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Answers to frequently asked questions about green cards and the U.S. immigration system Green Card and Immigration Basics What is a green card? A “green card,” issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides proof of lawful permanent resident status, with authorization to live and work anywhere in the United States. Most green cards […]

Learn which USCIS immigration forms you need for your green card or U.S. citizenship application and how much they cost to file IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Trump administration on Nov. 8, 2019 proposed increasing the cost of applying for citizenship and a marriage-based green card. Under the new proposal, application fees for naturalization would increase by […]

How to properly digitize the documents required for your green card application It's no small task to prepare all the supporting documents for a family-based or a marriage-based green card. For the most part, the government requires copies rather than original documents, and you want to make sure that each copy is high-quality and easy […]

Definitions and correct spellings for common immigration terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Glossary A ADJUDICATE To make a decision or determination, usually related to a legal issue or dispute. When an immigration case […]

Where to get a replacement or substitute of your lost divorce papers If you’ve ever been married before and seek a green card based on your current marriage, you’ll need to provide to the U.S. government a divorce decree (also known as a "divorce certificate"), a certificate of annulment, or a death certificate for each […]

Providing a new certificate of marriage or alternative in your green card application Early in the marriage-based green card process, every couple must provide evidence of a valid marriage to the U.S. government. That evidence includes a photocopy of your marriage certificate — also known as a marriage contract or marriage license. You’re one step […]

Where to get a police certificate for your green card application What is a police certificate? A police certificate is a document that details any arrests for an individual — as well as the reasons for and outcomes of those arrests — while that person was living in a particular area. If you’re applying for […]

Providing a new birth certificate or alternative in your green card application Every family member applying for a family-based or marriage-based green card must provide a copy of each family member’s birth certificate to the U.S. government. If you already have it, great! You’re one step closer to success. But if you can’t locate your […]

Common concerns gay and lesbian couples may have with green card applications Is It Possible? Can lesbian and gay married couples apply for a green card if one partner is a U.S. citizen or green card holder? The short answer: yes! The U.S. Supreme Court’s federal marriage equality decision in 2013 (United States v. Windsor) […]

Find out what vaccinations you need to immigrate to the United States When you apply to immigrate to the United States, a medical examination is typically required as part of the process. The rules and conditions for the medical exam vary from country to country, so make sure that you check the individual requirements for […]