You may be starting the process to become a permanent resident in the United States. If this is you, you will probably need to complete Form I-551 formerly known as a Green Card which is simply the document that will enable you to immigrate to the US on permanent resident status. It is proof of a foreign national’s immigration status to live and work permanently in the US.
This form grants you permission to stay in the US for longer periods of time. The document is valid for a maximum of ten years and needs to be renewed before it expires.
Processing Time: 6 months – 1 year
Do I Need To Complete A Form I-551?
There are four main categories of individuals that are edible for this form. Those categories include:
- Immediate Relatives of US Citizens
- Employment-Based Visas
- Green Card Lottery
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Form I-551 Required Documents
Ever case is different and depending on your reasons of a Form I-551, your needed documents will vary. Some of the basic documents you will need include:
- Valid passport
- Birth Certificate
- Financial Documents
- Form I-90 Receipt
- Proof of Permanent Residency
- Appointment Notice
Form I-551 Application Process
There are only four short steps to completing your For I-551 Green Card process!
Step 1: Form I-551 Approval and Petition – Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible for Form I-551, you will need to submit your application to the USCIS and wait for the approval.
Step 2: Additional Documents – Depending on your case, you may need to file additional documents.
Step 3: Identification Number – Once you’ve been officially approved, you will be assigned an immigrant visa number which will appear on your US Green Card.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status – People who are already in the US and filing will seek an adjustment of status. People filing from abroad will follow their US Consulate Embassy’s rules.
I-551 Temporary Evidence Stamps
In some cases, you may find yourself with a pending Form I-90 and need proof of your status. If this is you, your local USCIS office that’s responsible for your jurisdiction can issue a temporary I-551 stamp on your passport based on your situation. Generally, USCIS-issued I-551 temporary evidence stamps are issued for a period of 6 to 12 months.
Need Help Becoming A Permanent Resident in the United States?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Sierra
Hi there! I am one of VisaPlace's immigration content writers. If you have any questions regarding this article, please comment below!
