faq green card questions united states immigration permanent residence resident of the U.S. lost green card

1. Green Card and Lawful Permanent Residence Information, How to obtain one?

What is a green card and a lawful Permanent Residence?

What is the difference between temporary residence and Permanent residence?

How to obtain a green card?

Why is called a green card?

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2. Green Card and Marriage

How to obtain a green card if I am married to an American citizen?

For how long do we have to be married to receive a green card?

Can I get married to a U.S. citizen outside of the U.S., and still be eligible to obtain a green card?

How to get a fiancé or fiancée visa for my girlfriend or boyfriend to travel to the U.S.?

What if we get divorced? Can I still get or keep my green card or citizenship?

What if my husband/wife died? Can I still get my green card?

Once I have a green card, can I apply for the U.S. citizenship?

3. Green Card for Family Relatives

How to obtain a green card through American citizen relatives?

Which family relatives are eligible to get a green card through a U.S. citizen?

What if my relative died? Can I still get my green card?

Once I have a green card, can I apply for the U.S. citizenship?

4. Green Card and Employment

I have a work visa, how can I apply for a Green Card through my employment?

What if I change my employment? Can I still get my green card?

Once I have a green card through employment, can I apply for the U.S. citizenship?

5. Green Card for Students

Can a person with student visa obtain a green card and become a permanent resident?

6. Green Card for Investors

How to obtain a get a green card as an investor?

How much investment do I need to be eligible for the green card as an investor?

Once I have a green card, can I apply for the U.S. citizenship?

Where should I go to apply for the Green Card?

7. Green Card and Adoption

Can I get a green card for my adopted children? how?

How long does it takes the process of application?

8. Green Card Renewal, Replacement, Expired and Lost Green Card

My Green card is expired how can I get a new one?

I lost my valid green card, how to get a green card replacement?

Where to renew or replace my green card if I am outside of the United States?

Where to renew or replace my green card if I am inside of the United States?

9. For How Long can I live outside of the U.S. and still keep my green card valid?

For how long can I live outside of the U.S. and still keep my green card valid?

Where to renew or replace my green card if I am outside of the United States?

I had a green card that expired a few years ago and now I live outside of the U.S., can I renew it or

get a new green card?

10. Green Card Change of Registered Address

The U.S. law requires nearly all non-U.S. Citizens to report a change of address within 10 days of moving. All non-U.S. citizens who are required to be registered are also required to keep the USCIS informed of their present address. The change of address notification to the USCIS is also mandatory for any alien who has been designated as a "special registrant" under 8 CFR § 264.1(f).

The answer to this FAQ question will give you information of how to change your address for most pending applications or petitions you have notifying the USCIS.

- How do I change my registered address on my green card or visa?

- How to report a change of my registered address to the USCIS?

- How to change the notification address for my pending immigration application or petition?

- Can I change my registered address online?

- What is the form AR-11? how to submit my change of address paper form by mail?

- How can I change my address with the U.S. Postal Service?

Exemptions from this requirement are non-immigrants currently in A or G status (e.g. foreign government officials and international organization aliens) and certain non-immigrants who do not possess a visa and whose current stay in the U.S. has not exceeded or will not exceed 29 days.

11. DV Green Card Lottery

Who is eligible to participate in the green card lottery?

Citizenship of what countries are eligible to participate?

Do I need to speak fluent English?

How many people can win the green card every year?

How can I submit my application to participate on line?

How can I submit my application to participate by mail?

What if I win, what is the next step?

If I win can I bring my family with me and they will also receive a Green Card?

12. Temporary Admission for Residence

What is the status of temporary admission for residence?

How long it will take until I become a personal resident?

Can I work and travel with the status of Temporary Admission for Residence in the U.S.?

13. Advance Parole to Travel Outside of the U.S.

I have a temporary admission for permanent residence (green card) and need to travel outside of the U.S., How can I request a special permission to travel?

Who can travel outside of the U.S. without advance parole to re-enter the country?

14. Medical Examination for Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status

Where to go to obtain a medical examination?

How can I find a list of approved doctors?

What type of Medical Examination is required?

15. Green Card Documents and Forms

Necessary documents and forms to apply for a green card

How to obtain paper forms?

How to obtain forms online for download?

How to notarize international documents outside of the United States?

16. Citizenship for Green Card Holders

How to become a citizen if I already have a green card?

Where to submit a citizenship application?

For how many years do I need to have my green card before applying for my citizenship?

How to register my mail address with the USCIS to receive notifications about my case?

How long does it takes the process of the citizenship application?

What is the difference between a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and a U.S. citizen?

17. Green Card Update including change of name

How do I update or change the information on my green card including a name change?