United States citizens and green card holders can sponsor their relatives to help them get permanent residency in the U.S. Applying for a green card typically involves getting sponsored by a current employer or a family member.  If you are a U.S. citizen and green card holder wishing to sponsor a relative already living in the U.S. […]

When applying for your permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card, you need to submit a photo. Government-issued identification cards have strict requirements for the photo you can use. If you take the picture yourself, it will likely be rejected. The U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply for a green card will have the

The United States military keeps detailed records of its servicemen and -women, making it the perfect resource for a genealogical search. From the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) to the Vietnam War (1955-1975) and beyond, these detailed service records can aid you in your pursuit of naturalization. If you or a family member served in the United

Marriage offers a legal path to permanent residency for foreign nationals. Among other requirements, the sponsoring spouse must be able to financially support their spouse. The minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse for a marriage green card is 125% of the federal poverty guideline levels. This ensures that the sponsoring spouse is financially

U.S. citizens and green card holders are allowed to petition different relatives. But if you’re considering petitioning a relative for a green card, the process can be daunting. While there are a few ways to get a green card, petitioning a relative typically involves filing USCIS Form I-130. Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the

In the past, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) only recognized heterosexual marriages. Same-sex spouses did not qualify for family-related green card sponsorship. However, same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states, thanks to a Supreme Court decision. Gay and lesbian couples may apply for a permanent resident card, commonly known as a green

When you petition for a green card through marriage, you have to validate your relationship. That includes proving any past marriages have been successfully dissolved. If you have been divorced, you will need to submit your green card application with a copy of your divorce decree. If you have your original decree of divorce on

Getting a green card through marriage will cost time and money. The actual dollar amount you have to pay will depend on your filing category and whether or not both spouses live in the United States. Your filing category will also affect the timeframe of your green card application. For example, there is a total

If you are applying for a permanent resident card, commonly referred to as a green card, you will need supporting documents. A marriage certificate, or marriage contract, will be required for your petition if you are applying for a green card through marriage. Lost or stolen certificates must be replaced. Challenges may stand in the way