The process for applying for a US Green Card (permanent residency) in 2023 includes the following steps:
- Determine eligibility: Make sure you are eligible for a Green Card through family, employment, or other means.
- Get a sponsor: If you are applying based on employment, you will need a sponsor (usually your employer). If you are applying through family, your relative must sponsor you.
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), depending on your eligibility category.
- Wait for approval: The petition may take several months to process.
- File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), if you are already in the US. If you are outside the US, you will go through consular processing.
- Attend a biometric appointment: The USCIS may require you to attend an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints, photographs, etc.).
- Wait for a decision: The processing time for Form I-485 varies and can take several months.
- Attend an interview: In some cases, you may be required to attend an in-person interview with USCIS officials.
These are general steps and the actual process may vary depending on your individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult an immigration attorney for specific guidance on your case.