If you’re a foreign national who wants to live and work in the United States permanently, getting a green card is your best option. A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants you the right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. In this article, we will guide you through how to get a green card in the U.S.
What is a Green Card?
A green card is a permanent residence permit issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to foreign nationals. With a green card, you have the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Green card holders also have access to certain benefits, such as the ability to travel freely in and out of the U.S. and to apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period.
Types of Green Cards
There are several ways to obtain a green card in the U.S. The most common ways include the following:
Family-based Green Card
One of the most common ways to obtain a green card in the U.S. is through a family-based petition. If you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, they may be able to sponsor you for a family-based green card. Immediate relatives, such as spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens, have the highest priority in the family-based immigration system.
Employment-based Green Card
If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, you can obtain an employment-based green card. There are several categories of employment-based green cards, each with different requirements and eligibility criteria. For example, suppose you have an advanced degree and possess extraordinary abilities in your field. In that case, you may qualify for an EB-1 green card. Alternatively, consider that you have a job offer in a skilled or unskilled labor category. In that case, you may be eligible for an EB-3 green card.
Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that allows citizens of certain countries to apply for a green card through a lottery system. The program is designed to promote diversity in the U.S. immigrant population. The U.S. Department of State annually holds a lottery for 50,000 green cards. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a country with a low rate of immigration to the U.S. and meet certain educational or work experience requirements.
Asylum or Refugee Status
Suppose you have fled your home country due to persecution or fear of persecution. In that case, you may be eligible for asylum or refugee status in the U.S. Asylum seekers and refugees can apply for a green card after being in the U.S. for one year. To qualify, you must prove that you have a well-founded fear of persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Investment-Based Green Card
Suppose you are willing to invest significant money in a U.S. business. In that case, you can obtain an investment-based green card. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires a minimum investment of $1.8 million and the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Alternatively, the EB-5 program also allows for a minimum investment of $900,000 in a targeted employment area.
Special Immigrant Status
Several categories of special immigrant status may qualify you for a green card, including:
- religious workers
- foreign medical graduates
- retired employees of international organizations
Registry
If you have been living in the U.S. continuously since before January 1, 1972, and meet other eligibility criteria, you can apply for a green card through the registry process.
Also Read: Discover The Best Types Of US Work Visas For Employment
Advantages and Disadvantages of Green Card Types
Yes, there are advantages and disadvantages to each green card type when getting a green card in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown:
Family-Based Green Card
Advantages
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are given priority, resulting in potentially faster processing times.
- Emotional and cultural ties to the U.S. through family can make the transition to living in the U.S. easier.
Disadvantages
- Your sponsor may be required to provide financial support for you.
- Your eligibility for a family-based green card may depend on your sponsor’s status.
Employment-Based Green Card
Advantages
- You can work in the U.S. for a job matching your skills and experience.
- You may have the option to apply for a green card without needing a sponsor.
Disadvantages
- The process can be complex and time-consuming, with several categories of employment-based green cards, each with its own eligibility criteria.
- You may be limited to working for a specific employer or job category.
Diversity Visa Lottery
Advantages
- The program is designed to promote diversity in the U.S. immigrant population, which can lead to a more diverse and inclusive society.
- If you are selected, you can obtain a green card without needing a sponsor.
Disadvantages
- The chances of being selected are relatively low, with only 50,000 green cards available each year.
- The program is only open to citizens of certain countries and has specific educational and work experience requirements.
Asylum or Refugee Status
Advantages
- You may be eligible for a green card if you have fled your home country due to persecution or fear of persecution.
- You can stay in the U.S. and work legally while your asylum or refugee application is pending.
Disadvantages
- The process can be complex and time-consuming, with a high burden of proof required to demonstrate your eligibility.
- You may not be eligible if you have committed certain crimes or pose a security risk.
Investment-Based Green Card
Advantages
- You can invest in a U.S. business and obtain a green card, leading to greater financial opportunities.
- You can create jobs for U.S. workers through your investment.
Disadvantages
- The minimum investment required is $1.8 million or $900,000 in a targeted employment area.
- The process can be complex and time-consuming, with a high burden of proof required to demonstrate the job creation and investment requirements.
Special Immigrant Status
Advantages
- You may obtain a green card through a specialized category matching your skills or background, such as religious work or foreign medical graduates.
- You can obtain a green card without the need for a sponsor.
Disadvantages
- The eligibility criteria can be strict and specific to each category.
- The process can be complex and time-consuming, with a high burden of proof required to demonstrate your eligibility.
Registry
Advantages
- You may be eligible for a green card if you have been living in the U.S. continuously since before January 1, 1972.
- You can obtain a green card without the need for a sponsor.
Disadvantages
- The eligibility criteria can be strict and require extensive documentation to demonstrate your eligibility.
- The registry process is only available to a limited number of individuals who meet the specific criteria.
Related: What is The Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card in The USA?
How to Apply for a Green Card
The application process for a green card depends on the type of green card you are applying for. Generally, the process involves the following steps:
- Determine Your Eligibility: Before you begin the application process, you should determine which type of green card you are eligible for. Each type of green card has different eligibility criteria and requirements.
- File a Petition: Suppose you are applying for a family-based or employment-based green card. In that case, your sponsor or employer must file a petition on your behalf with USCIS.
- Wait for a Priority Date: Suppose you are applying for a family-based or employment-based green card. In that case, you must wait for a priority date to become available. Priority dates are determined by the applicant’s country of birth and the category of the green card they are applying for.
- Complete the Application: Once your priority date is current, you can complete the green card application. You must submit various forms and documents, including a biographic information form, a medical examination report, and evidence of your eligibility for the green card.
- Attend an Interview: After USCIS receives your application, you will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. The interview is designed to verify your green card eligibility and review your application.
- Wait for a Decision: After your interview, USCIS will review your application and decide whether or not to grant you a green card. If your application is approved, you will receive your green card.
Read Also: How To Become a U.S. Citizen
Tips for Getting a Green Card
Here are some tips to help you navigate the green card application process:
- Start the Process Early: The green card application process can take several months or even years, so starting the process as early as possible is important. This will give you enough time to gather all the necessary documents and prepare for your interview.
- Be Honest and Accurate: When completing your green card application, be honest and accurate in all your responses. Providing false information or withholding information can lead to your application being denied or even result in deportation.
- Keep Copies of Your Documents: Keep copies of all the documents you submit with your green card application. This will help if you need to provide additional information or if your application needs to be recovered.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are having trouble navigating the green card application process, consider seeking the help of an immigration attorney or accredited representative. They can provide you with guidance and support throughout the application process.
How To Get a Green Card Conclusion
Obtaining a green card can be a complicated endeavor. Still, it is a crucial step toward achieving permanent residency in the U.S. Regardless of whether you’re applying for a family-based green card, an employment-based green card, or utilizing one of the other available options, initiating the process is essential as soon as possible. Always provide truthful and accurate information in your responses, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if necessary. Contact Veeza Inc. for guidance and support throughout the process.