Step #1: Applicant visits United States Department of State Website

Permanent Resident cards applications are only available in the internet. Signing up in the website is free and you would have to fill in the required information to proceed. The Green card application is not that complicated. You will be using DV2005 form which you can complete quickly. However, you need to be very careful in putting your information. According to research, 40% of the applicants are being disqualified every year because of mistakes. Take your time in filling up the form because you only get one chance to apply for Permanent Resident card in a year.

The application period opens from the first or second week of November and usually lasts for a month or two and no applications will be considered earlier or later than the specified time. So be alert!

Step #2: Qualified applicant submits Requirements

One tip to make the application for you is to submit all the requirements ahead of time and in any case of changes, inform the authority as soon as possible. When you apply for a Green card, you need to be patient for it may take a few years before your card gets released. But, if you were able to comply with all the documents and paperwork early, you can have your card within 3-65 months.

Step #3- Applicant obtains Permanent Resident Status

Congratulations! After getting your card you now have a Permanent Resident Status and you get to enjoy many rights such as the right to freely work in the US and to live there. By the way, having a Green card does not mean you are already a United States citizen. If you want to be one, you need to wait for a few years again (minimum of 5 years) and apply for it as well.