Filing the Required Forms

Published on: Mon Apr 21 2025

The Green Card application process involves filing several forms with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The specific forms required depend on your eligibility category.

Common Forms

Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

This form is filed by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish their relationship with an eligible relative who wishes to immigrate to the United States.

Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

This form is used by individuals already in the United States who want to apply for lawful permanent resident status.

Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

This form is used by employers to petition for foreign workers to become permanent residents based on their skills, education, or work experience.

Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization

This form allows certain foreign nationals to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which grants permission to work in the United States while their Green Card application is pending.

Filing Tips

• Always review the most current version of forms on the USCIS website
• Complete all required fields and sign all forms
• Include all required supporting documentation
• Pay the correct filing fees
• Keep copies of all documents submitted to USCIS