

There are several different ways to get a green card in the U.S. Let’s start by analyzing the process and benefits that go along with getting a green card. citizenship, we need to go over the process and benefits of each. To understand how having a green card compares to having U.S. The question is, what does it take to become a citizen and do the pros outweigh the cons in the debate of the green card vs citizenship? citizens enjoy rights and privileges that green card holders do not. But just because you are a lawful permanent resident, doesn’t mean that there isn’t more out there. green card is the pinnacle of achievement–the end of the immigration journey. Important Notice: USCIS will not issue a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or Green Card) until you have paid the fee.If you read enough about immigration law, you might think that a U.S. Only children who enter the United States under the Orphan or Hague adoption programs, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, returning residents (SB-1s), and those issued K visas are exempt from this fee. Select USCIS Immigrant Fee on the USCIS website for more information. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you receive your immigrant visa and before you travel to the United States. If you receive your immigrant visa on or after February 1, 2013, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee to U.S. When traveling, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter the United States before or at the same time as family members holding visas.

You are required to enter the United States before the expiration date printed on your visa. immigration official should open this packet when you enter the United States. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. If you are issued an immigrant visa, the consular officer will give you your passport containing the immigrant visa and a sealed packet containing the documents which you provided. When You Have Your Immigrant Visa - What You Should Know
#Forms to go from green card to citizen registration#
Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.

Affidavit of Support ( I-864, I-864A, I-864 EZ, or I-864W, as appropriate) from the petitioner/U.S.Please review the instructions for guidance. Passport(s) valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States, unless longer validity is specifically requested by the U.S.In general, the following documents are required: Do not send payments to the NVC’s address in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Applicants will be provided with instructions by the NVC on where and when to pay the appropriate fees. Embassy or Consulate where you have your visa interview unless specifically requested. Note: Fees must be paid for each intending immigrant, regardless of age, and are not refundable.įees should not be paid to the NVC or paid at the U.S. For current fees for USCIS services, see Check Filing Fees on the USCIS website. Costs vary from country to country and case to case.įor current fees for Department of State services, see Fees for Visa Services. embassy or consulate for your visa interview. Other costs may include: translations photocopying charges fees for obtaining the documents you need for the immigrant visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.) and expenses for travel to the U.S.Medical examination and required vaccinations (costs vary).Processing an immigrant visa application, Form DS-260 (see Note below).Filing an immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 (this fee is charged by USCIS).Fees are charged for the following services:
