Blogs Frequently Asked Questions

You can pay the I-485 fee using a credit card, debit card, U.S. bank account, or money order cheque, and cashier's cheque

No, a green card is not free.

If a green card holder lives in the U.S. long enough they may get benefits of social security. However, for this, they need to meet certain requirements. It includes work credits, immigration status, and totalization agreement.

You can know about your green card approval by checking the application status online. For this, you can use the USCIS “Case Status Online” page along with your receipt number. In addition, you can also call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Generally, you get a notification from USCIS after your green card application gets approved.

After a green card approval within a few days to several weeks you get a green card in the mail. Also after receiving the green card, you need to fulfill certain responsibilities like obeying the US laws, filing income tax, carrying it all the time, and registering for selective services. In addition, you can apply for US citizenship as well after five years, or three years if you get married to a US citizen.

Yes, you have permission to leave the US while waiting for a green card but before going outside the country you need to get permission to travel called “advance parole.” In case you fail to do so, your green card application will be abandoned.

No, green cards and US citizenship are not the same. A green card allows a foreign individual to live and work indefinitely in the US. However, citizenship is generally gained through birth, naturalization, or descent. With this, a green card holder can apply for US citizenship typically after 3-5 years. Also, it is the highest legal status in the United States.

Well, the answer to this question is not straightforward. Getting a permanent residency can be hassle-free if you prepare well and all your documents are in order. In addition, if you have a working or studying history for a few years then also the process becomes a lot simpler for you.

Yes, you can work in the United States with a marriage green card.

Yes, a sponsor is required for a marriage green card.

No, a green card is not automatic after marriage.

Yes, you can apply for a marriage green card if your spouse is living outside of the U.S. You just need to fill out the I-130 form, submit the application package, attend the interview, and undergo a medical exam

To raise an appeal against a decision to deny a marriage green card application you need to follow the instructions provided in the denial letter and complete the required forms.

Yes, USCIS investigates marriages to determine if they are authentic and in good faith.

A visa interview is a meeting with a consular officer to verify if you are eligible to get a visa to enter the US or not. The process includes asking questions, verifying the documents, scanning fingerprints, etc.

To introduce yourself in a visa interview, you can share your background, tell about the reason behind your visit, and how you plan to manage and fund your stay.

For an interview, try to wear a comfortable, professional look. Do not wear a lot of jewelry and use light fragrances. Wear something formal like a shirt with a blazer and formal pants. Women can wear a suit or long dress.

Avoid wearing bright and flashy colored shirts, ill-fitted clothes, a lot of perfume, huge and overloading accessories, plunging necklines, unbuttoned shirts, etc.

As of 2025, Indians can travel to 58 countries without a visa. This involves both a visa on arrival (VOA) and visa-free entry access. With this, the popular countries include Mauritius, Nepal, and Thailand.

There is no country that permits international travel without a passport. However, Indians can travel to Bhutan and Nepal without needing a visa, and even without a passport. All you need is just a valid voter ID card and you are good to go.