How to apply for a Green Card

Before applying for a Green Card you must first explore the various options available to you.

  • Do you have relatives residing in the United States?
  • Are there specific skills you possess that could be valuable to employers in the United States?
  • Are you eligible to participate in the Green Card Lottery?
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ARE YOU DREAMING OF A  LIFE IN THE USA ?

Use your chance of winning a Green Card in the Green Card Lottery

Application for a Family-based Green Card

Green Cards for family reunifications are most beneficial for spouses and children of US citizens due to shorter waiting periods compared to siblings applying for Green Cards.
Immediate family members such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens over 21 are usually in the Immediate category with theoretically no waiting period, but in practice, may face processing times of 6 - 18 months or 3 - 12 months for children. However, unmarried children over 21, married children, and siblings of US citizens can also apply but can expect much lengthier waiting periods.

You may be eligible if you fall into one of the following criteria:

  • You are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • You are an unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • You are the parent of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is at least 21 years old
  • You are the fiancé of a U.S. citizen

During the application process, the petitioner (a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) must prove the relationship through documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and other legal paperwork. Additionally, the petitioner must meet certain income requirements to demonstrate the ability to financially support the beneficiary. Finally, the beneficiary must also pass a background check and medical examination.

Processing time

3 - 18 months

Estimated cost

2,000$ fee + additional costs*

Who can apply

Your relative*

Obstacles

Long wait times

Costs for a family-based Green Card application

  • $535 to $675 filing fee for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
  • $1,440 fee for Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)

*Additional costs may include biometric fees, medical examination fees, and other associated costs.
*Your relative must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Application for an Employment-based Green Card

To be eligible for an employment-based Green Card, you must have a specific job offer from a US employer and meet one of the five preference categories:

  • First Preference EB-1 - priority workers
    Workers with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. Outstanding Professors and Researchers, Managers and Executives
  • Second Preference EB-2 - workers with advanced degrees
    Workers of professions holding advanced degrees or who have exceptional abilities
  • Third Preference EB-3 - skilled workers
    Skilled Workers, Professionals or other Workers A labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer is required.
  • Special immigrants EB-4
    For example religious workers
Processing time

3 - 18 months

Estimated cost

$5,000 to $15,000 or more

Who can apply

Your employer in the US

Obstacles

Long wait times and uncertainty

Costs for an employment-based Green Card application

The cost of obtaining an employment-based Green Card will depend on the type of visa, legal fees, filing fees, and other associated costs. Generally, the total cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. This includes fees for the immigrant petition (Form I-140), adjustment of status (Form I-485), biometrics, medical exam, and attorney fees.

Green Card Lottery Application

For people who don't have US relatives or a workplace in the US, participating in the Green Card Lottery is the easiest way to obtain a Green Card. Up to 55.000 Green Cards are available via the DV Program each year. You can enter this years Green Card Lottery by clicking on "Apply now".

Diversity Visa Program

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, was created by the Immigration Act of 1990 as a way to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. Under the program, 55,000 Green Cards are available annually to eligible applicants from certain countries who don't have US relatives or a workplace in the US. The DV-Program provides a fair opportunity for non-Americans to live and work permanently in the United States and to pursue the American Dream.

Processing time

18 months

Estimated cost

$800 - $1,000

Who can apply

Yourself

Obstacles

Very few

Costs for a Diversity-Visa Green Card

  • $220 USCIS Immigrant fee
  • $85 Biometrics Services fee
  • $325 State Department Processing fee
  • 200$ Medical Examination (this amount can vary significantly)

*Additional costs may include biometric fees, medical examination fees, and other associated costs.

Selection process

Every year, the Department of State will conduct a random selection of applicants. Anyone who meets the criteria imposed by the US authorities has a chance to be selected for a Green Card.

Immigrant application DS-260

After your application was selected you must complete form DS-260. This form requires detailed personal information and must be submitted to the Kentucky Consular Center for processing before further consideration of the application.
You should submit form DS-260 within a few weeks. Our teams is available to assist you with this process.

Buying a Green Card

It is possible to "buy" a Green Card through the EB-5 investor visa program. EB-5 Green Cards Cards can be acquired by investing in new or existing business and are tied to strengthening the U.S. economy and creating jobs.

Application for an Investment-based Green Card

You can obtain a Green Card if you invested or are actively in the process of investing $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project) in a new commercial enterprise that will create at least 10 full-time positions for qualifying employees.
The investment must lead to the growth of the U.S. economy and benefit the community where the business is located. Additionally, the investor must demonstrate the lawful source of the funds and be involved in the management of the business.
If all requirements are met the U.S. immigration law allows the investor to apply for a Green Card as an EB-5 immigrant investor.

Processing time

12 - 36 months

Estimated cost

$3,675

Who can apply

Yourself

Obstacles

Investment of $1,050,000

Costs for an investment-based Green Card application

The filing fee for the EB-5 Investor Visa, Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor), is currently $3,675. This fee covers the processing and adjudication of the petition. Additionally, applicants should be aware of other associated costs such as attorney fees, investments, and regional center fees.

Mandatory Government Fees for Green Cards
Fee Type Cost
Form I-130 (Family-based Green Card) $535
Form I-485 (Green Card Application) $1,440
Form I-765 Work Permit Application (optional) $0
Form I-131 Travel Permit Application Form (optional) $0
USCIS Immigrant fee $220
Biometrics Services fee (Fingerprints & Photo) $85
State Department Processing fee $325
Medical Examination (this amount can vary significantly) $200
Other Potential Costs
  • Translation fees
    When submitting a green card application package with documents in languages other than English, it is necessary to include a translated version of each document certified by the translator. The cost of these services will vary.
  • Document fees
    During the green card application process, you will need to provide digital or hard copies of supporting documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports. Additionally, both you and your spouse must bring the original copies to the final green card interview, whether in the U.S. or at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Different government agencies typically impose fees for issuing specific official documents.
  • Charges for postage and mailing
    Throughout various phases of the green card application procedure, you will incur minimal fees for postage and mailing services associated with sending your application and accompanying documents.
  • Vaccination fees
    If your medical exam calls for it, you may have to update your vaccinations before obtaining your final medical examination report. Similar to medical exam fees, the expenses for vaccinations may differ depending on the provider.
  • Travel expenses
    Expenses for a trip to the USA to activate your Green Card. If you have opted for our Advanced + Flight plan, the flight expenses for your journey to the USA are covered.
The easiest way to get a Green Card

Enter the annual Green Card Lottery for a chance to easily secure a permanent life in the United States, a stark contrast to the complex application processes for Green Cards through family, employment, or investment. Quick and straightforward, the Green Card Lottery offers great odds of success. Don't miss out on this opportunity - Apply now!

Our Services

GoWest is an immigration consultancy and not affiliated with any government agency. We provide our customers a paid service for registration to the US Diversity Visa ("Green Card Lottery") and assist them on further steps in obtaining a US visa. You can choose the ideal plan for you during the registration process by clicking on Apply now. Our processing fee starts from 52 USD. Once you have been in the United States for 5 years, we can help you apply to become a U.S citizen.

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