Green Card for Mexicans: How to Apply and Eligibility Explained

What is a Green Card?
A Green Card grants permanent residency in the United States, allowing individuals to live, work, and study indefinitely. For Mexican nationals, obtaining a Green Card can lead to opportunities for family reunification, employment, or long-term residency in the U.S.

Eligibility Categories for Mexicans Applying for a Green Card
Mexican citizens can apply for a Green Card under various categories, including:

Table of Contents

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:
- Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
- No numerical limit on visas.
Family Preference Categories:
- Includes siblings and adult children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
- Subject to annual caps and longer waiting periods.

Categories based on professional skills, education, or investment:
- EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, or multinational executives.
- EB-2: Advanced degree professionals or exceptional ability.
- EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
- EB-5: Investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted areas) in U.S. enterprises creating jobs.

Mexicans are not eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery due to the country’s high rate of immigration to the U.S.

Refugees or asylum seekers and certain individuals under special programs, such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Family-Based: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
Employment-Based: Employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).

Check the Visa Bulletin for family and employment categories with numerical caps.

If in the U.S.: File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
If outside the U.S.: Apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.

Bring required documents to the interview, including passports, birth certificates, and proof of relationship or employment.

Document	Purpose
Valid Passport	Identification and travel authorization.
Birth Certificate	Proof of identity and age.
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)	Financial sponsorship for family-based cases.
Police Clearance Certificate	Proof of good character (for consular processing).
Medical Examination Form	Health clearance from a certified physician.

Immediate Relatives: 6 months to 1 year.
Family Preference Categories: 1 year to over 20 years, depending on category and priority date.
Employment-Based Green Cards: 1 to 2 years (may vary by category).

Costs of Applying for a Green Card
| Expense | Amount (USD) |
|———————————-|———————————————–|
| Form I-130 Filing Fee | $535 |
| Form I-485 Filing Fee | $1,140 (plus $85 for biometrics, if required) |
| Consular Processing Fee | $325 (immigrant visa) |
| Medical Examination Fee | $200–$500 (varies by location) |

Solution: Regularly check the Visa Bulletin and prepare documents in advance to avoid delays.

Solution: Secure a co-sponsor who meets income requirements for family-based cases.

Solution: Double-check forms and gather required documents with the help of an immigration lawyer.

After holding a Green Card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), Mexicans can apply for naturalization.
Must meet residency, language, and civic knowledge requirements.

Are Mexicans eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
No, Mexico is not eligible due to high immigration numbers.
How long does family-based immigration take for Mexicans?
Immediate relatives are processed quickly (6–12 months), while other categories can take several years.
Can I apply for a Green Card while on a U.S. tourist visa?
Yes, but you must meet eligibility and comply with adjustment of status requirements.
Can a Green Card holder petition for family members?
Yes, permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.
What happens if my application is denied?
You can appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the reasons for denial.

Conclusion
Obtaining a Green Card is a critical step for Mexicans seeking permanent residency in the U.S. By understanding the eligibility categories, preparing necessary documents, and following the application process carefully, you can navigate this pathway successfully and enjoy the benefits of living in the United States.