Requirements for a Green Card Application in Kenya

In this article, we shall understand the requirements for a green card application in Kenya.

Table of Contents

Brief understanding of green card

A green card is widely known as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card. For many Kenyans, applying for a Green Card is seemingly difficult, with many opting to participate in the Green Card lottery for a chance to win.
A green card grants an individual permanent residency status in the United States, allowing them to live and work in the country indefinitely.

The basic requirements for a green card application in Kenya include a completed Form DS-260, proof of identity and nationality, police clearance certificates, medical examination results, evidence of financial support, and any relevant supporting documentation.

While it does not confer citizenship, it provides a pathway to citizenship for those who meet the eligibility criteria. Green card holders enjoy many rights and benefits, including access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. There are different categories of green cards which include:

Green Card as a Special Immigrant
Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status
Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
Green Card for Victims of Abuse
Green Card through Employment
Green Card through Family

The process of applying for a green card involves several steps and requires meeting specific eligibility criteria to avoid errors.

Requirements for a green card application in Kenya

1. Eligibility

Eligibility is one of the key requirements to consider while applying for a green card. There are various pathways through which individuals can qualify for a green card, including employment-based, family-based, and diversity visa lottery.
Each category has its own set of eligibility requirements, and applicants must determine which category best suits their circumstances.
All applicants should ensure they consider meeting the eligibility criteria including education, work, and nationality. You should ensure you have the following requirements:

2. Sponsorship

Most applicants for a green card require a sponsor who is either a family member or an employer in the United States. The following are categories of sponsorship that one can have:

Family-Based Sponsorship

Family-based sponsorship typically involves a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioning on behalf of the applicant. Family preference categories also include unmarried sons or daughters of a U.S. citizen and spouses and unmarried children of a Green Card holder.

Employment-Based Sponsorship

Family-based sponsorship typically involves a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioning on behalf of the applicant. Employment-based sponsorship, on the other hand, requires a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the applicant for permanent residency.

If you possess extraordinary abilities in specific fields, hold advanced degrees, or have at least two years of skilled work experience, you can apply through employment-based sponsorship.
Special immigrants (such as religious workers or broadcasters) and investors with substantial capital in the United States also fall under this category.

The Diversity Visa (DV) program

The Diversity Visa (DV) program is a lottery-based system that makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available through random selection. Eligible individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States can participate.
The following are steps on how to apply green card:

Requirements

Be from a country that is not excluded from participating in the Green Card Lottery
Ensure you prove that you have at least a US high school diploma or an equivalent level of education. You should have completed at least 12 years of formal primary and secondary schooling.
Respectively, you can prove at least two years of work experience within the past five years in a qualified profession. Qualified professions are those that require at least two years of training.
No age limit but you need to be above 16 years old to be eligible to satisfy that you have completed at least 12 years of formal primary and secondary schooling.

Steps on how to apply for a green card.

Create an account on the eFNS portal.
Apply for permanent residence.
Fill in the green card application form.
Upload the required documents.
Payment of the green card processing fees.
Download the acknowledgment of the application.
Make an appointment with the Embassy for background checks and permanent residence advisory committee interviews.
Ensure you attend the appointment on the specific date as stated.
A notification of approval is then sent to you through your eFNS portal account.
Payment of permanent residence issuance fees.
Pick up your green card in the embassy of your dream country here in Kenya.

The processing time for a green card application in Kenya can vary depending on various factors such as the current backlog, completeness of the application, and the specific category under which the application is filed. On average, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year for the entire process to be completed.

What you need to have is an internet connection or go to a cyber, have a passport-size photo with you that meets the photo requirements of the program, your birth certificate or ID, and submit your entry electronically on the Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery website.

Conclusion

Obtaining a green card is a significant milestone for Kenyan citizens seeking to build a new life in the United States. By understanding the requirements and guidelines for the application process and seeking appropriate guidance and support, applicants can increase their chances of success.
While the journey may be challenging at times, the rewards of permanent residency in the United States are well worth the effort. With careful preparation and perseverance, Kenyan citizens can navigate the green card application process and embark on a new chapter in their lives.

FAQS:

1. What are the basic requirements for a green card application in Kenya?

2. How long does it take to process a green card application in Kenya?

3. Can I apply for a green card while living outside of Kenya?

Yes, individuals living outside of Kenya can still apply for a green card through consular processing. This involves submitting the required documentation to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, attending an interview if required, and completing any additional steps as directed by the immigration authorities.