If the beneficiary is granted an immigrant visa (green card), the consular officer will give him or her a packet of information. This packet is known as a “Visa Packet.”

To become a U.S. citizen you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must have authorization to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis (informally known as a green card) for at least five years (or three years, if married to a United States citizen).
• You must have continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years (or three years, if married to a United States citizen) and be physically present in the U.S. for at least half that time.
• Must be able to read, write and speak basic English.
  • Some people do not have to speak English at all or answer any questions about United States history and civics, depending on many factors such as their age, time in the U.S. as green card holders, and if they have a disability. For more information about language exceptions, disability exceptions, and accommodations, click here.
• Must have a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government.
• You must be a person of “good moral character.”
• You must take a loyalty oath to the United States and support the Constitution and form of government of the United States.

1. Prove your visit will be temporary.
2. Prove your intention to depart the U.S. at end of your stay (or any extension)
3. Hold a valid foreign passport.
4. Maintain a residence abroad to which you intend to return.
5. You are able to support yourself financially while in the country.

To qualify as an immigrant religious worker, for at least two years before a petition may be filed on your behalf, you must:

• Have been a member of the religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States for which you are coming to work; and
• Have been continuously carrying out the religious vocation or occupation that you intend to carry out in the United States.

Some of the types of relief from removal that may be available to an undocumented immigrants who is in immigration court are

1.    Family-based adjustment of status. 

2.    Asylum. 

3.    Withholding of removal. 

4.    Protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). 

5.    Cancellation of removal for persons who are not lawful permanent residents. 

6.    Cancellation under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

7.    Voluntary Departure. 

8.    Deferred action.