The spouse of a U. S. citizen or legal resident The unmarried child of a U. S. citizen or legal resident The married child of a U. S. citizen The parent of a U. S. citizen or legal resident The brother or sister of a U. S. citizen The fiancé of a U. S. citizen (under special immigration admission) The widow or widower of a U. S. citizen
Preference is typically given to immigrant workers that have extraordinary abilities in the sciences, art, education, business, or athletics, exceptional researchers and professors, and multinational managers. Secondary preference is given to those whose profession requires an advanced degree, those who have exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, or business, and those who are seeking a national interest waiver. Third preference is given if you are a skilled worker, professional, or other worker. Skilled workers require 2 years of training or experience, while professionals must hold a U. S. baccalaureate degree or an equivalent, plus work in the field. Other workers may be unskilled but are not temporary or seasonal employees. [3] X Trustworthy Source US Citizenship and Immigration Services U. S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems Go to source Physicians who agree to work full-time in clinical practices in a designated underserved area for a set period of time may also apply under the Physician National Interest Waiver. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Citizenship and Immigration Services U. S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems Go to source Immigrant investors who are actively in the process of investing at least $1 million in non-rural areas or $500,000 in a rural area in new commercial enterprises in the U. S. which will create at least 10 full-time positions for qualifying employees may also be eligible for employment sponsorship.
Afghanistan or Iraqi nationals who worked as a translator for the U. S. government, who were employed by the U. S. government in Iraq for at least 1 year, or who were employed by the International Security Assistance Force. Family members of people employed by an international organization or NATO-6. Children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parent(s), and who qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status.
You were granted asylum for refugee status at least 1 year ago. You are the victim of human trafficking or another crime and have a T or U nonimmigrant visa. You are the abused spouse, child, or parent of a U. S. citizen, or lawful permanent resident. You have resided continuously in the U. S. since before January 1, 1972. You meet any of the terms outlined for sponsorship under non-common circumstances as outlined by USCIS. [7] X Trustworthy Source US Citizenship and Immigration Services U. S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems Go to source
You can check U. S. Justice Department’s List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers to see if there are attorneys or legal resources in your area to help you prepare for your immigration filings free of charge. [9] X Trustworthy Source United States Department of Justice Official website of the U. S. Department of Justice Go to source Hiring an immigration attorney is optional, but the law is complicated so their service is very essential if you want to increase your chances of becoming a legal permanent resident.
If you are unsure what forms you need, talk to your immigration attorney or an immigration services office in your area. You may also be able to receive advice over-the-phone if you cannot get to an office. If you already have an approved immigrant petition and visa, you may just need to file the I-485 application form.
Once fully completed, the form will need to be submitted to the correct office. The office you will submit to depends on how you qualify for your status. Check the USCIS website to find the correct filing address for your eligibility category: https://www. uscis. gov/i-485-addresses.
$750 for children under 14 filing with the I-485 of at least 1 parent $1,140 for children under 14 not filing with at least 1 parent $1,225 for those age 14-78 $1,140 for those age 79 and older $0 for those admitted to the U. S. as a refugee
These appointments will help USCIS confirm your identity and run background and security checks. If USCIS requests an appointment, be sure to bring your appointment notice and a valid form of photo ID.
If any part of your application or status changes between when you file your application and your interview, be prepared to address that change and provide all necessary evidence. If you are not confident in your spoken English abilities and cannot arrange an interview with someone who speaks your native language, arrange to have someone you trust with you help with translation issues.
If you have a conditional green card, such as one based on a spouse or family member, you can apply to have the condition removed after 2 years.
