If you’re dreaming of getting a Green Card (permanent resident card), becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and eventually securing a US passport, you’re in the right place.
In this ultimate guide to the US Green Card, you will learn about:
- What a Green Card is
- The Types of Green Cards
- The Green Card Application Process
- The Cost of a Green Card and more
What Is a Green Card?
A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a lawful identification card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A Green Card ultimately makes an individual a permanent resident of the US, meaning a Green Card holder can live and work in the US indefinitely.
As a Green Card holder, you can travel internationally. However, a Green Card does have limitations when compared to US citizens. For example, a Green Card holder is not permitted to vote in federal elections and certain limitations may apply to government benefits.
A Green Card must be renewed every ten years, and it is up to the holder to maintain their residency status. There is a path for Green Card holders to obtain US citizenship, but there is a residency period, and specific requirements set out by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Types of Green Cards
There are several routes to getting a Green Card for the United States, depending on your eligibility and circumstances. The main types of US green cards are:
Family-based Green Card
If you have family members (immediate relatives) who are US citizens or are Green Card holders, you can apply for a Green Card. To apply for this category of Green Card, you will need to provide various documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates (if applicable).
Family preference categories
Family preference categories are classifications used by US immigration law to prioritize and manage the allocation of immigrant visas to family members of US citizens and lawful permanent residents:
- First Preference (F1): Unmarried children under the age of 21 of US citizens.
- Second Preference (F2): Spouses and Unmarried children under the age of 21 of lawful permanent residents.
- Third Preference (F3): Married children of US citizens.
- Fourth Preference (F4): Sisters and brothers of US citizens.
Family preference Requirements
For all marriage related visas, the applicant is responsible for supplying the USCIS with proof of a legal marriage and the applicant must be sponsored by a lawful permanent resident spouse.
Most Family based Green Cards require that the applicant be sponsored by an immediate family member that is a lawful permanent resident or US citizen.
Each family preference category has its own set of requirements and it’s vital to ensure you understand these before processing with a Green Card application.
Employment-based Green Card
You can get a green card if you have a job offer or a sponsor in the United States, if you have extraordinary ability, or if your work is of national interest to the country. These are some of the options available
EB1 Visa
The EB-1 Visa, also known as the EB-1 Green Card, may be the right choice if you are a foreign national with exceptional ability, an outstanding professor or researcher, or a multinational manager or executive.
The category EB-1A of this visa doesn’t require an employment offer or employer sponsorship to apply. For an EB-1B or EB-1C visa application, you will need a job offer or sponsor. You can find out more in our article EB-1 Green Card Ultimate Guide.
EB2 Visa
The EB-2 is intended for professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional abilities in their respective fields and is divided into two types.
- EB-2 PERM (Program Electronic Review Management): This option requires that you have a valid job offer from a US employer. Additionally, the employer will need to obtain a labor certification from the United States Department of Labor.
- EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): This option allows highly skilled professionals or those with advanced degrees to bypass the labor certification and employer sponsorship if their work is in the national interest of the US. To qualify, you must show that proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, that you are well-positioned to advance this endeavor, and that waiving the job offer and certification benefits the U.S. more. Find out all the details about this opportunity with our EB-2 NIW Ultimate Guide.
Investor Green Card
Under the immigrant investor program, the United States government welcomes investors to set up a business and create full-time jobs and, in return, obtain permanent resident status. Family members may also obtain green cards.
In order to apply for the EB-5 Visa, you must create at least ten full-time jobs and make an investment in a commercial enterprise. The minimum amount is $1,050,000 or, if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), $800,000. All information about this visa can be found in our EB-5 Visa Ultimate Guide.
Green Card Lottery
Commonly known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Lottery or Diversity Visa Program, this Green Card lottery program, run by the United States Department of State, provides a limited number of Green Cards through a random draw. To participate, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and enter the Green Card lottery during the annual registration period.
Green Cards obtained through the Green Card lottery are some of the most sought after as the requirements for education and work experience aren’t as stringent as other types of Green Card. If you win the Green Card lottery, you and your immediate family members will have the chance to live and work permanently in the US.
Humanitarian Green Cards
The USCIS, part of the Department of Homeland Security, offers immigration relief to victims of serious crimes like domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking through U Visas or T Visas. Victims must assist any law enforcement agency in investigating and prosecuting these crimes as a condition of receiving these visas.
Green Card Application Process
Applying for a Green Card with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) involves several steps.
1. Prepare the relevant application: Depending on your green card category, ensure you prepare the correct application forms. For example, if applying for an employment-based green card, it will be the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140. Some Green Card categories allow for self-petition, whereas for others, you will need to have a qualified family member or employer file an immigrant petition on your behalf.
2. Gather the relevant documentation: Each Green Card application requires various documents to build your application. This is a vital part of the Green Card application, so ensure you have everything you need before submission.
3. Submit the application: Submit and send the application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
4. Notice of Approval: Once USCIS approves your immigrant petition, you will receive a Notice of Approval. This indicates that your immigrant petition has been accepted.
5. File Form I-485 or Consular Processing: There are two options at this stage of the application process:
- If you are already in the United States with a valid non-immigrant status, apply to adjust status (Form I-485).
- If you are abroad, apply for your green card at a US Department of State consulate or embassy through the National Visa Center (Form DS-260).
6. Biometrics: The USCIS will schedule an appointment for you to provide your fingerprints, a photo, and a signature for the relevant background checks.
7. Attend your Green Card interview: You may be required to attend a Green Card interview at the US consulate or USCIS. If you are requested to do so it is highly recommended to prepare answers beforehand to ensure you can present your case effectively.
8. Application approval: Once your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card, officially known as the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
Applying for a Green Card is an in-depth process that can be time consuming and stressful, particularly if English is not your first language. You may wish to consult with a GCS immigration lawyer to ensure you have everything in order.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
The processing time for a Green Card varies depending on the type of Green Card or immigrant visa you are applying for. If applying for a family based Green Card from within the US, you may wait between 10 months to two years. If outside of the US, you can wait longer than two years. For consular processing outside the US for family based Green Cards the wait is between 10-15 months.
Green cards typically need to be renewed every ten years. The renewal process involves filing Form I-90 and attending a biometrics appointment. The processing time can vary but generally takes several months.
How Much Does a Green Card Cost?
The costs associated with obtaining a Green Card can include filing fees, medical examinations, and legal expenses. The total amount can vary significantly depending on your situation, the type of immigrant visa or Green Card required, and the evidence needed for a successful application.
What Is the Difference Between a Green Card and Citizenship?
While a green card grants permanent residency to foreign nationals, US citizenship offers additional rights and responsibilities, such as voting and running for public office. To become a US citizen, you must first be a permanent resident. Once you meet the eligibility criteria (such as years of residence), you can go through the naturalization process and eventually become a US citizen.
Another big difference between the Green Card and US citizenship is the residency status. A Green Card requires the applicant to maintain their residency status and renew their Green Card every ten years. US citizenship on the other hand generally cannot be revoked and there is no need to renew it.
Obtaining a US passport is another difference. When you get a Green Card, international travel may be subject to restrictions. Citizenship grants a US passport, giving the applicant the same legal rights as every other US passport holder, including the right to consular assistance abroad.
How Can I Obtain a Green Card Without Marriage to a US Citizen?
To obtain a green card in the USA without marriage, you can explore the following six options:
- Self-petition Green Card: Apply based on your exceptional skills or achievements.
- Employment-based Green Card: Secure employment sponsorship for a green card.
- Investment-based Green Card: Invest in a qualifying business venture.
- Special immigrant Green Card: Qualify through specific categories, like religious workers or Iraq/Afghanistan nationals.
- Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Green Card: Participate in the annual diversity visa lottery.
- Family-based Green Card (Non-Marriage): Obtain a green card through eligible family relationships other than marriage.
To obtain a Green Card, most applicants must submit two forms: an immigrant petition and an application for a Green Card (Form I-485). Typically, someone else, often referred to as a sponsor, files the petition for you. However, in certain cases, you may be eligible to file for yourself.
Can I apply for a Green Card if I am undocumented?
Undocumented individuals seeking to obtain a green card (permanent residence) while in the United States illegally may be eligible under specific conditions. You can apply for a green card undocumented if:
- You entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972.
- You maintained continuous residency in the United States since initial entry.
- You demonstrated good moral character.
- You are not disqualified for naturalization (citizenship).
- You are not subject to removal (deportation) under Section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- You do not fall under inadmissibility criteria outlined in Section 212(a)(3)(E) of the INA or as a criminal, procurer, other immoral person, subversive, violator of the narcotics laws, or noncitizen smuggler.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions on the US Green Card
Who qualifies for a Green Card?
Eligibility requirements for a United States Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) are based on family relationships, employment, refugee/asylee status, or other special programs. Each Green Card category has its own specific criteria.
What are the main ways to become a Green Card holder?
The primary ways to obtain a Green Card are through family sponsorship, an employment sponsor, refugee/asylee status, or the US Department of State Diversity Visa Lottery. But it’s worth noting that these are not the only pathways to being granted permanent residence. Speaking with an immigration specialist can help you find the best path to your American dream.
What's the Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery and how does it enable people to become Green Card holders?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Lottery is a US Government-run program that enables a limited number of people to become Green Card holders through a random draw. To participate in this Green Card lottery, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and enter during the annual registration period.
How much does a Green Card cost?
The costs associated with getting a Green Card can include visa application fees, filing fees, medical examinations, and legal expenses. The total amount can vary significantly depending on your situation.
How long does a Green Card take to process?
The duration of the Green Card process is dependent on the type of Green Card you are applying for.
Generally speaking, it can take around one to three years from when you first apply to when you receive your Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident of the US.
Is it difficult to get a Green Card?
The process to get a Green Card can be long and complex, with many rules and regulations as well as many documents to submit. As such, it’s advisable to seek advice from an immigration lawyer to help with your Green Card application.
What is the Visa Bulletin used for in the US Green card application process?
The visa bulletin, issued monthly by the US Department of State, serves as a guide for determining the availability of immigrant visas for various categories of applicants. It indicates when individuals from specific countries and visa preference categories can proceed with the next steps in their Green Card application process.
