Faq’s

What is a green card?

A green card is a form of identification that allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States. It is also known as a permanent resident card. It is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and provides proof of your status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States. With a green card, you are allowed to live and work anywhere in the country. Some green cards have expiration dates and must be renewed every 10 years, while others, known as conditional green cards, are valid for only two years and are typically issued to individuals who are married to U.S. citizens or have made significant investments in the United States.

What is biometric screening?

During a biometric screening, a government representative collects certain physical and behavioral characteristics of an individual, such as fingerprints, photos, and signatures, to verify the person’s identity and check their background information in government records. This process is commonly used to identify any criminal history or immigration violations that may affect the individual’s ability to enter or remain in a country. Biometric screenings are typically quick and straightforward. They may be required as part of an immigration application process or for other purposes such as security clearance or employment screening.

How do we prove our marriage is real or “bona fide”?

A bona fide marriage refers to a marriage that is entered into with the intention of establishing a genuine and committed partnership. It is a marriage in which both parties have a genuine desire to build a future together and are not simply using the marriage as a way to obtain immigration benefits. To prove that a marriage is bona fide, individuals may provide evidence of their shared financial responsibilities, cohabitation, and other signs of a committed relationship, such as photos and tickets from trips taken together. This type of evidence may be required in certain immigration cases to show that the marriage is not a sham for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits.

What is the difference between a fiancé visa and a marriage visa?

The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. To be eligible for a K-1 visa, the applicant must be engaged to a U.S. citizen, be able to provide evidence of the engagement and the intention to marry within 90 days of arriving in the United States, and meet certain other requirements. After the marriage takes place, the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder can apply for a marriage-based green card, which grants permanent residence in the United States. The green card process is available to spouses of U.S. citizens and green card holders, regardless of whether they are living in the United States or abroad.

How long does it take to get a green card?

permanent resident card, which grants the holder the right to live and work in the United States permanently. The timeline for each pathway can vary significantly, depending on a range of factors such as the individual’s country of origin, the availability of visas in their category, and processing times in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For example, the marriage-based green card process, which allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to apply for permanent residence, can take anywhere from several months to over three years. It is important to note that the green card process can be complex and it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional for specific guidance on your situation.

What is a marriage green card?

U.S. citizens and green card holders are generally allowed to sponsor their spouses for a green card, which grants the spouse permanent residence in the United States. The cost, processing time, and other aspects of the marriage green card process may vary depending on a number of factors, including the country of origin of the spouse and the location of the sponsoring spouse. It is important to note that the green card process can be complex and it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional for specific guidance on your situation.

How long after my marriage can I apply for a green card?

The timeline for the marriage-based green card process can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, the process can take anywhere from several months to over three years. Some of the factors that can affect the processing time include whether the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the country of origin of the spouse seeking a green card, and the location of the sponsoring spouse. It is important to note that processing times may change over time and can vary from one immigration office to another. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional for specific guidance on your situation.

 What is a lawful permanent resident?

A lawful permanent resident, or green card holder, is a foreign national who has been granted permission to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. Green card holders are allowed to reside anywhere in the United States, sponsor certain family members for green cards, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, subject to meeting certain eligibility requirements. It is important to note that while green card holders have many of the rights and privileges of U.S. citizens, they are not yet citizens and do not have the right to vote in U.S. elections.

What is conditional permanent residence?  

Yes, that is correct. A conditional green card is valid for only two years and is typically issued to individuals who are married to U.S. citizens or green card holders and have been married for less than two years at the time their green card was approved. The designation “CR1” on the physical card stands for “conditional resident.” To remove the conditions and obtain a permanent green card, the holder must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence, during the 90-day period before the expiration of the conditional green card. It is important to note that failure to file Form I-751 can result in the loss of lawful permanent resident status and the individual may be subject to removal from the United States. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my green card?

Individuals who already have a valid work visa, such as an H-1B or L-1 visa, are generally permitted to continue working in the United States while they are applying for a green card. However, individuals who do not have a valid work visa may not be able to work in the United States until they have obtained a work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). To apply for an EAD, individuals must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. It is important to note that not all green card applicants are eligible for an EAD and the availability of an EAD may depend on the specific circumstances of the case. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional for specific guidance on your situation.