If you are living or want to live in United States and you would like to know how to apply for the Green Card for Venezuelansthis is your article!
The Green Card, officially known as permanent resident cardis for many Venezuelans the key that opens the door to the American dream.
This valuable document makes it possible to to legally settle in the United Statesa country full of opportunities for those who seek to progress and achieve their goals.
More than just a simple formality, this document represents the hope of a better life for thousands of Venezuelan families.
It is the opportunity to leave behind the difficulties and building a stable futurein a country that is characterized by its dynamism, diversity and potential for personal and professional development.
Although the process to obtain the Green Card is quite complicated, with effort and dedication it can be achieved. Below, we explain everything you need to know and the steps you have to follow to get it, read on!
Learn about the Green Card: Requirements, Benefits and Opportunities
The Green Card, or permanent resident cardis a vital document for thousands of immigrants seeking to settle in the United States legally and build a prosperous future.
This card will open doors to endless possibilities, allowing you to live, work, and enjoy many of the most important same rights as U.S. citizens.
With the Green Card in hand, United States will become your new home. You will be able to settle in any city or state, access to public services and many job opportunities that require legal permanent residence.
In addition, one of the greatest benefits of having a Green Card is that you can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
After living as a permanent resident for a certain period of time (generally five years, o three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen), and meet some additional requirements, you can start the process to become a U.S. citizen.
Most importantly, you will be able to sponsor other family members who wish to file an application for a permanent residence card. This will help you to reunite your family so that you can to be close to your loved ones.
Essential requirements for obtaining a permanent residence card
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)) has established a immigration category system to manage the requests of the Green Card.
Each category has specific requirements and criteria that you must meet to be eligible. Here are the most common ones:
Through the family
If you have a immediate family member (spouse, parent or child under 21 years of age) which is U.S. citizen or legal permanent residentthey can sponsor your application for Green Card.
This category represents the most common way of obtaining the permanent residence in the United Statesand is based on the principle of family reunification.
Through employment
If your professional profile fits with the needs of the U.S. labor market, you can opt for the Green Card for employment.
For this purpose, it is necessary to have a job offer valid on the part of a U.S. employer that has obtained the prior approval of the government.
This category requires compliance with certain education, experience and job skills requirements specific to the position offered.
As a special immigrant
If you have extraordinary skills or knowledge in areas such as religion or the artsyou work in international organizations or other similar situations, you can explore the categories of special immigrant.
These categories are designed to attract exceptional talent that contributes to the country's development.
Refugee or asylee status
If you have been recognized as refugee or asylee in the United Statesafter one year you can apply for a Green Card.
This process allows you to establish yourself legally in the country and access greater opportunities to rebuild your life.
Victims of crime or abuse
Certain victims of serious crime or domestic abuse may be eligible for the Green Card under specific programs.
These programs seek to provide protection and support to those who have suffered traumatic situations, enabling them to rebuild their lives in a safe environment.
Other categories
It is important to note that there are other categories of Green Card less common, but may be applicable to your particular case.
These categories include American Indian born in Canada, person born in the United States to a foreign diplomat, etc.
If you have any questions about the categories and requirements that must be complied with in each of them, USCIS has a page with all the green card eligibility categories where you will find more detailed information.
How to apply for a Green Card for Venezuelans in 5 easy steps
We know that apply for a Green Card for Venezuelans is a rather complicated process and requires a lot of patience.
Endless forms, interviews and the possibility of not getting it makes many people get lost along the way. But, since Curiara we want to help you make this process as easy as possible.
Although the steps may vary according to the individual situation of eachHere are the 5 general steps that most people should follow. Courage!
Step 1: Filing the immigrant petition
First, someone will have to submit a immigrant petition on behalf of the applicant.
This can be done by a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent residenta employer who is offering a job, or in some cases, the applicant himself may file the petition if it meets certain criteria.
Step 2: Approval of the petition by USCIS
Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the immigrant petition is approved, the next step is to file an immigrant petition. Green Card application if you are already living within the United States.
However, if you are still living outside of the country, in that case, the visa application shall be made before the Department of State.
Step 3: Biometric appointment
Once you have done the above steps, you will have to schedule and attend a biometric appointment.
This will take your fingerprintsa few photographs and a signature.
This biometric information is used by USCIS for verify the applicant's identity and background check.
Step 4: Interview
After completion of the initial processing phase, the following is programmed Green Card interview.
During the interview, an immigration officer will review your application, verify the information provided and may make you additional questions in order to confirm if you are eligible to be selected as an applicant for the Green Card.
Step 5: Decision on the application
Finally, you will receive a decision on your application for the permanent residence card.
This decision may be an approval, which means that you would be granted the Green Card on a conditional or permanent basisdepending on the case. Or, in some cases, a refusal with the possibility of appeal or reconsideration.
How long can it take to get approval?
Obtain the approval of your Green Card can take between 7 and 33 months or even longer. This may vary depending on several important factors:
- Type of Green Card: Depending on whether you are applying through family, employment, asylum or another category, times may vary. Some categories have longer waiting lists due to high demand.
- From where are you requesting itIf you are living in the United States or are still in VenezuelaIf you do not have a visa, it may affect the processing time, as local or consular offices handle cases differently.
- Need for special exemptions: Some cases require waivers for legal, medical or criminal reasons, which may prolong the process.
- Workload of the local or consular office: The offices of USCIS and consulates have different workloads and efficiencies, which can influence how long it takes to process your application.
- Immigration status of the sponsor: The legal status of the sponsor of your application may also affect processing times.
On the road to Green Card, understanding the factors that affect waiting time is crucial. However, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and not get discouraged.
Remember that averages are only a reference, your story is unique and your dream is within your reach.
Don't give up! The Green Card is waiting for you
At CuriaraWe share your excitement to reach the top of thepermanent residence. We know the wait can be long and uncertain, but we encourage you to remain hopeful and tenacious.
Here are some tips to help you face the wait with optimism:
- Visualize your success: Imagine the moment you receive your Green Card and start building your life in the United States.
- Stay informed: Periodically consult the waiting times and updates to the current USCIS.
- Surround yourself with support: Share your goals and challenges with friends and family.
- Celebrate every step: Recognize and celebrate every breakthrough, no matter how small it may seem.
- Trust the process: Remember that every day brings you closer to your goal.
Don't give up, your dream of the Green Card is closer than you think. At Curiara We're with you every step of the way. Go for it! And if you are living in Floridawith our basic guide for Venezuelans in Florida, we will show you which are the essential legal formalities you should do as soon as you arrive in the country.
