How to Apply for a Green Card while Living Abroad
An applicant can apply for a green card while living outside the U.S. To do this, the applicant should first get an immigrant visa and must have a U.S. sponsor, either a relative or an employer.
Steps to Apply for a Green Card while Living Abroad
1. The applicant determines the green card category to apply under.
The two most popular green card categories are family-based green cards and employment-based green cards. A family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor an applicant for a green card. The applicant’s employer in the U.S. can sponsor him/her for a green card.
2. The sponsor files an immigration petition for the applicant.For a family-based green card, the sponsor files Form I-130. For an employment-based green card, the sponsor files Form I-140.
3. The applicant completes their online visa application.
If applying for an immigrant visa, use Form DS-260. If applying for a nonimmigrant visa, such as the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa, use Form DS-160. In many countries, the applicant will first have to deal with the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will communicate with the applicant or, in the case of sponsorship, with the petitioner. Then the NVC will send the application to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
4. The applicant prepares all supporting documents for the visa interview.
The applicant will need to bring evidence of their eligibility for a visa to the visa interview. For instance, if the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen, they will submit their marriage certificate along with the application. For each category of application there are mandatory documents to submit. These may include passports,birth certificates, bank statements or other documents (check the application for a list of required documents).
5. The applicant schedules an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
The applicant should be prepared to answer all questions clearly during the interview, and should carry all the required documents to the interview, including the receipt for the visa application.
6. If the visa application is approved, the applicant receives a visa and may travel to the U.S.
If the applicant received an immigrant visa, they will officially become a permanent resident once they enter the U.S. They will receive their green card in the mail.
If the applicant received a nonimmigrant visa, like the K Visa, they will have to adjust status to permanent resident once in the U.S. After their adjustment of status application is approved, they will received their green card.
