Step 1:Plan and Prepare – Sponsor

• Ensure that your relative is eligible to be sponsored. You must be a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR or Green Card Holder) over 18 (21 for siblings or parents). Your beneficiary must be a spouse, child, sibling or parent. Only citizens can sponsor their parents. LPR’s (Green Card holders) cannot sponsor their parents. As soon as your Legal Permanent Residence Application is submitted, you should start gathering the information and documents you will need for your relative’s applications, even if yours, or their, Priority Date is years away. Information becomes more difficult to acquire as time passes. Gather information for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Begin saving for Filing and Legal fees.

• Documents you need:

  • A Copy of your Green Card, or Naturalization Certificate.
  • Your personal financial records

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with the AOS application for any of your potential beneficiaries.
  • If you or your beneficiary have done anything to make that beneficiary ineligible.
  • If your beneficiary had previously applied for Legal Permanent Residency
  • If you have been married for less than two years to your beneficiary spouse.
  • If your child is will be close to, or older than 21, before their priority date becomes current.
  • If your child is adopted.
  • If your child is a step child.
  • If you were adopted.
  • If any of your children are married
  • If there any of your beneficiaries have immediate health issues.
  • If the potential beneficiary has a criminal record.
  • If the potential beneficiary has been expelled, deported, denied entrance or banned from the United States.
  • If the potential beneficiary is in the United States Illegally.
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions.

Step 2:Plan and Prepare – Beneficiary

• Begin gathering the documents you will need to support your application. Many of the documents you need, especially birth and marriage records, may be difficult to obtain.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with your AOS application.
  • You have committed any act that would make you ineligible.
  • If you will soon be 21, or will be close to, or older than 21, before your priority date becomes current.
  • If you previously applied for Legal Permanent Residency
  • If you will be married after the application is submitted.
  • If you were adopted
  • If you are unable to obtain copies of required documents, or unable to obtain acceptable translations.
  • If you have a criminal record.
  • If you have been expelled, deported, denied entrance or banned from the United States.
  • If you are in the United States Illegally.
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions.

Step 3:Chose a Lawyer or Plan to Do-it-Yourself

• This is an important choice. An attorney or qualified immigration counsel can provide you with guidance and experienced staff who can ensure that your application is properly completed and submitted. Mistakes on Immigration application and petitions can have long-term consequences for you and your family member.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with the AOS application for any of your potential beneficiaries.
  • If the potential beneficiary has done anything to make them ineligible
  • If the potential beneficiary is a child who will be close to, or older than 21, before their priority date becomes current.
  • If any of your children are married
  • If any of your children are adopted
  • If there any of your beneficiaries have immediate health issues.
  • If the potential beneficiary has a criminal record.
  • If the potential beneficiary has been expelled, deported, denied entrance or banned from the United States.
  • If the potential beneficiary is in the United States Illegally.

Step 4:File I-130 Application, G-325A

• Submit Form I-130 and its supporting forms and documents to the USCIS. You must also submit Form G-325A if you are filing for a spouse. Include all supporting documents as required by the USCIS.

• Documents you need:

  • Proof of the beneficiary’s eligibility, via relationship with Sponsor.
  • Proof of the sponsor’s status
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Social Security Number, if issued
  • I-94 Number (if beneficiary is currently in the United States)
  • Information about the sponsor’s current employer (if any)
  • Where the beneficiary will live in the United States
  • Alien Registration Number (If issued to beneficiary)
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions. The USCIS may require additional information or documentation.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If your application is rejected or returned by the USCIS.
  • If you or your beneficiary have done anything to become ineligible.
  • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)
  • If your beneficiary marries, turns 21, or any other personal information changes.
  • If you do not have any required information or documentation.
  • If you cannot provide financial support to the beneficiary

Step 5:USCIS sends Receipt letters to the Sponsor and Beneficiary. Priority Date Issued.

• The USCIS will send the sponsor a letter (Form 797) showing that the Application has been accepted for review. This is NOT an approval letter. The letter will give show the Visa Status given the beneficiary, and their priority date.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you change your status from Legal Permanent Resident to US Citizen.
  • If you or your beneficiary has done anything to make them ineligible.
  • If your application is rejected or returned by the USCIS.
  • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE).
  • If your beneficiary marries, turns 21, or any other personal information changes.
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions.

Step 6 & Step 7:Have a Current Priority Date and Prepare From I-864

When your I-130 was approved, you received a Priority Date and a Family Based Visa status. (F1-F4) Once the priority date has been qualified for processing, in most cases, your file will be transferred to the National Visa Center. File the I-864 Affidavit of Support for each of your beneficiaries. You must show proof that you can support your relative if they cannot support themselves.

• Documents you need:

  • Tax Returns.
  • Bank Account statements
  • Other documents that support your ability to support your relatives.

Step 8:File A Visa Application (DS-260) and be scheduled for an interview and Biometrics appointment.

The USCIS will schedule an appointment for an interview and for the taking of biometrics. You will need original or certified copies of your documents.

• Document you need:

  • Copy of the beneficiary’s I-130 approval form.
  • Original Medical report in SEALED envelope.
  • Copy of Previous I-797 forms.
  • Two Color Passport photos for each application (2 per applicant)
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Police reports, if required
  • Military records
  • Other documents that a consulate may request
  • Proof of financial support

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If personal information changes
  • IIf you or your beneficiary does anything to become ineligible
  • If your Visa application is denied

Step 9:Immigrant Visa Approved.

The beneficiary has been issued an Immigration Visa and is eligible to enter the United States.

• What should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you become a Conditional Legal Permanent Resident and your Green Card is about to expire.

Step 1:Plan and Prepare – Sponsor

• Ensure that your relative is eligible to be sponsored. You must be a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR or Green Card Holder) over 18 (21 for siblings or parents). Your beneficiary must be a spouse, child, sibling or parent. Only citizens can sponsor their parents. LPR’s (Green Card holders) cannot sponsor their parents. As soon as your Legal Permanent Residence Application is submitted, you should start gathering the information and documents you will need for your relative’s applications, even if yours, or their, Priority Date is years away. Information becomes more difficult to acquire as time passes. Gather information for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Begin saving for Filing and Legal fees.

• Documents you need:

  • A Copy of your Green Card, or Naturalization Certificate.
  • Your personal financial records

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with the AOS application for any of your potential beneficiaries.
  • If you or your beneficiary have done anything to make that beneficiary ineligible.
  • If your beneficiary had previously applied for Legal Permanent Residency
  • If you have been married for less than two years to your beneficiary spouse.
  • If your child is will be close to, or older than 21, before their priority date becomes current.
  • If your child is adopted.
  • If your child is a step child.
  • If you were adopted.
  • If any of your children are married
  • If there any of your beneficiaries have immediate health issues.
  • If the potential beneficiary has a criminal record.
  • If the potential beneficiary has been expelled, deported, denied entrance or banned from the United States.
  • If the potential beneficiary is in the United States Illegally.
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions.

Step 2:Plan and Prepare – Beneficiary

• Begin gathering the documents you will need to support your application. Many of the documents you need, especially birth and marriage records, may be difficult to obtain.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with your AOS application.
  • You have committed any act that would make you ineligible.
  • If you will soon be 21, or will be close to, or older than 21, before your priority date becomes current.
  • If you previously applied for Legal Permanent Residency
  • If you will be married after the application is submitted.
  • If you were adopted
  • If you are unable to obtain copies of required documents, or unable to obtain acceptable translations.
  • If you have a criminal record.
  • If you have been expelled, deported, denied entrance or banned from the United States.
  • If you are in the United States Illegally.
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions.

Step 3:Chose a Lawyer or Plan to Do-it-Yourself

• This is an important choice. An attorney or qualified immigration counsel can provide you with guidance and experienced staff who can ensure that your application is properly completed and submitted. Mistakes on Immigration application and petitions can have long-term consequences for you and your family member.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with the AOS application for any of your potential beneficiaries.
  • If the potential beneficiary has done anything to make them ineligible
  • If the potential beneficiary is a child who will be close to, or older than 21, before their priority date becomes current.
  • If any of your children are married
  • If any of your children are adopted
  • If there any of your beneficiaries have immediate health issues.
  • If the potential beneficiary has a criminal record.
  • If the potential beneficiary has been expelled, deported, denied entrance or banned from the United States.
  • If the potential beneficiary is in the United States Illegally.

Step 4:File I-130 Application, G-325A

• Submit Form I-130 and its supporting forms and documents to the USCIS. You must also submit Form G-325A if you are filing for a spouse. Include all supporting documents as required by the USCIS.

• Documents you need:

  • Proof of the beneficiary’s eligibility, via relationship with Sponsor.
  • Proof of the sponsor’s status
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Social Security Number, if issued
  • I-94 Number (if beneficiary is currently in the United States)
  • Information about the sponsor’s current employer (if any)
  • Where the beneficiary will live in the United States
  • Alien Registration Number (If issued to beneficiary)
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions. The USCIS may require additional information or documentation.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If your application is rejected or returned by the USCIS.
  • If you or your beneficiary have done anything to become ineligible.
  • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)
  • If your beneficiary marries, turns 21, or any other personal information changes.
  • If you do not have any required information or documentation.
  • If you cannot provide financial support to the beneficiary

Step 5:USCIS sends Receipt letters to the Sponsor and Beneficiary. Priority Date Issued.

• The USCIS will send the sponsor a letter (Form 797) showing that the Application has been accepted for review. This is NOT an approval letter. The letter will give show the Visa Status given the beneficiary, and their priority date.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you change your status from Legal Permanent Resident to US Citizen.
  • If you or your beneficiary has done anything to make them ineligible.
  • If your application is rejected or returned by the USCIS.
  • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE).
  • If your beneficiary marries, turns 21, or any other personal information changes.
  • This is not a complete list. You should consult an Immigration Lawyer or qualified counsel if you have any concerns or questions.

Step 6: US Consulate Interview for the Beneficiary, including Biometrics appointment.

The USCIS will schedule an appointment for the beneficiary for the taking of biometrics

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If personal information changes.
  • If you are your beneficiary does anything to become ineligible
  • This is not an exhaustive list. You should consult a qualified lawyer or immigration counsel if your have questions.

Step 7: Have a Current Priority Date and Prepare Form I-485

When your I-130 was approved, you received a Priority Date and an Family Based Visa status. Now that your priority date has arrived, you can submit your Application for Adjustment of Status (AOS), or Green Card application. You can check the current Priority dates at the US Dept of State Visa website.
Prepare the I-485, G-325A, I-765, and I-131 forms for submission. Have a Medical Examination by a qualified Civil Surgeon. You must use a USCIS approved doctor for the medical exam. The USCIS has a list at https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=CIV.If the beneficiary is not in the United States, you must also file Form I-824. Attach all necessary support documents, and submit the applications.

• Documents you need:

  • Copy of the beneficiary’s I-130 approval form.
  • Copy of Previous I-797 forms
  • Two Color Passport photos for each application (6 per applicant)
  • Birth Certificate
  • the beneficiary’s Marriage Certificate, if applicable
  • The beneficiary’s City/Village/Town of Birth
  • The beneficiary’s Current occupation
  • The beneficiary’s mother’s First name
  • The beneficiary’s father’s First Name
  • Your name EXACTLY as it appears on your most recent I-94
  • The number of your Non-immigrant Visa (H-1B)
  • Consulate where your CURRENT visa was issued.
  • The Date your CURRENT visa was issued
  • The names of the beneficiary’s CURRENT Spouse and ALL of your children.
  • A List any organizations that the beneficiary’s belonged to. This includes military service. Note the date (Month and Year) you joined and the date (Month and Year) you left.
  • Current Citizenship. If the beneficiary’s been previously been granted citizenship in another country, you are now a citizen of that country.
  • A#- This is the “A” number on The beneficiary’s I-130 approval.
  • The beneficiary’s Parents’ Names:You must include the full names of both parents, and note your mother’s maiden (or pre-marriage) name. City, (State or Province, if available) and Country of their birth, and current residence.
  • Names, marriage certificates, divorce or death certificates for the beneficiary’s current and any previous spouses.
  • A list of ALL of The beneficiary’s residences for the past 6 years. This includes residences in the United States, or inany country where you may have lived. Include month and year when you lived there.
  • The beneficiary’s Employers for the last 6 years, including job title, date and month of the beginning and end of your employment.
  • Copies of the beneficiary’s any previous or current Employment Authorization Cards (I-765)-and Advance Parole Documents (I-131).

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with the beneficiary’s AOS application..
  • If the beneficiary has done anything that will make them ineligible.
  • If the beneficiary will soon be 21, or if they will be close to, or older than 21, before your priority date becomes current.
  • If the sponsor’s Financial situation has changed since filing the I-864.
  • If the beneficiary has been married less than 2 years.
  • If the beneficiary has been married prior to current spouse.
  • If any children were adopted.
  • If the beneficiary answers “YES” to any question in Section C.
  • If you are unable to obtain any required document.
  • If you are unable to have a document translated.
  • If the beneficiary has ever been subject to deportation, or otherwise banned from the United States.
  • If the beneficiary is unwilling to perform National Service if required to by law.
  • This is not an exhaustive list. You should consult a qualified lawyer or immigration counsel if your have questions.

Step 8: File the AOS (I-485 or Green Card) application.

File the documents with proper fees. You should a receipt from the USCIS within 2 weeks. After you receive your receipt, you will be schedule for a biometrics appointment at a local USCIS office.

• What should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS.
  • If the applicant has done anything to become ineligible.
  • If your application is rejected for being insufficient or unacceptable.
  • If the Sponsor’s financial situation has changed.
  • This is not an exhaustive list. You should consult a qualified lawyer or immigration counsel if your have questions.

Step 9:Immigrant Visa Approved.

The beneficiary has been issued an Immigration Visa and is eligible to enter the United States.

• What should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you become a Conditional Legal Permanent Resident and your Green Card is about to expire.

Step 1:Plan and Prepare – Applicant

• As soon as your I-140 is submitted, you should start gathering the information and documents you will need, even if your Priority Date is years away. Information becomes more difficult to acquire as time passes. Gather information for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Begin saving for Filing and Legal fees.

• Documents you need:

  • A copy of I-140, (Form 797) or at the very least
  • the Receipt Number, Status, Priority Date and Employer name from your Approved I-140. Your employer retains the original I-140 approval.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with your AOS application.
  • If your children will soon be 21, or if they will be close to, or older than 21, before your priority date becomes current.
  • If you have changed employers, or wish to change employers before your AOS is filed. When your Priority Date is close, you should check with your employer to see if they will pay your fees, or if they have a recommendation. AdviseHub. Com has a list of lawyers

Step 2:Have an Approved I-140 Application, sponsored by your employer

• Based on status, and date of initia filing-Prioirty DateYour employer will have submitted and the USCIS will have approved an I-140 Application for you. The application was the last step in the PERM/I-140 application process. You may have a copy of the I-140, and you should have a record of the Receipt #, Status Granted and Priority Date. Begin saving for Filing and Legal fees.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with your AOS application.
  • If your children will soon be 21, or if they will be close to, or older than 21, before your priority date becomes current.
  • If you have changed employers, or wish to change employers before your AOS is filed. When your Priority Date is close, you should check with your employer to see if they will pay your fees, or if they have a recommendation. AdviseHub. Com has a list of lawyers.

Step 3:Chose a Lawyer or Plan to Do-it-Yourself

• Varies This is an important choice. An attorney can provide you with guidance and experienced staff who can ensure that your application is properly completed and submitted. A lawyer will also be aware of the latest rules and regulations regarding applications, and can assist you to properly prepare the forms, and ensure that you have all the information and documentation you need.

• Documents you need:

  • A copy of I-140, (Form 797) or at the very least
  • the Receipt Number, Status, Priority Date and Employer name from your Approved I-140. Your employer retains the original I-140 approval.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with your AOS application.
  • If your children will soon be 21, or if they will be close to, or older than 21, before your priority date becomes current.
  • If you have changed employers, or wish to change employers before your AOS is filed. When your Priority Date is close, you should check with your employer to see if they will pay your fees, or if they have a recommendation. AdviseHub. Com has a list of lawyers

Step 4:Have a Current Priority Date

• When your I-140 was approved, you received a Priority Date and an employment status. Now that your priority date has arrived, you can submit your Application for Adjustment of Status (AOS), or Green Card application. You can check the current Priority dates at the US Dept of State Visa website.

Step 5:Prepare I-485 (AOS) documents.

repare the I-485, G-325A, I-765, and I-131 forms for submission. Have a Medical Examination by a qualified Civil Surgeon. You must use a USCIS approved doctor for the medical exam. The USCIS has a list at (WEBISTE) . You must be in the United States to file the application. Attach all necessary support documents, and submit the applications.

• Documents and information you need:

  • Copy of your I-140 form.
  • Copy of Previous I-797 forms
  • Two Color Passport photos for each application (6 per applicant)
  • Your Birth Certificate
  • Your Marriage Certificate, if applicable
  • City/Village/Town of Birth
  • Your Current occupation
  • Mother’s First name
  • Father’s First Name
  • Your name EXACTLY as it appears on your most recent I-94
  • The number of your Non-immigrant Visa (H-1B)
  • Consulate where your CURRENT visa was issued.
  • The Date your CURRENT visa was issued
  • the names of your CURRENT Spouse and ALL of your children.
  • A List any organizations that you have belonged to. This includes : military service. Note the date (Month and Year) you joined and the date (Month and Year) you left. Current Citizenship. If your been previously been granted citizenship in another country, you are now a citizen of that country. A#- This is the “A” number on your I-140 or I-130 approval.
  • Parents’ Names You must include the full names of both parents, and note your mother’s maiden (or pre-marriage) name.
  • City, (State or Province, if available) and Country of their birth, and current residence.
  • Names, marriage certificates, divorce or death certificates for your current and any previous spouses.
  • A list of ALL of your residences for the past 6 years. This includes residences in the United States, or in any country where you may have lived. Include month and year when you lived there. Last Address of more than one year outside the U.S.
  • Employers for the last 6 years, including job title, date and month of the beginning and end of your employment.
  • Copies of any previous or current Employment Authorization Cards (I-765)-and Advance Parole Documents (I-131).
  • Verification of Employment letter from current employer.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you anticipate problems with your AOS application.
  • If your children will soon be 21, or if they will be close to, or older than 21, before your priority date becomes current.
  • If you have changed employers, or wish to change employers before your AOS is filed.
  • If you have been married less than 2 years
  • If you have been married prior to your current spouse
  • If you or any of your children were adopted\4
  • If you have been arrested, or convicted of any crime.
  • If you answer “YES” to any question in Section C.
  • If you are unable to obtain any required document.
  • If you are unable to have a document translated.
  • If you have ever been subject to deportation, or otherwise banned from the United States.
  • If you are unwilling to perform National Service if required to by law.

Step 6:File the AOS (I-485 or Green Card) application.

File the documents with proper fees. You should a receipt from the USCIS within 2 weeks. After you receive your receipt, you will be schedule for a biometrics appointment at a local USCIS office.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS.
  • If your application is rejected for being insufficient or unacceptable.
  • If you have changed employers, or wish to change employers before your AOS is approved.

Step 7:AOS (I-485) Approved and Green Card received.

Welcome to the United States of America Your green Card has been approved. You should receive your card in the mail per the information on your welcome letter.

• When should you consult a lawyer:

  • If you become a Conditional Legal Permanent Resident and your Green Card is about to expire.