Do you need a green card if you are married to a US citizen?
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Do you need a green card if you are married to a US citizen?
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you will be eligible for an immigrant visa (if needed for U.S. entry) and then a green card (lawful permanent residence) under the Immediate Relative category. Most green card holders have to wait five years before applying for U.S. citizenship.
How can an illegal immigrant get a green card?
Undocumented Immigrants Might Qualify for Green Card by Marrying U.S. Citizen. Entering into a valid, bona fide (real, not sham) marriage with a U.S. citizen (of the same or opposite sex) makes you an “immediate relative” under the U.S. immigration laws.
How hard is it to get a green card?
In the modern U.S. immigration framework, the wait for many green card applicants can be ten years or more. For a few lucky persons, however, that wait might be a matter of weeks. An existing family relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can make immigration fairly straightforward for some people.
What disqualifies you from getting a green card?
Under U.S. immigration law, being convicted of an “aggravated felony” will make you ineligible to receive a green card. Some crimes considered to be “aggravated felonies” for immigration purposes might be misdemeanors—or not even crimes at all—under state or federal criminal law.
How long do you have to be in the US to get a green card?
Once they have physically lived in the United States for at least one year since receiving refugee status or asylum, they may apply for a green card.
What is the easiest way to get a green card?
Obtaining a green card through a family member is the most popular way to get a green card. If you’re a close relative to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder you can petition for a green card. This is also one of the easiest ways to obtain legal permanent residency.
How can I increase my chances of getting a green card?
The best way to increase your family’s chances of success is to have all eligible family members register for the lottery. For details on who meets the country, educational, and other eligibility requirements, see Winning a Green Card Through the Visa Lottery.
How long do you have to live in the US to get citizenship?
5 years
How do I get a green card in 2020?
Apply for a Green Card
- Find out if you’re eligible.
- If you are eligible, file Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees.
- USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you.
How many green cards are issued per year?
140,000 green cards
When can I get citizenship after green card?
five years
Does the 2 years of conditional green card count towards citizenship?
As long as you become a permanent resident at the end of your conditional residence period, your two years as a conditional resident will count toward the waiting period for citizenship.
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?
The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?
Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online.
What documents do you need to apply for citizenship?
Copy of your passport showing departure and arrival stamps. Copies of income tax returns (or transcripts) for the past 5 filing years (or past 3 filing years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen) Rent or mortgage payment receipts. Bank, credit card, and loan statements showing regular transactions.
When can I start applying for citizenship?
According to USCIS, you may file for your naturalization 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a permanent resident for at least five years; or a permanent resident for at least three years, if married to a U.S. citizen.
Can you travel while waiting for naturalization?
Travel is permissible during the time in which you are applying for U.S. naturalization. There are no travel restrictions after filling out Form N-400, which is the Application for Naturalization.
