How to Get an Employment Sponsored Green Card

1. The employer and applicant file the appropriate forms based on the location of the applicant.

• If the applicant lives outside of the U.S.:
  • The employer files Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, on behalf of the applicant.
  • The applicant pays the filing fee of $580 by check or money order drawn on a bank or financial institution in the U.S.
  • The applicant awaits decision from USCIS. If approved, it will be sent for consular processing and the U.S. consulate or embassy will provide notification and instructions on how to process the application.
• If the applicant lives inside the U.S.:
  • The employer files Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, on behalf of the applicant.
  • Once the I-140 petition is approved, the applicant files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to adjust status to permanent resident.
  • The applicant pays the filing fee of $985 (plus $85, for biometrics where applicable).

2. The applicant attends the visa interview.

The applicant will be notified of the date, place and time of the visa interview.

• If the applicant lives in the U.S.:
  • The interview will take place at a USCIS office.
  • The USCIS officer will determine whether the applicant is eligible for a U.S. green card.
• If the applicant lives outside of the U.S.:
  • The interview will take place at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • The consular officer will determine whether the applicant is eligible to get a visa to travel to the U.S.

3. The applicant becomes a permanent resident and is mailed a green card.

• If the applicant lives in the U.S., the green card is sent through the mail.
• If the applicant lives outside of the U.S., an immigrant visa will be attached to their passport. Once in the U.S., they will receive the green card through the mail.