How to Get a Green Card: The Ultimate Guide by Experts

The United States has captured the attention of millions of foreign investors, remote workers, retirees, and business experts with the option to obtain permanent residency in the country. Foreign nationals can get a Green Card through several immigration pathways, such as employment, investment, self-petition, and family-based immigration.

This article breaks down the entire application process, requirements, and different types of Green Cards to choose from. It gives you a detailed analysis of the costs you can expect and the methods you can use to relocate to the land of opportunity.

Stick around to learn about:

• What is a Green Card?
• How to get a Green Card in USA?
• What are the different types of Green Cards?
• How to apply for a Green Card?
• How long does it take to get a Green Card?
• How much does a Green Card cost?

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a lawful identification card issued by the US 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 US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How to get a Green Card in USA?

To obtain a Green Card, also known as a permanent resident card, you often need someone to sponsor you, like a lawful permanent resident or a US citizen. You can then apply through one of the immigration programs, such as employment-based immigration, investor programs, family-preference categories, or other special programs, like the Green Card lottery or Humanitarian Green Cards.

Family-based and most employment-based programs require a US citizen, permanent resident, or an employer to act as your petitioner. But you can also get a Green Card without a sponsor, like with the EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), Green Card lottery, or specific humanitarian programs.

What are the different 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.  

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. 

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 US more. 

EB-3 Visa

This is an immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other unskilled workers, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, kitchen supervisors, etc. To qualify, you need a job offer from a US employer and to pass the PERM Labor Certification process.

EB-4 Visa

This visa is designed for immigration purposes for “special immigrants” defined by US immigration law. Those who qualify are religious workers, broadcasters, doctors, or government employees.

EB-5 Investor Green Card 

The EB-5 Visa, under the immigrant investor program, 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.

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 US Citizenship and Immigration Services (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. 

How to apply for a Green Card?

The Green Card application process involves several steps with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

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 US 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 an immigration lawyer at Global Citizen Solutions 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 for immediate relatives. 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 can stretch well beyond 10 to 15 months or longer due to Visa Bulletin backlogs.

Note: The USCIS approves Green Cards at a different pace. Applicants from countries like China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines often face longer waiting periods because of backlogs.

How much does a Green Card cost?

Filing fees for Green Cards start from $1,200 and reach well over $3,000. The total costs include multiple fees across immigration programs and vary whether you live permanently in the United States or apply from outside the country.

For USCIS filing fees, you can spend anywhere from $2,265 to $3,115 or more, and the more forms you file, the higher the costs. For example, Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) costs $625 for online filing, whereas a Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) under the employment-based category comes at a $715 filing fee. The USCIS immigrant fee is $235 per person.

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 About How to Get a Green Card

What is the easiest way to obtain a Green Card?

The simplest method for getting a Green Card is to have family in the United States that can sponsor you, like a spouse, parent, or a child. But if family sponsorship is not an option for you, employment-based visas like EB-1 for extraordinary ability, EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver, and EB-5 Investor Visa can be effective alternatives.

What are the requirements for a Green Card?

To qualify for a Green Card, you must meet the requirements under one of the immigration programs you apply for, such as family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, investor visa, Diversity Visa Lottery, or humanitarian programs.

How many years do you need to be in the USA to get a Green Card?

You don’t need to spend years in the US before you apply for a Green Card. It’s not about “time spent”, it’s about “how you qualify”. Your eligibility relies on your job skills, capital investment, who your family is, whether you won the Green Card lottery, or if you are a refugee, asylee, or victim of certain crimes, like sexual assault or domestic violence.

What are the different ways to get a Green Card?

Many paths are open to foreign citizens who want a Green Card, such as family sponsorship, diversity visa lottery, job or employment, investment visa, or humanitarian programs.

What is the current wait time for a Green Card?

Every immigration program has different wait times, and in many cases, people wait years. For example, a marriage Green Card can take 10 months to two years, but if you get sponsored by a Green Card holder, it can take two to five years to process. Meeting the EB-2 National Interest Waiver criteria for an immigrant petition can reduce wait times from a couple of months to over a year.

What documents are needed to apply for a Green Card?

Your application for a Green Card should have multiple documents, such as a valid passport, proper forms (like I-485 for adjustment of status or I-130 for family sponsorship), tax returns, police or court records, medical exam, etc. The USCIS may also need additional information from supporting documents.

Is it difficult to get a Green Card?

The process to acquire 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 an investor Green Card?

When someone talks about an “investor Green Card,” they usually mean the EB-5 Investor Visa. You get a Green Card by putting $1,050,000 or $800,000 into a business venture and creating jobs for US workers in the next two years.

Can I apply for a Green Card online?

Yes, you can file your application online for a Green Card, no matter where you come from. The USCIS website is available to people all around the world, with many application forms available online and with standard filing fees.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for a Green Card?

No, you can represent yourself to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But an immigration lawyer can be immensely helpful when you want to build a strong visa application. Immigration experts at Global Citizen Solutions can compile all the paperwork necessary for becoming a lawful permanent resident on an immigrant visa.

What is the difference between a Green Card and citizenship?

A Green Card makes you a permanent resident, while getting a US citizenship grants you a valid US passport. As a Green Card holder, you can own property, pay taxes, enjoy public education, and join the Armed Forces, but you can’t vote or hold public office.

How can I get a Green Card without marriage to a US citizen?

You can get a Green Card without marriage to a US citizen through different methods, such as employment visas, investment visas, humanitarian programs, and lottery prospects. Green Cards are also available for refugees and asylum seekers.

Can I apply for a Green Card if I am undocumented?

Although some undocumented immigrants who have overstayed their visas, but are directly related to US citizens (spouse, child, or parent), can apply for legal permanent residency while they are still inside the country, most undocumented immigrants cannot.

Can I get a Green Card without a job offer?

Yes, through the EB-5 Investor Visa, family sponsorship, EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), and other special programs, like humanitarian and Green Card lottery programs. You don’t need an employer for any of them, but you must meet the specific eligibility criteria.

Do I need to renew my Green Card?

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 21.5 months. For additional information on waiting schedules, check the USCIS website processing tool.