Most immigrants dream of obtaining permanent residence in the U.S.; a Green card makes life easier for its holders and opens them up to additional benefits only accessible to U.S. citizens.
Obtaining a Green card is no easy feat. There are hurdles and many criteria to be completed before achieving this, so most immigrants choose routes with a noticeable amount of Temporary to Permanent residence turnout. Thorough research makes all the difference in how long a person is granted permanent residence, and this article will talk more about it.
Can I apply for a US Green card while outside the country?
Yes, it is. Although it’s not common knowledge, applying for a green card can be done online as long as you are eligible.
- Applying through family: Spouses, fiances, abused partners, parents, or relatives of a United States citizen can apply for permanent residence.
- Applying through employment: Outstanding people in their respective professions can apply for permanent residence in the United States. People with over two years of work experience in their respective professions can also apply.
- Applying as human trafficking or crime victims: People with a non-immigrant Visa and a U non-immigrant visa can apply for permanent residency in the United States.
- Applying through Asylum or Refugee status: Refugees and people with asylum status who have been in the country for at least one year and have met all other criteria can apply for residency in the United States.
How to Apply
Consular Processing is applying for permanent residence outside of the United States. Candidates outside the United States are requested to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Department of State consulate in their home country to come to the United States and be admitted as permanent residents.
- Determine Your Basis to Immigrate: As there are different ways to migrate, and each migration route has different requirements, finding the best route for yourself would be very helpful.
- File the Immigrant Petition: Once you have decided on the route to use for migration, fill out the immigration petition relevant to that route. Certain documents might be required, so remember to scan and upload them online. Once you have completed your application submission, wait for a decision on your petition.
- Wait for Notification from the National Visa Center: Once you receive a notification from the National Visa Center, book an appointment to complete your registration.
- Notify the National Visa Center of any changes to your application or personal documents.
- Pay the USCIS fee: The final step in getting your visa granted is to pay the required fee. The fee was last updated in 2020, so some fees are not up-to-date. Check out the website https://www.uscis.gov/archive/our-fees for new updates.
Processing a Permanent Residence in the United States from outside the country requires a lot of funds, so please have enough money on hand so you can travel when needed.