How to Become a Legal Immigrant

Gaining citizenship in the United States is a particularly difficult thing to do and is a challenge that is insurmountable for some individuals. If, however, you go about things in the right way and have a little bit of luck, it is possible to become a legal immigrant.

Instructions

1. Get a visa before you enter the country. This is of vast importance and is the first mistake that many foreigners make when trying to relocate to America. Get a visa as a tourist and enter the country legally to make the rest of the process much easier.

2. Find an employer. Finding employment in America and then having your employer's support in the green card process is essential. So find employment and use that to help you get your green card.

3. Get a green card. The actual name of the green card, officially speaking, is "immigrant visa." You'll need to acquire one of these to become a legal immigrant for any extended period of time.

4. Always carry your green card with you. One caveat of the green card is that those who are granted one are legally responsible for keeping it with them at all times.

5. Wait 5 years after you receive your green card to apply for citizenship in the United States.

6. Apply for citizenship.

Tips & Warnings

• The application process for U.S. citizenship generally costs, all things tallied, about $400 to $500. Save up this money in advance so that you don't have to wait longer.

• Green cards are valid for only 10 years, so be sure to apply for citizenship well before your green card is set to expire.

• When applying for a green card, the governmental agency involved is called the USCIS, not the INS.

• Always carry your green card without exception. Failure to present a green card when asked to do so can be grounds for ejection from the country.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish