Criteria for Green Card Eligibility
For U.S. Green Card eligibility, certain prerequisites must be met:
- American Indian Blood Lineage: A minimum of 50% blood lineage in the American Indian race is required.
- Place of Birth: You must have been born in Canada.
It’s crucial to emphasize that tribal membership through marriage or adoption doesn’t fulfill the eligibility criteria. Your qualification hinges on the blood lineage traced through parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who are registered members of a recognized Canadian Indian band or U.S. Indian tribe.
Entering the U.S. for Green Card Application
If you reside outside the U.S. and seek permanent residence, notify the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer about your status as an American Indian born in Canada. Substantiate your claim with proper documentation, declaring your intention for permanent residency.
Requesting a Record of Admission for Permanent Residence
To obtain a Record of Admission for Permanent Residence, schedule an InfoPass appointment at your local USCIS office. No application fee is required, but ensure you bring:
- Two passport-style photos
- Government-issued identity document with a photograph
- Long-form Canadian birth certificate
- Documentation proving membership in a band or tribe
Lack of tribal membership proof may be supplemented with documentation from the Canadian or U.S. Government or an original Letter of Ancestry from INAC.
Documentation Guidelines and Family Member Eligibility
Adhere to documentation guidelines, providing clear photocopies, English translations for non-English documents, and specific requirements for third-party-issued documents. It’s important to note that spouses and unmarried children under 21 don’t automatically qualify for permanent residency. Their eligibility hinges on their status as American Indians born in Canada with at least 50% Indian blood, or they can file USCIS Form I-130 Petition after you secure your U.S. permanent residency.
Embark on your U.S. permanent residency journey with confidence, armed with a clear understanding of the criteria and steps involved.
Green Cards for Family Members
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Additional Outside Resources
- Do Native Americans need documents to enter the United States?
- Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada
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