

Possibly the most frustrating aspect of the whole debacle can be summed up by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

“It looks like ELIS is typical of many of the federal government’s computer systems. It’s never lived up to the expectations to allow executive branch employees to be more efficient and effective for the American taxpayers.”

“The part that’s most heartbreaking, when you think about it, is they are not wasting taxpayer money. They are wasting refugee, asylee and immigrant money. Literally the people on the planet who can least afford it, who are running for their lives.”

This is worth repeating: the $3.1 billion used to build ELIS is coming from refugee, asylee, and immigrant money.

What can be done to fix it?

Luckily, the White House stepped in for two weeks in June 2014 as part of the Smarter IT Agenda. Then came the U.S. Digital Service with some helpful solutions to help ELIS get off the ground.

The USCIS could also take a leaf from other countries’ books. As many European countries were struggling with the applications of Chinese immigrants, these EU Member States looked to technology for a solution. The UK streamlined its process for Chinese immigrants. This year, France shortened the time of the visa application process for Chinese applicants to 48 hours. Germany plans to shorten its visa application process down to 48 hours for Chinese visitors by opening six more application centers in Chinese cities.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the ELIS debacle is the setbacks that are faced by the immigrant families that are stuck with an archaic system of disorganized paperwork. Jerry Marken, a writer for the Washington Post, published a piece focusing on the failures of the system. He put it all into perspective, saying, “The project’s failures already have daily consequences for millions of immigrants who are in the country legally. Immigration lawyers say the current system leads to lost applications, months-long delays and errors that cause further delays. Immigrants miss deadlines for benefits, meaning they lose everything from jobs and mortgages to travel opportunities”.

There are plenty of opportunities to improve the U.S. immigration process. They can start simple, just by making green card applications available in other languages than English. It’s also not always clear where or how to start immigration applications, so they can provide more resources to break down common scenarios.

SimpleCitizen supports streamlining the citizenship and green card application process. We are proud to save applicants 90% of their time and money compared to traditional paper forms or immigration attorneys. We also make all forms available in English, Chinese, and Spanish, as a start.

We can’t ignore that immigrants are core to building the cultural fabric and economy of our nation, so it’s in all our best interests to simplify the immigration process to attract the next generation of Americans. Millions of families every year overcome insurmountable odds to achieve their dreams of a new life in the United States. As the USCIS tries to figure out how best to move forward to bring their technology into the 21st century, they can learn from the determination and resourcefulness of these new Americans.

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Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Thinking of making the United States your home? You’ll need a green card. Although the process can be rather long and seemingly complex, SimpleCitizen is here to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible. Having a U.S. green card, in this case, is not only necessary but offers many benefits that only lawful permanent residents have access to.

A few examples:

• The freedom to live and work in the U.S. permanently, including many forms of government work.
• Freedom of movement. Once you have a green card, you may travel to and live in any part of the United States, as well as travel outside of the U.S. and return upon will. However, if you remain abroad for six months or more per year, you could risk losing your green card.
• The ability to sponsor relatives. Once you have a green card, you can sponsor your relatives so that they can get their own green card.
• The ability to seek full U.S. citizenship. Once you have had your green card for five years (with a few exceptions – see Step 3 of How to Become a United States Citizen), you may qualify to apply for citizenship, which grants all the rights and privileges of a native U.S. citizen.
• Legal rights and social benefits, such as research and educational grants, insurance coverage, and social security, retirement, and health benefits. You can also own firearms, a house, cars, and other property in the U.S. and secure financing for such purchases.
• Permanent status. You will only need to renew your green card about every 10 years.

Adjustment of status is the process through which temporary visitors to the United States (such as students, tourists, etc.) can become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) without ever having to leave the U.S. (If you are outside of the United States, the only path to immigrate to the country is through consular processing). Below is a basic guide to walk you through each step of the process.

1. Determine if You are Eligible to Apply for a Green Card

To figure out if you can apply for adjustment of status, you must first determine if you are eligible for a green card. There are many ways to apply for a green card under U.S. immigration laws, but to be eligible you must fall under one of the categories listed below:

• Through family
• Through employment
• As a special immigrant
• Through refugee or asylee status
• As a human trafficking or crime victim
• As a victim of abuse
• Through registry
• Through other categories (found in the USCIS link below)

Take this quiz to find out if you are eligible to apply. The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under, so the first step is to figure out if you fit into one of these categories. Review the USCIS Green Card Eligibility Categories for details on the categories listed above and to determine which one fits your situation/experience. Once you know which category best fits you, in most cases, you will need to have an immigrant petition filed on your behalf. The form that will need to be filed varies depending on which category you are applying under and can also be found on the USCIS page in the hyperlink above.

2. Determine if You are Eligible for Adjustment of Status

Now you can determine if you can also apply for adjustment of status. The requirements, according to Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, are as follows:

• Be physically present in the United States, including when you file the adjustment of status as well as complete the process.
• Have made lawful entry into the United States.
• Already be eligible for a U.S. green card through one of the conditions listed above, such as through a U.S. employer, a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or by having received asylum or refugee status at least one year before.
• If your eligibility is based on family or employment, you must already have filed and had approved a visa petition (Form I-130 or Form I-140), and your priority date, if you have one, must be current. Priority dates apply to immigrants in “preference categories” who, because of annual limits on visas in those categories, must wait until a visa is available before proceeding with their green card application. (There are exceptions to this rule, such as for an “immediate relative,” where the visa petition can be filed concurrently or at the same time as the adjustment of status application).
• If you entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa, you must have married the person who petitioned for you to receive that visa.
• If your eligibility is based on asylum or refugee status, you must have waited one year since either your asylum was granted or you entered the United States as a recognized refugee.
• You must (with a few exceptions, such as for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens) have a valid and current visa when you start your application to adjust status. To be eligible you also must not have remained in the U.S. past the authorized length of your permitted stay, nor worked without permission from the immigration authorities.

Remember…

This is a complex area of immigration law. If you have any doubts about your eligibility to adjust status, consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you fully understand the entire process and to obtain a full analysis of your rights and options.

3. File Application to Adjust Status

If you meet the eligibility requirements for adjustment of status, you may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. For a comprehensive list of situations under which you could file Form I-485, read this article.

Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category. Go to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status page to see where you should file your application. When filing, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t forget to sign your form! USCIS will reject and return any unsigned form.
• Complete the entire form, and use the most current version.
• USCIS prefers that you download the forms from their website, complete them electronically, them print them to submit. If you handwrite your answers, make sure you use black ink and that they are neat and legible. If you make an error, start over with a clean form. Don’t use correction fluid or tape (i.e. wite-out).

Filing Form I-485 costs $1,140, and an additional biometrics services fee of $85 applies to all applicants between the ages of 14 and 78. However, for children 13 or younger who are filing with at least one parent, there is a reduced $750 fee, and if you are applying as a refugee under section 209(a) of the INA, there is no fee to file Form I-485.

No matter the amount of your fee, you must pay by check or money order and follow these criteria:

• The money must come from a bank or other financial institution in the United States and be payable in U.S. currency.
• The check or money order must be made payable to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is important to write it exactly this way, without abbreviating.

How much does it cost to submit Form I-485?

4. Attend Biometrics Appointment

After you file your Form I-485, USCIS will mail you an appointment notification for a biometric screening at a local Application Support Center (ASC). The notice will include the date, time, and location of the appointment. Here you will provide your fingerprints, signature, and a photograph will be taken of you. USCIS uses this data to verify your identity and conduct required background and security checks. Don’t worry – this is all common procedure and an important part of adjusting status. Read this short article for more information on what to expect from your biometrics appointment.

At your ASC appointment, you will also be asked to sign an acknowledgment that you have reviewed all of the information in your application and that it was all complete, true, and correct at the time you filed it. If you do not sign the acknowledgment or you miss your ASC appointment without properly notifying and rescheduling USCIS, your Form I-485 may be denied.

Depending on what immigrant category you filed your adjustment of status under, an interview may be necessary. If USCIS schedules you for an interview, they will send you a notice with the corresponding date, time, and location. This is a fairly quick meeting, usually lasting only 20-30 minutes. If a relative is required to accompany you to the interview (for example, the family member that filed the immigration petition for you), you will likewise be informed in the notice USCIS mails you. Here, a USCIS official will confirm that confirm the information you and your petitioner have provided on the petition and your application for adjustment of status is correct. Make sure you bring originals of all the documents you submitted with your Form I-485, such as passports, official travel documents, and Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, even if they have expired.

The entire adjustment of status process usually takes between 8 and 14 months. For a complete timeline, read What Happens After Filing Form I-485.

5. Receive Your Green Card

After all the paperwork and security checks have been completed, biometrics have been taken, interviews have been conducted (if necessary), and all other eligibility requirements have been reviewed, USCIS is ready to make a decision on your case! Regardless of the outcome, you will receive a written decision notice from USCIS. If your application is approved, you will first receive an approval notice by mail. Then, usually a little bit later, you will receive your green card. Congratulations! You are now a lawful permanent resident of the United States!

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One of the foundational books of the “family education” genre, Harvard Girl Liu Yiting: A Character Training Record maintained a spot on China’s bestseller list for the first 16 months after its publication. It is essentially an in-depth guide for Chinese parents who want their children to study at Ivy League universities, which based on the book’s popularity and sales, represents a group of people in the millions. Not much has changed in the 17 years since the book took middle-class Chinese parents by storm in spring of 2000. For millions of students and parents alike, an American education is still the “dream” for which preparation in terms of both time and money starts early. Yet getting accepted at a respectable university is no longer enough. In order to remain competitive in their field, every student regardless of nationality, will need to fill in the space below the resume section heading titled Work Experience. Whether it’s navigating the technicalities surrounding a student visa or the ever-growing need for cultural intelligence, securing and succeeding in an American internship can be both daunting and complex.

Visas: A Quick How-To

The three most common visas for international students seeking an internship in the United States are J-1, M-1, and F-1 visas. In 2016, the United States issued 482,033 F-1/M-1 visas and 339,712 J-1 visas.

“The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.” The F-1 student visa is specifically meant for academic students and the M-1 is for “students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.”

Both visas allow students to hold part-time on-campus jobs during the academic school year but only those students with F-1 status can work full-time on-campus during school breaks. Students on the J-1 visa who want to work full-time on-campus during school breaks must first get permission from their appointed Alternate Responsible Officer.

For F-1 students wanting to work off-campus full-time, for example in an internship capacity, they must either apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT internships can be paid but must be directly related to the student’s degree. Typically students will receive some sort of academic credit for a CPT internship. In order to be eligible, students must have completed their first academic school year, must have a written offer of employment, must apply for authorization on their school visa, and receive an updated 1-20 form.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) internships differ from CPT internships in that they do not necessarily have to be a part of the student’s academic curriculum and can be done either while still enrolled (pre-completion OPT) or after the student graduates (post-completion OPT) or both (all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT). OPT is however, unavailable to F-1 students in English language training programs. Authorization for OPT internships does not require an offer of employment but requires an endorsement of the 1-20 form from the student’s designated school official, along with a notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and the filing of a Form 1-765, Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Certain students are eligible for an extension of the OPT period (up to 24 additional months for certain STEM majors). Applications can be submitted at any time prior to the expiration of a current OPT. If a student is offered full-time employment after their internship, they can petition to change their visa status from OPT to H1-B during their 60-day departure preparation periods.

What about entrepreneurs? F-1 students are eligible to start an entrepreneurial endeavor as long as it relates to their program of study and they are approved for OPT, either before or after graduation. Starting a business will rule out a student’s eligibility for the STEM OPT extension, since the applicant cannot be listed as their own employer.

Once an international student accepts an internship offer, the paperwork is fairly simple. First, the student must request a written offer from company headquarters on official letterhead that includes details such as the beginning and end date, the number of hours, pay, position title, supervisor, contact information, etc. The letter must then be brought to the university’s international student affairs office where they will process the necessary documents (usually between 3-5 days) and then present the student with a letter for the Social Security office. The processing of the letter typically takes a couple of hours in-person and then an additional two weeks until the student receives his or her official social security number. A small but important detail is that on-campus or CPT work must begin at least 15 but no more than 30 days from the application date.

Learning from Current International Students

Dandan Zhao, a visiting graduate student from Henan province in midland China found the internship recruiting process to be somewhat more difficult than she had anticipated. First of all, the environment is extremely competitive. Companies tend to already be somewhat hesitant about the possible language and cultural barriers associated with hiring a foreign student, not to mention the fear of investing in a potential hire that could be lost due to the H1-B lottery process. Not only are non U.S. citizen students competing against native-born Americans, but also scores of other internationals, working hard to go above and beyond to get the attention of recruiters. Dandan knew she had to work even “harder” than her American peers so she started to apply….to everything. “I began to interview with different companies 2-3 times a week. It was a lot but I think it made a difference in helping prepare me to better understand these companies and improve my interview skills.” This shotgun approach eventually landed Dandan a product management position with a global medical technology company for the summer.

Now at the half-way point of her internship, Dandan has found that the challenges for internationals don’t end with recruiting. While her coworkers are all very nice and helpful whenever she has questions, Dandan finds the nuances of American comedy to be the most tricky cultural hurdle in her daily routine. “I work on a very small, close team and I am the only intern. I’ve realized that there are some jokes that you just cannot understand, maybe about Star Wars or things you aren’t familiar with so you won’t get that sense of humor. Sometimes you just won’t be able to laugh at those jokes with your team and I find that very hard.” One way in which Dandan combats this potentially isolating situation is by being “really active”. “I try to be approachable and participate in all the activities. People are always asking me, ‘do you want to come to this activity?’ or ‘do you want to join this meeting?’ and I just automatically say yes.”

Prakash Singh moved to the U.S. from Bihar, India in the midst of the hot-button immigration issues of the 2016 election. He believes that this political climate had a direct effect on his internship recruiting efforts. “It was tricky, especially with the change of the new government and how the Trump administration is going to affect policies moving forward for those wanting to stay here and get a job. It was hard, harder than in years past.” Prakash learned quickly that he had a better chance of getting recruited to a company with an international presence, in the case that he got a job offer but not a work visa, he could be transferred to another location. Prakash eventually settled on Equinix, Inc., an American multinational interconnection company where he now works as a business analyst intern in San Francisco.

Whether company culture or American culture, he’s not sure, but Prakash noticed right away that the atmosphere was much different than his previous work as a software engineer analyst at Accenture, back home in India. “There don’t seem to be as many work deadlines – it seems a little more relaxed here. People have a lot of time to talk with their colleagues.” While it may not be what he’s used to, it’s clear Prakash has followed his own advice to, “Be receptive to a new culture and ideas. Don’t oppose the new things that you see. Be quick to learn and be confident to use what you learn and adapt to those changes. I have more and more interactions with people on my floor and around my cubicle, which is really good because I can create good relationships and learn a lot about the company.” Prakash is quick to add that it takes more than just passively accepting new practices from the people around you to succeed as an international student. “You have to make a good impression. Show them that you can do more than what they are expecting. If not, the company will say, ‘anybody can do that’. You really have to do something more, something out of the box, something they have not thought of or done before. Don’t be afraid to bring your unique experiences to the organization.”

When Lei Wang left hometown city of Yantai, China (population of over 6.5 million), she probably didn’t envision herself switching universities halfway through her graduate program or ending up working as the human resource talent acquisition intern at an outdoor gear company in Farmington, Utah (population of 22,159). When Lei talks about her experiences with recruiting, however, it is clear that flexibility and open-mindedness have been the keys to her success. Like most international students, Lei started by making a list of companies that are known to sponsor non-U.S. citizens for internships and jobs but unlike many of her peers, Lei chose to not limit herself. Companies like Dell, have repeatedly said that they do not offer sponsorships for human resources interns but Lei continued to network with the on-campus recruiters and student alumni and decided to go through with the application process anyway. “Make yourself necessary, and they’ll pick you,” she said, and they did just that. While she didn’t end up accepting that offer, Lei still learned a lot from the experience. “Be open to all opportunities! Some students give up because they see a company doesn’t offer sponsorship. A company may close the door but might open up a window for a sneak peak. If you want to stay in the U.S. you need to be very flexible in order to get a job. You don’t know which person could bring you the right resources or refer you to another company that does offer sponsorship.”

It is this same flexibility that has allowed Lei to explore several different options and discover that what she really enjoys doing is not necessarily what she came to America thinking she would pursue. Lately she has even considered returning to China to start her own business. “It’s quite common to not know what you really want when you first come to study in the U.S. Be flexible and don’t be afraid when there is something you want to change. Most students are still young and it doesn’t matter if they take some time to discover themselves.”

Roli Shukla is a self-declared introvert but hails from Delhi, one of the largest metropolitan areas in northern India. In terms of recruiting, Roli’s biggest struggle was answering the ambiguous question, “What makes you a good fit for this company?” “It’s not easy to know whether you fit with the company’s profile or not or to know how to demonstrate whether you’re a good fit – it’s a different culture – it was confusing… I don’t know anything about U.S. work culture and obviously the interviewer knows that I won’t know anything about it.” Roli figured that the best way she could prepare herself for these sorts of “culture evaluations” was to get as much information as she possibly could about the company. She read up on websites like Glassdoor and talked to everyone she could find who had interned there previously and also called current employees to ask more in-depth questions about the company values and overall work atmosphere.

This approach wasn’t meant to help Roli ‘trick’ the interviewer into thinking she was a good fit – it primarily helped Roli assess whether or not she herself would be happy at the company. According to Roli, being genuine with both the recruiters and yourself is essential. “Just be honest. During my interview, I think my honesty is what really helped me – I think it’s really valued. Just be open and frank and tell them if you have genuine questions. I think when you are honest, people are more willing and able to help you.”

In true introvert fashion, information gathering is one of Roli’s preferred tools. Not only has it helped her land a corporate strategy internship position with Fortune 500 company, Meritor Inc., it has also helped her adapt to the same cultural subtleties that she felt nervous discussing throughout the interview process.

Indian culture tends to have a reputation of hierarchy and a strong top-down structure throughout its society and organizations. In the corporate world Roli was used to, there is a large power distance between employees and their supervisors, that is workers are very much dependent on the boss for direction. To Roli, it seemed natural on her first day to ask what time she should be expected at work the next day. “Sometime between 7 – 9 am, he said. It was a shock to me that he gave me a range and not a particular time. But I realized that’s just how it must work here. For the first whole week I would ask for his permission to leave at the end of the day and I could see that he thought ‘Okay, why is she doing that?’ I realized that’s not something that happens a lot here so I started watching my coworkers and following them. That’s why observation is really great – it’s not specific to American culture but can help you adapt from one corporate culture to another.”

So while navigating the world of American internships may not always be simple, it is certainly not impossible. From the undecided Chinese explorer to the shy Indian observer, there is room for all personality types and backgrounds in the American workplace, so long as they are able to pick up on expectations, be versatile, and above all else, work hard.

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Para inglés, haga clic aquí.

Estados Unidos tiene un largo y orgulloso historial de acogimiento e integración de inmigrantes. El número de personas que han obtenido la residencia legal permanente en los Estados Unidos anualmente se ha mantenido en alrededor de 1 millón, durante los últimos años, según el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional la Oficina de Estadísticas de Inmigración. Si quiere ser uno de ellos, esta guía es para usted. Lo guiaremos por todo el proceso de la Green Card de principio a fin.

Ways To Apply for a Green Card

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¿Qué es una “Green Card”?

Cuando a un inmigrante se le concede la condición de residente permanente legal en los Estados Unidos, esto también es conocido como “obtener una Green Card.” Esto significa que ha sido autorizado a vivir y trabajar en este país de manera permanente.

Como prueba de ello, el gobierno de los EE.UU. requiere que lleve consigo su tarjeta de residente permanente, comúnmente conocida como green card (o la tarjeta verde, cuando se emitió inicialmente hace años y desde entonces ha pasado por numerosos rediseños y cambios de color, y actualemte son de color verde nuevamente).

Además del derecho a vivir y trabajar en los Estados Unidos permanentemente, hay muchos otros beneficios de obtener una tarjeta verde:

• Patrocinar a familiars directos para que soliciten sus propias Green Cards.
  
• Viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos y regresar sin alterar su estado migratorio.
• Una vez que usted haya tenido su Green Card por cinco años, puede solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense.
• Ser elegible para recibir los beneficios de la Seguridad Social después de 10 años de trabajo.
• Calificar para el descuento estatal en estudios universitarios.

¿Cómo convertirse en un residente permanente (portador de Green
Card)?

Are you eligible to apply for a Green Card?

Take the Quiz

Hay algunas maneras diferentes en que puede convertirse en portador de una Green Card:

• Ser patrocinado por un familiar que sea ciudadano o residente permanente de los Estados Unidos.
• El patrocinio recibido por una oferta de empleo permanente en los Estados Unidos o a través de la creación de su propia empresa.
• Mediante la obtención del estado de refugiado o asilo, o a través de algún otro programa humanitario.

Además, en algunos casos, usted puede aplicar por usted mismo, proceso también conocido como solicitar una Green Card a través de la auto-petición.

Averigüe si usted es elegible para aplicar

Para calificar para una Green Card, debe cumplir los siguientes requisitos:

1. Debe pertenecer a una de las categorías de inmigrantes establecidos por la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA)
2. Usted debe tener una petición de inmigración calificable y aprobada (con pocas excepciones)
3. Debe haber una visa de inmigrante inmediatamente disponible para usted
4. Usted debe ser admisible en los Estados Unidos

1. Categorías de Inmigrante Disponibles

• a. Basadas en familia
• b. Trabajo o empleo
• c. Estatus de refugiado o de asilo político

Importante: algunos solicitantes pueden aplicar a través de varias categorías a la vez. Conocida como la presentación simultánea del formulario I-485, Solicitud para registrar residencia permanente o ajuste de estatus, visite el sitio web de USCIS para ver si usted califica para presentar simultáneamente.

a. ¿Quién es elegible para la categoría basada en la familia?

Usted puede calificar para una Green Card si su(s) familar(es)son:

• Un pariente inmediato de un ciudadano americano: Esto incluye a los cónyuges, hijos solteros menores de 21 años, y padres de ciudadanos estadounidenses de 21 años o mayores.
• Otro miembro de la familia de un ciudadano de los EE.UU.:
  Esto incluye a los hijos solteros mayores de 21 años, hijo(s) casados de cualquier edad, y los hermanos y hermanas de ciudadanos estadounidenses de 21 años o mayores.
• Un miembro de la familia de un residente permanente legal: Esto incluye a los cónyuges e hijos solteros del patrocinador residente permanente legal.

Además de las categorías anteriores, siendo un miembro de otra categoría especial puede calificar para obtener una tarjeta verde basada en la familia. Estos incluyen a:

• Esposo(a) o niño(a) maltratados
• Un no-inmigrante de visa K
• Una persona nacida de un diplomático extranjero en los Estados Unidos
• Un no-inmigrante de visa V
• Viudo(a) de un ciudadano norteamericano

Nota importante: hay un orden de preferencia para las personas que desean inmigrar a los Estados Unidos basadas en la familia. Primera Preferencia va a la primera de las categorías mencionadas anteriormente, familiares inmediatos de un ciudadano estadounidense. Para ver completo el orden de preferencia para los miembros de la familia, visite el sitio web de USCIS.

b. ¿Quién es elegible para la categoría basada en empleo?

Usted puede calificar para un green card en base a una oferta de trabajo o sus planes de invertir en la economía de los Estados Unidos y crear puestos de trabajo. La categoría basada en empleo incluye:

Green Card a través de una oferta de trabajo: Esto también se conoce como el patrocinio a través de un empleador – en otras palabras, cuando un empleador patrocina una
Green Card a través de la inversión o emprendimiento. Los inversores inmigrantes/empresarios que están invirtiendo en un negocio basado en EE.UU. – que crea nuevos empleos en Estados Unidos pueden ser elegibles para recibir una Green Card.

Green Card a través de categorías especiales de trabajos: Usted puede ser capaz de obtener una tarjeta de residencia por trabajar o haber trabajado en una de las siguientes categorías especiales establecidos por el gobierno de los EE.UU.:

• Traductor de Afgano/Iraquí
• Miembro de las fuerzas armadas
• Radiodifusor
• Empleado de una organización internacional
• Ciudadano Iraquí que brindó ayuda al gobierno de los Estados Unidos
• Ciudadano Afgano que brindó ayuda al gobierno de los Estados Unidos
• OTAN-6 no-inmigrante
• Empleado del canal de Panamá
• Médico de categoría NIW
• Trabajador religioso

Nota importante: también hay un orden de preferencia para las personas que desean inmigrar a los Estados Unidos por empleo. Primera Preferencia va a “trabajadores prioritarios”, incluyendo profesores e investigadores excepcionales y otras personas con habilidades extraordinarias. Para ver completo el orden de preferencia para los trabajadores, visite el sitio web de USCIS.

c. ¿Quién es elegible para la categoría de refugiados o solicitantes de asilo?

Usted puede ser capaz de obtener una Green Card a través de su condición de refugiado o asilado. .

• Si es un refugiado, la ley requiere que usted solicite su Green Card dentro de un año de haber ingresado a los EE.UU.
• Si se le ha concedido asilo político en los Estados Unidos, la ley requiere que usted solicite su Green Card dentro de 1 año de haber obtenido el asilo

2. ¿Quién es elegible para la petición de inmigrante?

Si usted pertenece a una de las categorías antes mencionadas, su petición deberá ser presentada en su nombre (usted como beneficiario). La petición establece el fundamento para la inmigración y la clasificación o categoría a la que pertenece.

• Para las personas que inmigran en base a la familia, el peticionario deberá presentar
  el Formulario I-130, Petición Para Familiar Extranjero
• Para las personas que inmigran por empleo, el peticionario deberá presentarel Formulario I-140, Petición de Inmigrante Para Trabajador Extranjero

Hay dos excepciones al requisito de petición:

• Como se mencionó anteriormente, un número limitado de inmigrantes pueden aplicar a la auto-petición
• La mayoría de las personas que inmigran basándose en estado de refugiados o solicitantes de asilo, están exentos del requisito de petición

3. Disponibilidad de visas

El tercer factor es la elegibilidad: debe existir una visa de inmigrante disponible para usted. Con la excepción de familiares inmediatos de ciudadanos estadounidenses – para quienes siempre están disponibles, existen límites en el número de visas de inmigrantes que el Congreso otorga cada año.

Además, hay prioridades y preferencias para conceder los visados. Visite el sitio web del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos para informarse sobre el orden de preferencia de las visas de inmigrantes basadas en la familia y el número de visas que se otorgarán en cada categoría para este año fiscal.

4. Admisibilidad a los Estados Unidos

Todos los que deseen obtener una visa de inmigrante (y solicitar cualquier ajuste de estatus) deben demostrar que son elegibles para la admisión a los Estados Unidos.

¿Qué haría alguien inadmisible? Los motivos de inadmisibilidad son establecidos por el Congreso y son particulares de la categoría bajo la que emigraban. Estos factores incluyen:

• Razones financieras. El familiar que patrocina debe ser capaz de apoyarle financieramente, para asegurar que usted no va a depender de la asistencia pública.
• Razones relacionadas con la salud. No puede tener una enfermedad que lo convierta en un riesgo para la salud pública, ni puede tener un trastorno físico o mental peligroso.
• Historial migratorio. Si alguna vez ha entrado a los Estados Unidos ilegalmente o ha permanecido ilegalmente durante 6 meses o más después de que su visa ha expirado, puede ser considerado inadmisible.
• Antecedentes penales. Los solicitantes que hayan sido acusados o condenados por ciertos delitos, como delitos que involucran violencia, delitos relacionados con drogas y/o terrorismo, pueden ser considerados inadmisibles.

Si usted ha sido considerado inadmisible en los EE.UU., puede solicitar la exención por ciertos motivos de inadmisibilidad. Esta es una renuncia solicitada utilizando el formulario I-601, Solicitud de Renuncia de la Causa de Inadmisibilidad.

¿Existen programas especiales de inmigración?

Aunque la mayoría de los inmigrantes vienen a vivir permanentemente en los EE.UU. a través de un miembro de la familia o el patrocinio del empleador, hay otras maneras de obtener la Green Card. Algunos de estos programas incluyen: inmigrantes especiales:

• El Programa de Diversidad de Visas de Inmigrante. Administrado por el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos y conocido como el “green card lottery”, este programa otorga hasta 50.000 visas de inmigrante al año para personas de países con bajas tasas de inmigración a los EE.UU. Los beneficiarios son seleccionados en un sorteo al azar.
• Viudo(a) de un ciudadano de los EE.UU. (y algunas otras categorías de viudo(a)s). Si están casados con un ciudadano estadounidense en el momento de la muerte del ciudadano, usted puede ser elegible para una Green Card. Además, un viudo(a) con o sin una petición pendiente o aprobado de inmigrante y un viudo(a) de un miembro militar estadounidense también pueden ser elegibles.
• La Acta de Equidad Familiar de inmigración legal (LIFE). Bajo esta ley, ciertas personas que se encuentran en este país en circunstancias que normalmente les impiden obtener una tarjeta verde, puede ser concedida.
• Estados especiales de menores inmigrantes. Este programa ayuda a los niños extranjeros que han sido abusados, abandonados o descuidados, durante su estancia en los EE.UU.
• Green Card para un niño(a) amerasiáticos de un ciudadano estadounidense. En virtud de este programa, las personas engendradas por un ciudadano estadounidense nacido en Corea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea (Camboya), o Tailandia entre el 1 de enero de 1951 y el 21 de octubre de 1982, podrán obtener una tarjeta verde.

Visite el sitio web de USCIS para obtener una lista completa de programas especiales de green card.

¿Qué pasa si no soy elegible para nada? ¿Y ahora qué?

Si desea averiguar para qué opciones puede ser elegible, puede ver esta lista de nuestras organizaciones favoritas sin fines de lucro que pueden ayudarle. . También le ofrecemos la opción de Establecer una consulta con un abogado de inmigración

Llenar y enviar al gobierno (USCIS) los formularios correspondientes a su categoría.

Ahora que usted está familiarizado con los requisitos para obtener una Green Card y las condiciones bajo las cuales puede calificar, el resto de esta guía está dedicado al proceso de aplicación.

A continuación, se muestra una lista de los formularios USCIS relacionados con la Green Card. Encuentre los formularios que coincidan con su categoría y llénelos según las instrucciones. Es muy importante comprobar que haya llenado todos los formularios necesarios correspondientes a su situación particular.

Aspectos importantes a recordar:

• ¡Usted debe firmar los formularios! El USCIS rechazará la solicitud si los formularios se presentan sin su firma.
• Pruebas: Sólo envíe copias de sus documentos (también conocido como evidencia) al enviar los formularios, salvo que el USCIS haya pedido concretamente los documentos originales. Si usted presenta originales cuando no es requerido, sus documentos originales pueden ser destruidos o jamás devueltos.
• Notificación Electrónica: Si envía su aplicación al lockbox en Chicago, Phoenix, o Lewisville, Texas, usted puede solicitar recibir un mensaje por correo electrónico y/o texto cuando su solicitud sea aceptada. Para solicitar este archivo, Formulario G-1145.
• Actualizaciones de estado: Después de enviar la solicitud, asegúrese de mantenerse actualizado acerca de su caso a través de nuestro Checador de estado de USCIS.

Formularios para residencia legal/Green Card

Formulario G-325A | Información biográfica

Formulario I-90 | Solicitud para reemplazar la tarjeta de residente permanente

Formulario I-129F | Petición de para novio(a) extranjero(a)

Formulario I-130 | Petición para Pariente Extranjero

Formulario I-131 | Solicitud de documento de viaje

Formulario I-140 | Petición de inmigrante para trabajador extranjero

Formulario I-191 | Solicitud de medidas cautelares en virtud de la antigua Sección 212(c) de la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA)

Formulario I-360 | Petición de viudo(a) amerasiáticos,

Formulario I-485 de inmigrantes especiales | Solicitud de registro de residencia permanente o ajuste de estatus

Formulario I-485 suplemento A | un suplemento al formulario I-485, Ajuste de Estatus bajo la Sección 245(i)

Formulario I-485 suplemento J | Confirmación de bona fide de oferta de trabajo o solicitud de portabilidad de trabajo bajo INA Sección 204(j) el

Formulario I-508 | Solicitud de renuncia a ciertos derechos, privilegios, exenciones e inmunidades

Formulario I-508F | Solicitud de renuncia de derechos, privilegios, exenciones e inmunidades de los ciudadanos franceses

Formulario I-526 | Petición de Inmigración Empresario Inmigrante

Formulario I-566 | Registro interagencial de Petición – A, G o autorización de empleo dependiente de la OTAN o de cambio/ajuste a/desde un estado de la OTAN, G.

Formulario I-589 | Solicitud de asilo y para retención de extracción

Formulario I-601 | Solicitud de renuncia de motivos de inadmisibilidad

Formulario I-602 | Solicitud de renuncia de refugiados

Formulario I-612 | Solicitud de dispensa del requisito de residencia de extranjeros (bajo la Sección 212(e) de la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad, en su forma enmendada)

Formulario I-643 | Status de Salud y Servicios Humanos y datos estadísticos de refugiado/asilado/a>

Formulario I-693 | Informe de examen médico y de vacunación

Formulario I-730 | Petición relativa a refugiado/asilado

Formulario I-751 | Petición para Eliminar las Condiciones de Residencia

Formulario I-765 | Solicitud de Autorización de Empleo

Formulario I-824 | Solicitud de acción sobre una aplicación autorizada o Petición

Formulario de petición I-829 | Petición por el empresario para remover las condiciones sobre la condición de residente permanente

Formulario I-854 | testigo extranjero Interinstitucional e Informante Registro

Formulario I-864 | Declaración Jurada de Apoyo Económico Bajo la Sección 213A de la Ley de Inmigración y Naturalización

Formulario I-864A | Contrato Entre el Patrocinador y Miembro del Hogar

Formulario I-864EZ | Declaración Jurada de Apoyo Económico bajo la Sección 213A de la Ley de Inmigración y Naturalización

Formulario I-864P | Guías de Pobreza del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos para Declaración Jurada de Patrocinio Económico

Formulario I-864W | Solicitud de Exención para el Futuro Inmigrante Declaración Jurada de Apoyo Económico bajo la Sección 213A de la Ley de Inmigración y Naturalización

Formulario I-914 | Solicitud de Estatus de no-inmigrante T

Formulario I-918 | Solicitud de Estatus de no-inmigrante U

Formulario I-929 | Petición para la calificación de un miembro de la familia U-1 de No Inmigrante

Wow, esto es confuso, ¿hay otra manera más fácil?

Si todo lo anterior parece confuso, es porque realmente lo es. Sin embargo, nuestra solución no sólo es fácil de usar, sino que también es una fracción del costo de contratar a un abogado de inmigración. Haga clic aquí para construir su propia aplicación de Green Card en línea con SimpleCitizen.

>>Lea el artículo en WIRED: SimpleCitizen, un TurboTax de inmigración, le permite saltar los honorarios legales<<

¿Qué es SimpleCitizen?

SimpleCitizen online es una solución de software que permite a los inmigrantes a alcanzar su sueño americano mientras ahorra millones de dólares en honorarios legales innecesarios.

Cómo funciona: SimpleCitizen es un asistente paso a paso que pide a los solicitantes todas la información necesaria para completar sus trámites de inmigración. Al finalizar, los usuarios imprimen el formulario completado y lo envían por correo a USCIS. Todo esto se hace a través de la plataforma, sin los altos costos de un paralegal o abogado de inmigración.

>>Lea el artículo en TechCrunch: Obtener un Green Card con SimpleCitizen es más sencillo

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Presentar la solicitud por su propia cuenta vs. contratar un abogado vs. utilizar SimpleCitizen.

Cuando se presenta solicitud por cuenta propia. usted puede ir a través de todo el proceso de inmigración sin contratar a un abogado o pagar algo distinto a la presentación de las tarifas del gobierno asociadas con los formularios. Todos los formularios están disponibles de forma gratuita en el sitio web de USCIS, como son las instrucciones. Definitivamente esta es la opción más barata, pero puede no ser la más fácil o la más inteligente.

El Proceso de la Green Card es sumamente complejo y difícil, y a menudo está plagado de dudas por aquellos solicitantes que realizan el proceso solos. ¿Envío todas las formas juntas? ¿ ¿Será la manera correcta de llenarlas? Cuál es la regla para esta situación, o los requisitos? ¿Qué pasa si usted tiene preguntas – ¿a quién preguntar? Si presenta su aplicación al gobierno por su propia cuenta usted puede que no cuente con una ruta directa a una Green Card, especialmente si usted tiene circunstancias que podrían hacer que usted sea inadmisible a los EE.UU.

Cuando usted contrata a un abogado. La contratación de un abogado no es obligatoria por ley, pero pueden ser de gran ayuda, especialmente si usted tiene una situación que es complicada. Es reconfortante tener un abogado profesional de inmigración quien le guiará por el proceso. Todas las conjeturas y dudas que están presentes cuando presente su aplicación no serán problema si contrata un abogado.

La desventaja es que los abogados de inmigración son caros – hasta $300 o más por una hora. Si tiene a un abogado que le guíe a través del proceso de solicitud de Green Card, seguramente esto representa miles de dólares en honorarios legales por encima de los honorarios que tiene que pagar al gobierno por aplicar. Esta es una opción muy costosa para un proceso que no es barato para empezar.

Cuando utiliza SimpleCitizen. . SimpleCitizen es la perfecta solución. No pase horas tratando de descifrar todo el proceso de solicitud de Green Card por su cuenta, y tampoco tiene que gastar miles de dólares en contratar un abogado. Nuestro software le guiará a través de la aplicación en línea, y usted puede incluso tener su papelería revisada por uno de nuestros profesionales abogados de inmigración. Lo guiaremos a través de cada paso de la preparación de su aplicación – y cuando termine, incluso lo imprimimos y enviamos por correo a usted para incluir las firmas y los pagos al gobierno.

Con SimpleCitizen, tiene ayuda para completar todos los formularios y navegar en este proceso largo y confuso, pero sin los altos honorarios de abogado.

Sabe: Si usa SimpleCitizen y USCIS rechaza su solicitud, le reembolsaremos el 100% de las tarifas del gobierno.

Historias de éxito con SimpleCitizen

Ha & Mickey: “El sitio web y la interfaz de usuario hace que sea muy fácil para cualquier persona el llenar sus papeles con éxito. SimpleCitizen se ha diseñado de manera que puede terminar rápidamente todo el papeleo que necesita, comenzando por contestando toda la información en los campos especificados en cuestionarios. ¡Lo que es más importante, SimpleCitizen me envió por correo mi paquete con todos los formularios completados en el orden correcto, dejándome con el paso más fácil de todos – enviarlo a la oficina de la USCIS!”.

Olivia & Nick: “Yo no tenía idea de cómo empezar, pero SimpleCitizen caminó conmigo a través de todo el proceso y una semana más tarde mi aplicación llegó a mi casa con todo listo. Todo lo que tuve que hacer fue firmarlo y enviarlo al gobierno. Tengo un montón de amigos y familiares, y yo siempre recomiendo SimpleCitizen a ellos. ¡Gran servicio!”.

Claudia: “SimpleCitizen hizo el proceso de solicitud de Green Card más fácil y más barato para mí. SimpleCitizen hizo lo que hubiera un sido proceso muy estresante y muy costoso de una manera fácil y rápida. Estoy agradecido por su plataforma única y amable servicio al cliente. Voy a recomendar sus servicios a mis amigos y a mi familia. ¡Gracias SimpleCitizen!”

>> Lea muchas más historias de éxito aquí

Inscríbase para SimpleCitizen hoy y elimine las confusiones y dificultades del proceso de la Green Card.

No tiene que intentar navegar por el proceso green card usted mismo, y no tiene que pagar los excesivos honorarios del abogado. SimpleCitizen es amigable, el software es intuitive y le guiará a través de la aplicación de la Green Card. Solicitar una Green Card en la fracción del costo de utilizar de un abogado – con toda la comodidad de tener una guía en el camino. Su sueño americano le aguarda, y SimpleCitizen puede ayudar a lograrlo.

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1. Track Your Status

USCIS Case Status Checker Tool

Keep track of your status and requirements. Make sure you know all the rules about your legal status—many international students have gotten in trouble over simple things, like taking too few credits in a semester or starting the wrong kind of job. As long as you have a clear understanding of what you should and should not do, you will be fine. The U.S. State Department’s website educationusa.state.gov offers excellent resources to help you understand the ins and outs of studying in the U.S.

2. International Student Services

National Universities With a Strong International Student Presence

Find the international student services office at your school. If you haven’t discovered your school’s office dedicated to assisting international students, do it as soon as you can. These offices can answer your questions on your legal status, familiarize you with the school’s culture, and invite you to events specially directed toward international students like you. Campus international student offices can also introduce you to other international students who are having similar experiences as you. There are plenty of people who have gone through exactly what you are going through now and can give you tried-and-true advice.

3. Make Connections

How To Make Friends in College or University

Make connections. During college, the people you meet are often just as important as the education you receive. As the saying goes, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” The connections you make now can give you a valuable advantage both academically and professionally. Talk to professors during office hours, chat with career and academic advisors, and get to know your neighbors and classmates. Fortunately, you probably won’t be the only person on campus hoping to make connections. If you don’t have one already, set up a LinkedIn account to help you keep in touch with the people you meet in a professional setting.

4. Stay Positive

Learn English Online

Give yourself time to learn. Even if your country of origin is relatively similar to the United States, there will still be a culture shock. There is no need or expectation for you to be perfectly adapted to American life right away. Be observant and try to pick up on American habits and cultural tendencies. If English is a new language to you, be patient with yourself. When talking to professors, don’t be afraid to explain any difficulties you are having — you might be surprised how flexible and supportive they can be. You have worked hard just to make it here: don’t let yourself get discouraged now.

5. Be prepared for possible discrimination

Dealing with Discrimination at School

Unfortunately, be prepared for possible discrimination. Some people might not like your accent, your customs, or your opinions. As one student from Mexico said, “I wish I knew [before coming to the U.S.] that my English wouldn’t be perfect, that I would have an accent and some people would not like it. Discrimination is real, so you just have to learn how to live with it and understand that there is not much you can do besides representing your country the best way you can.” If you feel like you are being harassed or are in a hostile environment, contact the appropriate people (depending on the severity and circumstances, this could be the university international office, university administration, or the local police).

6. Find the Right Housing

5 Websites to help you find off-campus housing

Pick the right place to live. Are you interested in living on campus or off campus? There are usually all sorts of different residences for different interests and demographics, including dorms for all sorts of foreign language speakers. Look into the various price ranges, requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of your housing options to find just the right fit for your needs.

7. Have Some Fun!

11 Fun, Safe, And Completely Legal Ways To Have Fun In College

Enjoy an elective. Even with a tightly scheduled education, you will probably still have time for at least one class that’s just for fun. College is a time to explore your interests, so why not get a few credit hours while you are at it? Indulge your passions–jazz history, ceramics, tennis, whatever. You never know – the class you signed up for on a whim could lead you to a life-long passion. You often regret what you don’t do more than what you actually do.

8. Join a Club

Join a club or group. Or several. If in the course of taking your elective, you find something you really like, check to see if there is a club for it. Colleges are famous for having tons of fun, odd, delightful, and dynamic clubs. Whether you want to get involved with pressing social issues or just hang out with other students who love unicycle juggling as much as you do, clubs are the perfect outlet for expressing your interests and passions. Watch out for fairs and exhibitions that show off the different clubs. You never know if you might find your new group of best friends in a club.

9. Buy Your Books Online

CampusBooks.com – Buy, Sell, and Rent Textbooks Online

Buy your books online. While college bookstores are convenient and accessible, they are often your most expensive option. Amazon and other online retailers sell the books you need for class much cheaper. Unless your professor says otherwise, used books are almost always perfectly fine for classwork. Additionally, many online retailers (particularly Amazon) offer book rentals, which is an even cheaper option and saves you the headache of having to sell your books back at the end of the term. Just be sure to avoid damaging or marking up the books to the point where the retailers charge you for damages.

10. Get the Right Apps

Laptopmag.com – Best Apps For Students

Get the right apps. Having the right app on your phone can make your college experience much more convenient. If your college has its own app, it can be a valuable resource to keep you in the loop and engaged. See if you can make it onto your campus or local Snap Story on SnapChat, and take a look through Tinder if you are interested in finding a date. Of course, social networking apps are pretty much essential: Facebook and LinkedIn are invaluable tools to help you stay connected and informed.

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Guide to replacing or correcting USCIS documents. Learn how to use Form I-90 for a lost or incorrect green card and how to update other immigration records.

Fixing or Replacing Your Immigration Documents: A Simple Guide

After going through the long immigration process, the last thing you want to do is lose all your documents. But if worse comes to worse, and it gets stolen, what do you do?

It can be stressful, but there actually is a process for correcting or replacing these essential documents. This guide will walk you through the common steps for handling lost, stolen, or incorrect immigration documents.

Replacing Your Green Card (Lost, Stolen, or Expiring)

If your Green Card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or is expiring, you will need to file an application to replace it.

• The Form to Use: The main application is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
  
  
• When to File:
  
  • Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated: You should file Form I-90 as soon as you realize your card is gone or damaged.
  • Expiring Card: If you have a 10-year green card, USCIS recommends filing to renew it within the 6 months before it expires. (Note: Do NOT use Form I-90 to renew a 2-year conditional green card; for that, you must file Form I-751 to remove conditions. However, Form I-90 SHOULD be used if the 2-year green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect).
    
    
• How to File: You can typically file Form I-90 online through a myUSCIS account, which is often the fastest and easiest method.

Correcting an Error on Your Green Card or Other Document

If you receive your card and notice a mistake, like a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect visa category, you must get it corrected. Here are your options:

1. If the Error Was Made by USCIS:

• If you can show that the mistake was a government error, you typically do not have to pay a new filing fee to get it corrected.
• You will still likely need to file Form I-90 (for a green card) or contact USCIS to have other documents (like an EAD or travel document) reissued. You'll need to submit the incorrect card along with evidence showing the correct information and proving the error was not yours.

2. If the Error Was Your Fault:

• If the mistake happened because of incorrect information you provided on your original application, you will generally have to file a new application and pay the full fee to get a corrected document.

The "Typographic Error" Conundrum: Sometimes, USCIS will consider correcting minor typos on documents other than green cards without a new application, but this is not guaranteed. The best first step is to check the official USCIS instructions or contact them through your online account.

What if My Card Was Mailed but Never Arrived?

This is a frustrating, but not impossible, situation. If your USCIS online account shows that your card was mailed but you never received it, there is a specific process to follow.

• Check Your Address: First, double-check that the address USCIS has on file for you is correct.
  
  
• Submit an Inquiry: You can submit an inquiry for a "non-delivery" of a card through your USCIS online account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center.
  
  
• Timing is Key: There are specific timeframes for reporting non-delivery. If too much time passes, USCIS may require you to file a new application (like Form I-90) and pay the fee again. It's important to act quickly if you think your card was lost in the mail.

Updating Your Information (Like a Legal Name Change)

Life changes, and your documents sometimes need to change, too.

• Legal Name Change: If you legally change your name (for reasons other than marriage, which is often handled during the green card process itself), you'll need to update your documents. For a green card, this means filing Form I-90 and providing a copy of the official court order or other legal proof of your name change.
  
  
• Other Biographic Information: If other personal information changes, you should check the specific USCIS guidelines for how to update it. Keeping your information current is an important responsibility.

Why Keeping Your Documents Safe and Accurate is So Important

Your Green Card (Form I-551) or EAD card are official proof of your identity and your status to live or work in the United States. You'll typically need them for:

• Getting a job.
• Applying for a driver's license or state ID.
• Traveling and re-entering the United States (for green card holders).
• Applying for a mortgage or other financial services.
• Eventually applying for U.S. citizenship.

If your document is lost, stolen, or has incorrect information, it can cause major problems. It's important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Dealing with a lost or incorrect immigration document can feel like a major setback, but thankfully USCIS has established processes to fix these problems. The most important thing is to act promptly and follow the official instructions on the USCIS website.

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You have your green card, congratulations! Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a new U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident to help maintain your status.

Your New Rights and Responsibilities

Congratulations! Receiving your green card (officially called a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) is a life-changing milestone. It means you have been granted permission to live and work in the United States permanently.

Now that you're a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), it's important to understand both the new rights you've gained and the key responsibilities you must follow to maintain your status. This guide breaks down what you need to know as you start your new life in the U.S.

Your Rights as a Green Card Holder

As a Lawful Permanent Resident, you now have many of the same rights as U.S. citizens.

Here’s what you can now do:

• Live Permanently in the U.S.: You have the right to live anywhere you choose in the United States.
• Work Legally in the U.S.: You can work at almost any job without needing a special work permit (EAD). (Note: Some federal jobs may be restricted to U.S. citizens only).
• Own Property: You have the right to own a house, car, and other property in the United States.
• Be Protected by Law: You are protected by all federal, state, and local laws of the United States.
• Apply for a Driver's License: You can apply for a driver's license in your state or territory.
• Attend Public Schools and Colleges: You are eligible to attend public schools and colleges.
• Travel Outside the U.S.: You can travel internationally. However, there are important rules about how long you can be outside the U.S. without risking your permanent resident status (more on that below).
• Sponsor Relatives: You can file immigrant petitions (using Form I-130) for certain immediate family members, like your spouse and unmarried children, to get their own green cards.
• Receive Social Security Benefits: If you meet the requirements (usually by working and paying taxes for a certain number of years), you can receive Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
• Apply for U.S. Citizenship: After meeting certain requirements (like living in the U.S. for three or five years), you can apply to become a U.S. citizen.

Your Responsibilities as a Green Card Holder

Maintaining your permanent resident status means following certain rules. These responsibilities are very important.

Here’s what you are required to do:

• Obey All Laws: You must obey all federal, state, and local laws. Committing certain crimes can put you at risk of being deported and losing your green card.
  
  
• File Your Taxes: You must file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and your state's tax department every year, just like U.S. citizens.
  
  
• Carry Your Green Card: It's generally recommended to carry proof of your permanent resident status with you. While you don't always need the physical card in your pocket every minute, you should have it available as your official government-issued ID.
  
  
• Update Your Address with USCIS: This is a critical responsibility. If you move, you must report your new address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. The easiest way to do this is by using the official USCIS Online Change of Address tool.
  
  
• Support the U.S. System of Government: You must support the democratic form of government and not try to change it through illegal means.
  
  
• Register with the Selective Service (if required): If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25, you must register with the Selective Service System.

A Note on Maintaining Your Residence

Your green card gives you the right to live permanently in the United States. USCIS expects you to make the U.S. your primary home.

• Traveling Abroad: You can travel, but if you stay outside the U.S. for more than one year, USCIS may determine that you have "abandoned" your residency.
  
  
• For Long Trips: If you know you need to be outside the U.S. for one year or more, you should apply for a Re-entry Permit using Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, before you leave the country. This shows USCIS that you don't intend to abandon your status.

The Path to U.S. Citizenship

For many, getting a green card is a major step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. Being a Lawful Permanent Resident is a requirement before you can apply for citizenship through the process called "naturalization."

After you meet the eligibility requirements—which typically include holding your green card for a certain number of years (usually five years, or three if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrating good moral character, and passing English and civics tests—you can choose to apply to become a full U.S. citizen.

Welcome to your new life as a U.S. permanent resident! Understanding these rights and responsibilities is the key to successfully living in the United States and, if you choose, eventually becoming a citizen.

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A guide to replacing or renewing your green card. Learn when and how to file Form I-90 if your Permanent Resident Card is lost, stolen, or expiring.

How to Replace or Renew Your Green Card: A Simple Guide

As a Lawful Permanent Resident, your Green Card (officially Form I-551) is your most important document for proving your identity and your right to live and work in the United States. But what happens if it gets lost, stolen, damaged, or is about to expire?

Don't panic! There is a clear process for replacing or renewing your card. This guide will walk you through when you need to file, what form to use, and the basic steps involved.

When Do I Need to Replace or Renew My Green Card?

You must apply for a replacement card if your current one was:

• Lost, stolen, or destroyed: If your card is gone for any reason, you should apply for a replacement as soon as possible.
  
  
• Expiring or Expired: If you have a 10-year green card, you should apply for renewal if it expires within the next 6 months. Please note that 2-year green cards must be renewed by filing Form I-751 up to 90-days before the cards’ expiry date.
  
  
• Incorrect: If the card has incorrect information due to a USCIS error or a legal change (like a name change).
  
  
• Never Received: If USCIS mailed your card but it never arrived at your address.
  
  
• You turned 14: If you have a green card issued before your 14th birthday, you typically need to get a new one after you turn 14.

Very Important Distinction: This process outline below is for renewing a 10-year green card. If you have a 2-year conditional green card (usually from a recent marriage), you do NOT use this process. You must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to remove conditions and get your 10-year card.

Form I-90: The Key to Replacing Your Green Card

The application to replace or renew your green card is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is the main form you will need to complete and file with USCIS.

How to File Form I-90: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filing Form I-90 is a relatively straightforward process, and for most people, it can be done online.

Step 1: Complete Form I-90

• The easiest and often fastest way to file is through a myUSCIS online account. The online form guides you through the questions to make sure you complete it correctly.
• If you prefer to file by mail, you can download the latest paper version of Form I-90 from the USCIS website.

Step 2: Gather Your Supporting Documents

• You will need to provide a copy of your current green card (if you have it).
• If your card was lost or stolen, you might include a copy of a police report (if you made one).
• If you are replacing your card because of a legal name change, you'll need to provide a copy of the official name change document (like a court order or marriage certificate).
• If you are correcting a USCIS error, you'll need to provide evidence of the correct information and show that the error was not yours.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

• There is a filing fee and a biometrics (fingerprinting) fee for Form I-90. The total cost can change, so it's critical to check the current amount on the official USCIS Fee Schedule before you file.
• If you file online, you can pay the fee electronically.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• If filing online, you can submit everything through your myUSCIS account.
• If filing by mail, send your form, supporting documents, and fee to the correct USCIS Lockbox address listed in the Form I-90 instructions.

Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

• After you file, USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center. They will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature. This is a standard step to verify your identity and conduct background checks.

Step 6: Receive Your New Green Card

• Once your application is approved, USCIS will produce and mail your new green card to you. You can track the status of your case online using the receipt number USCIS sends you after you file.

What About Traveling While My I-90 is Pending?

Waiting for your new green card can take several months. What if you need to travel internationally during this time?

• If your card is expired or lost: Once you file Form I-90, your I-797 receipt notice (which typically includes proof of a temporary green card extension), combined with your expired green card can provide temporary evidence of your status for a certain period. However, for international travel, reentry into the US is not always guaranteed. Please proceed with caution and consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney before leaving the country. . 
• Getting temporary proof: You may be able to schedule an appointment at a local USCIS office to get a temporary stamp in your valid passport, known as an Alien Documentary Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp. This stamp serves as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status for travel and work purposes while you wait for your new card.

It's always best to resolve your need for travel proof before you leave the United States to ensure a smooth return.

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Learn what an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is, who needs one, the income requirements, and what it means to be a financial sponsor.

The Affidavit of Support Explained: Your Guide to Financially Sponsoring an Immigrant

If you're helping a family member apply for a green card, you'll definitely want to know about an Affidavit of Support. It can seem intimidating at first glance because it deals with finances and serious legal promises, but it’s a standard part of most family-based immigration processes.

This guide will break down what an Affidavit of Support is, who needs to file one, what the income requirements are, and what it means to be a sponsor.

What is an Affidavit of Support?

An Affidavit of Support is a legal contract between a sponsor (a U.S. citizen or green card holder) and the U.S. government. By signing it, the sponsor promises to financially support the immigrating family member so that they will not need to rely on public benefits from the government.

The main form used for this is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.

Who Needs to File an Affidavit of Support?

The person who filed the initial immigrant petition (Form I-130) for their family member must almost always be the one to file the Affidavit of Support.

This is typically required for:

• Most family-based green card applicants, including spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
• Some employment-based green card applicants, but only if the petition was filed by a relative or a company where a relative has a significant ownership interest.

For reference, the person filing the Affidavit of Support is called the "sponsor."

What are the Requirements for a Sponsor?

To be a financial sponsor for a green card applicant, you must meet a few requirements first:

• Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder).
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Domicile: You must live in the United States or a U.S. territory.
• Income: Most importantly, you must have an annual income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. (The requirement is 100% for sponsors who are on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and are sponsoring their spouse or child).

Understanding the Income Requirements

This is often the most confusing part of the process. Let's break it down.

1. What are the Federal Poverty Guidelines?

• The U.S. government publishes poverty levels each year that vary based on the number of people in a household. USCIS uses a specific version of these guidelines for the Affidavit of Support, which you can find on the USCIS I-864P, Poverty Guidelines page.

2. How do you calculate your household size?

• Your household size typically includes:
  
  • Yourself (the sponsor).
  • Your spouse (if you have one).
  • Any dependent children.
  • The intending immigrant you are sponsoring.
  • Any other immigrants you have previously sponsored with an I-864 who are now permanent residents.
  • Sometimes, other relatives living with you.

3. Do you meet the 125% requirement?

• You find your household size on the I-864P Poverty Guideline Page, then look at the income required for that number of people. The sponsor’s current individual annual income must be at or above that amount. For example, if the 125% level for a household of 2 is $25,550, the sponsor's income must be at least that much. (These numbers change, so always check the current chart).

What if My Income Isn't High Enough?

It's a common situation, and thankfully, there are other options if the main sponsor's income isn't sufficient on its own:

• Option 1: Use the Income of Other Household Members
  
  
  
  • You may be able to include the income of your spouse or other relatives living in your household. They would typically need to sign a special form (Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member) agreeing to make their income available to support the immigrant.
    
    
• Option 2: Use Assets to Supplement Income
  
  
  
  • You can use the value of your assets (or the immigrant's assets) to make up for a shortfall in income. This can include cash in savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or real estate.
  • The general rule is that the total net value of the assets must be at least five times the difference between your income and the required 125% poverty level. (The multiple is lower in some specific cases, like for spouses of U.S. citizens).
    
    
• Option 3: Get a Joint Sponsor
  
  
  
  • A joint sponsor is another person (who must also be a U.S. citizen or green card holder) who agrees to accept full legal responsibility for supporting the immigrant, just like the main sponsor.
  • This person must meet the 125% income requirement on their own and will file their own separate Form I-864. This is a common solution, and can be any qualifying individual, not necessarily a family member.

What is the Sponsor's Responsibility?

Signing Form I-864 is a serious, legally binding commitment.

• It's a Contract: You are promising the U.S. government that you will ensure the immigrant has financial support.
• Duration: This responsibility typically ends only when the immigrant:
  
  • Becomes a U.S. citizen.
  • Has worked for 40 quarters (usually about 10 years) in the U.S.
  • Leaves the U.S. permanently.
  • Passes away.
• Repayment of Benefits: If the immigrant receives certain means-tested public benefits (like Medicaid or food stamps) while the affidavit is in effect, the government agency that provided the benefit can sue the sponsor to get the money back.

This responsibility does not end even if the sponsor and the immigrant get divorced (in a marriage-based case). It's a long-term commitment that should be taken seriously.

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The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: Your Guide to Visiting the U.S. for Business or Pleasure

Planning a U.S. trip for business or pleasure? Learn all about the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, application steps, requirements, and what you can (and can't) do!

Whether it's for a big business conference or a vacation to New York City, you’ll likely need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to make it happen. Using this form is one of the most common ways folks from around the world come to the U.S. for temporary stays. Let's break down what it is and how it works.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed immigration attorney.

What Exactly is a B-1 Visa? (The Business Visitor)

If you're heading to the U.S. for work-related reasons (but not to take a new job there!), the B-1 visa is likely your best bet.

What You CAN Do with a B-1 Visa:

• Meet with business partners or consult with associates.
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference.
• Settle an estate.
• Negotiate a contract.
• Participate in short-term training (as long as you’re not paid by a U.S. source for it).

What You CAN'T Do with a B-1 Visa:

• Run a business or actively manage one in the U.S.
• Start a new job with a U.S. company.
• Get paid by a U.S. source for your activities (your payment must come from abroad).
• Enroll in a course of study for academic credit.

And What About the B-2 Visa? (The Pleasure Visitor)

The B-2 visa is for pleasure, tourism, or other non-business related temporary visits. This is the form to fill out for vacations, visiting family, or even coming to the U.S. to receive medical treatment.

What You CAN Do with a B-2 Visa:

• Tourism and holidays (vacations).
• Visit friends or relatives.
• Get medical treatment.
• Participate in social events, like amateur contests or events in music, sports, etc. (as long as you're not paid).
• Enroll in a short recreational course of study, not for credit (like a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

What You CAN'T Do with a B-2 Visa:

• Work or get paid by a U.S. source.
• Engage in full-time academic study.
• Aim for long-term residence in the U.S.
• Enter primarily for "birth tourism."

The B-1/B-2 Visa: Often a Two-in-One Deal

In most cases, the B-1/B-2 visas come packaged together. This gives you the flexibility to travel to the U.S. for either business or tourism purposes, or even a trip that mixes a little of both. So, if your business conference happens to be in Orlando, why not take a trip to Disney World while you’re there?

Who Can Actually Get a B-1/B-2 Visa? The Main Requirements

In order to get one of these visas, you’ll need to prove the following:

1. You Plan to Go Home: This is a big one. You must show you have strong ties to your home country (like a job, family, property) and that you intend to return after your temporary U.S. stay. This is called "non-immigrant intent."
2. You Can Afford Your Trip: You need to prove you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in the U.S., so you won’t become reliant on public funds or work illegally.
3. You're Allowed into the U.S.: You must be "admissible" – meaning you don't have certain criminal records, immigration violations, health issues, or other factors that would bar you from entry.
4. Valid Passport: Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
5. No Pre-Arranged U.S. Job: You can't be coming to the U.S. on a visitor visa to start a job you've already lined up.
6. Legitimate Purpose: Your reason for travel must clearly fit within B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism/pleasure) activities.

How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the B-1/B-2 Visa

The application process generally involves these main steps. Keep in mind that specifics can vary slightly by U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application (Form DS-160) This is the main application form, and it is completed online. You’ll need to upload a recent, qualifying photo as part of this process. Remember to print the confirmation page with the barcode – you'll need it later!

Step 2: Create an Online Profile & Pay the Fees You'll usually need to create a profile on the website used by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. This is where you'll pay the non-refundable visa application fee (often called the “MRV” fee).

Step 3: Schedule Your Interview Once your fee is processed, you can schedule your visa interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Some applicants (like those renewing a visa or very young/very old applicants) might qualify for an interview waiver, but most first-timers will need an interview.

Step 4: Go to Your Visa Interview This is where you make your case to the consular officer. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip, your background, and your ties to your home country.

Key Documents to Bring (Always check the specific list for your embassy!):

• Your valid passport.
• The DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt.
• Your visa appointment letter.
• Passport-style photos (if required, though often uploaded with DS-160).
• Supporting Documents: This is crucial! Here are some examples:
  
  • Letter from your employer (if B-1).
  • Invitation letter from U.S. hosts/family (if applicable).
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay stubs).
  • Documents showing strong ties to your home country (property deeds, family documents, ongoing job).
  • For B-1: Info on the U.S. company you're visiting, conference details.
  • For B-2 (medical): Diagnosis from local doctor, letter from U.S. doctor/hospital, proof of funds for treatment.

What if Your B-1/B-2 Visa Gets Denied?

If your visa is denied, the consular officer should tell you the reason. Common reasons include:

• Not convincing the officer of your "non-immigrant intent" (that you’ll return home).
• Not showing enough funds for your trip.
• Incomplete application or missing documents.
• Misrepresenting facts (a big no-no!).
• Being found ineligible due to past immigration violations, criminal history, etc.

What Can You Do?

• You can usually reapply if your circumstances change or if you can provide new evidence that addresses the reason for the denial. You'll have to go through the process (and pay the fee) again.
• In some limited cases of ineligibility, you might be able to apply for a waiver (like Form I-601), but this is complex and often requires legal help.

Quick Note: The Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

If you're a citizen of certain countries, you might not need a B-1/B-2 visa at all for short business or tourist trips (90 days or less). This is thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Instead of a visa, you'd apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before you travel. It’s a different process and has its own set of rules. Check the Department of State website to see if your country participates in the VWP and if you're eligible.

B-1/B-2 Visa: Most Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the visa valid? B-1/B-2 visas can be issued for up to 10 years, but this varies. The visa stamp shows an expiration date.
• How long can I stay on each trip? The visa's validity is different from how long you can stay. Each time you enter the U.S., a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will decide your authorized length of stay, usually stamping it in your passport or noting it in your electronic I-94 record. This is typically up to 6 months.
• Can I extend my stay? Maybe. If you're in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa and want to stay longer than initially authorized, you might be able to apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539 before your current stay expires. You'll need a good reason.
• Can I change to another visa status? Sometimes, but it can be tricky and has strict rules. For example, changing from a B visa to a student visa (F-1) or work visa (like H-1B) often requires careful timing and proving you didn't intend to do this when you first entered on the visitor visa.
• Can my family come with me? Your spouse and children generally can't come as "dependents" on your B-1/B-2 visa. They would need to apply for their own B-2 visas (or other applicable visas/VWP) and qualify independently.

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