As of 2018, there were more than 44 million immigrants living in the US. If you are currently outside the US, you can begin the process by applying for an immigrant visa and becoming a permanent resident. Meanwhile, if you are already in the US, apply to become a permanent resident through the "adjustment of status" process. If you are a permanent resident and have lived in the US for 5 years or more, you may be eligible to become a naturalized US citizen.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Applying for an Immigrant Visa
Step 1. Get to know your current visa category
If you are currently outside the US and wish to immigrate permanently to a US country, you must first obtain an immigrant visa. Immigrant visas come in several categories, and each requires different application forms and documents.
- The US prioritizes immigrant visas according to their category. The highest priority is given to immigrants who already have family in the US with citizen or permanent resident status. Further priority is given to immigrants who already have a job in the US.
- You can apply for a visa through other categories, such as an asylum visa (although this is very limited). The number of visas provided may be more limited depending on your current country. Waiting lists for visas in this category can sometimes take several years.
Step 2. Ask someone to sponsor the visa application
If you are planning to apply for an immigrant visa, you will need sponsorship from a US citizen. If you are applying for a family visa, the sponsor must be a family member who is also a US citizen. If the category is by occupation, the sponsor is the employer you work for.
- If the sponsor is a family member, he or she must be a US citizen over 18 years of age.
- If your sponsor has never sponsored immigrants before, perhaps the two of you should take the time to learn the process and understand the issues involved. You can seek help and guidance from lawyers who specialize in immigration law. You can also contact non-profit organizations that work with immigrants.
Step 3. Have the sponsor submit a petition on your behalf
Sponsors must complete the required forms, and the files can be downloaded on the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) website. This file also includes instructions for completing and submitting the form to USCIS.
If you are sponsored by a family member, he or she must fill out Form I-130, which is Petition for Alien Relative. If your sponsor is a prospective employer, he/she must fill out Form I-140, which is Petition for Alien Worker
Step 4. Wait for notification from NVC (National Visa Center)
If approved, USCIS will send the petition to NVC for processing. NVC will collect your visa application, fees and supporting documents. Since the number of visas in each category is limited annually, you may have to wait several months or even years to receive notification from the NVC.
- The NVC notice contains instructions on what to do to apply for an immigration visa. Read these instructions carefully and ask an immigration attorney or non-profit organization for help if you have difficulty understanding them. Visa applications can be delayed or even rejected if you do not follow the instructions.
- At this point, you can use an agent to communicate with NVC on your behalf. This may be necessary if you move frequently or do not have a permanent place to live. You can also be an agent for yourself.
Tip:
We recommend that you start collecting supporting documents while waiting for NVC's notification. Visa applications and instructions can be found on the USCIS website.
Step 5. Submit application, fees and supporting documents to NVC
Immigration visa applications are very detailed and relatively long. Most of the information that must be provided on the application form must be supported by official documents. If you have completed your visa application and completed the required documents, send them all to NVC.
- We recommend that you ask an immigration attorney to check your application and attached documents before you send it. The fee required to apply for this visa is more than US$1,000 (around Rp. 14 million). If the application is rejected, the money will not be refunded, and you will have to start the process from scratch.
- In some countries, you must send your application, fees and supporting documents through the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center), not by mail. This is much safer and can save time.
Step 6. Perform a health check
USCIS must perform a medical examination to ensure that you do not have a disease that poses a public hazard. You will receive the necessary vaccines and be screened for infectious diseases.
- The doctor must fill out Form I-693, which will be put in a sealed envelope. Never take a form out of an envelope. You must bring the sealed envelope to the consulate office during the interview.
- This health check is only valid for 6 months.
Step 7. Attend an interview with a consular officer
Interviews are generally conducted at the nearest US embassy or consulate from where you live in your home country.
- During the interview, the officer will check your documents and ask some questions regarding your visa application.
- If you are applying with family members, they must also be present at the interview.
- At the end of the interview, you will be notified whether your visa was approved. You will be notified if consular officers require additional information or documents before your visa is approved. Submit the required documents as soon as possible.
- A consular officer can refuse a visa application, and generally you can't appeal against it. However, you can have your application reconsidered by another officer. This will require you to have another interview.
Step 8. Go to the US using the immigrant visa you have obtained
A few days after undergoing the interview session, your immigrant visa may be available. You can pick it up at the embassy or consulate office with your passport. You must travel to the US before the visa expires, which is usually 6 months (remember that your health check is also only valid for 6 months).
You will also receive a sealed package of documents that must be presented to US customs officials at your place of arrival. Do not open this sealed package
Method 2 of 3: Applying for a Green Card
Step 1. Find out if you are eligible for a Green Card
If you are in the US on a nonimmigrant visa and wish to become a permanent resident, you can apply for an "adjustment of status" if you fall into one of these categories. Permanent resident status is usually granted to people who have relatives of US citizens, or those who have a permanent job in the US.
- For example, if you went to the US on a student visa and were hired as a lecturer, you could apply for a job-based Green Card sponsored by the university where you teach.
- Green Cards are also usually given to non-immigrant visa holders who were in a romantic relationship with someone while in the US, and are planning to get married.
- All available categories can be viewed on the USCIS website. It is also a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney before starting the application process. Lawyers will provide advice and assistance so that you can go through the process well.
Tip:
Although the most common reasons for making a status adjustment are family or work factors, you can still get a Green Card for other reasons. However, there is only a slight adjustment in status for other reasons each year. USCIS will not accept your application if no adjustment is currently available for your proposed reason. You can check availability on the USCIS website.
Step 2. Complete the application to become a permanent resident
If you apply for a Green Card while in the US, fill out Form I-485, which is Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form contains questions about yourself, your reasons for becoming a permanent resident, as well as your education, employment, and criminal record.
You can download a copy of the application form and instructions for filling it out at
Step 3. Gather supporting documents for your application
Most statements that you write on the permanent resident application form must be accompanied by official supporting documents. The documents required will depend on the category of application you are submitting.
- If you are married to a US citizen and wish to seek a status adjustment for this reason, please include a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- If you have a permanent job in the US and wish to change your residency for this reason, you must include documents proving your employment status. This is generally in the form of a letter from the manager or supervisor at work.
- Regardless of the category of application submitted, you will still need financial documents, including a copy of the most recent tax return.
Step 4. Apply to USCIS
If the application requirements and all required documents are complete, send them to the USCIS lockbox (postal address that can also be used to send money) for processing, along with the fees you must pay. It's a good idea to make copies of all files sent as archives, before you send them.
The address to which you submit your application and supporting documents will depend on the eligibility category. You can check the exact address at
Step 5. Go to the designated biometric service
USCIS verifies the identity of the applicant using biometrics. If your application is accepted, USCIS will send a notification containing the date, time and place of the meeting. A biometric appointment is scheduled at an Application Support Center (ASC) near you.
During this appointment, you will be photographed and fingerprinted. You must also sign a statement that all the information you have provided is complete and correct to the best of your knowledge
Step 6. Attend an interview with USCIS if necessary
In general, you do not need to conduct an interview with USCIS to adjust your status, especially if you have recently interviewed for a nonimmigrant visa.
- During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and the reasons for applying to become a permanent resident. Answer the questions honestly and completely. If you don't understand the question and can't answer it, tell the officer to explain or give you time to look for the right answer.
- If you are applying to become a permanent resident because you are married to a US citizen, your spouse will usually also need to be present at the interview. The USCIS officer may interview both of you separately.
Step 7. Accept the decision on your application
USCIS will usually send written notice of their decision. If your application is approved, a Green Card will be issued a few weeks after you receive notification of the decision.
If their application is rejected, you will be notified of the reason for the refusal and whether you can appeal their decision. Most reasons for refusal do not give you an opportunity to appeal. However, you may be able to file a motion for them to reconsider their decision (ie ask a different USCIS officer to process your application), or a motion to reopen your case (if you wish to send additional supporting information or documents)
Method 3 of 3: Becoming a US Citizen
Step 1. Live in the US as a legal permanent resident
To be eligible to become a US citizen, you must have lived there for five years as a permanent resident. This duration will be reduced to three years if you marry a US citizen or have other special reasons, such as military service.
- You have to stay there constantly. Otherwise, you will have to restart the time duration from the beginning. While you may still be able to travel abroad for a short period of time, you will generally have to stay there continuously for a minimum of 30 months.
- If you are a permanent resident, always follow all applicable laws and regulations. Any violation can make it difficult for you to obtain US citizenship.
Step 2. Complete the application for naturalization
If you have been living in the US for the required amount of time, you can apply to become a citizen. You can find the application form (ie Form N-400) on the USCIS website.
- Once you have a Green Card, you are entitled to permanent residence in the US. However, if you become a naturalized citizen, you have the right to vote in elections and receive benefits from the federal government, for example in the form of Social Security.
- Fill in the application accurately and completely. Answer the question honestly, even if this could hurt your chances of obtaining US citizen status.
- Before starting the application process, USCIS recommends that you read the Guide to Naturalization. This guide can be downloaded at
Step 3. Submit the application to USCIS
Once the application is completed and all required supporting documents are collected, send them to the appropriate USCIS lockbox address along with the processing fee.
The address for the appropriate lockbox facility can be found in the Guide to Naturalization. Usually, the USCIS address to send the file to will depend on where you live, whether in the US or another region
Step 4. Attend an interview to obtain US citizenship with a USCIS officer
Once your application has been processed, you will be sent a notification with the date, time and place of the interview. In general, this interview will contain several questions related to your application. You will also be asked about your background, character, and your attachment and allegiance to the country and the US constitution.
During the interview, you are considered to be under oath. If USCIS officers find out that you have lied about something, they will immediately stop the interview and reject your application
Tip:
If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reason for the rejection. You have the right to appeal the refusal by requesting a hearing with immigration officials. If immigration officials reject your application, appeal the case to the US District Court. This entire appeal process requires additional fees, as well as court fees. Discuss these options with an immigration attorney if you wish to appeal.
Step 5. Take the US citizenship exam
This exam includes an English language test and a citizenship exam. On the English exam, you must be able to read, write, and answer questions asked in English. The citizenship exam contains 10 questions about the US government and history. At least you must be able to answer 6 questions correctly (out of 10 questions).
- There are 100 possible citizenship questions to be asked (only 10 questions are selected). If you want to learn more, download the 100 questions on the USCIS website.
- You can also take a prep course or use a study guide. This facility is available free of charge in most public libraries. Nonprofits or universities in your area may also provide free resources that will help you prepare for the exam.
Step 6. Attend your citizenship ratification ceremony
If you pass the citizenship exam, you will receive an invitation to attend the naturalization ceremony and the Oath of Allegiance. You are not officially considered a US citizen until you take the oath.
