For millions of people, the prospect of living and establishing a life in the USA is a dream. Regarded as the land of freedom and opportunity, the United States currently houses more than 45 million immigrants. This guide breaks down the main ways to get a Green Card, including family ties, employment, the Diversity Visa lottery, and other independent routes. It also outlines what permanent residency means in practice, your rights and responsibilities, and how it can lead to US citizenship.
Despite the issue of immigration being frequently politicized in the USA, it is undeniably a nation that is made up of a diverse mix of ethnicities, religions, and cultures and is generally a welcoming place where adapting to a new life can be comparatively straightforward.
What do you need to become a permanent resident in the US?
To secure residency in the United States, one needs to acquire a Green Card, which is the commonly used name for a Permanent Residence Card.
A Green Card grants you the privilege to live and work in the US for up to ten years. During this time, you enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as US citizens, allowing you to pursue job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. As a Green Card holder, you are also entitled to healthcare, education, and other benefits. The only limitation is that you cannot vote or serve on a jury.
These Permanent Residency Cards were once colored green, which is where the more frequently used name has come from.
How can I get a Green Card in the US?
There are several scenarios in which you are eligible to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States:
- You can apply for a family-based Green Card (if you have family in the United States or are married to a US citizen);
- You can apply for an employment-based Green Card (if you have a job offer from the United States);
- You can also participate in a Green Card lottery to win permanent residency in the country;
- There are also a number of avenues where individuals can independently file for a Green Card without sponsorship from a family member or employer.
Family-based Green Card
- Suitable for individuals with family ties in the United States or those married to a US citizen;
- The sponsoring individual, who must be at least 21 years old, can file a Green Card petition for their spouse, children, parents, or siblings. The process involves completing the (Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative), submitting the required documentation, paying a registration fee, and awaiting the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)' decision.
Employment-based Green Card
- Designed for individuals intending to work in the United States;
- The standard annual quota for employment-based Green Cards is 140,000, though this may be adjusted based on unused visas from other categories.
- Entrepreneurs, those with a valid job offer from a US company, and workers in specific fields can also apply. Preference is often given to individuals with exceptional abilities in sciences, arts, business, education, or athletics;
- Entrepreneurs, those with a valid job offer from a US company, and workers in specific fields can also apply. The process involves the employer completing the (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), and submitting (Adjustment of Status) or applying through consular processing, with concurrent filing of the medical exam (Form I-693) now required.
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
- The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery currently operates under the DV-2026 program, with instructions and eligibility published by the
- Open to residents of countries with low immigration rates to the US ( changes each year).
Interested individuals, including those filing independently, must register online during the specified period on the . Upon registration, a confirmation number is provided, which can be used to check if you have won. Entry dates vary each year, so check the official website for the latest application period.
Individual filing
Individuals can pursue a Green Card independently through various avenues, including:
- The EB1A visa: It is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. It allows self-petitioning without a specific job offer, requiring evidence of sustained national or international acclaim;
- The EB2 national interest waiver: It is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, waiving the labor certification process. It requires demonstrating work in the US national interest, along with possessing an advanced degree or exceptional ability;
- The EB5 investor visa: This program offers a Green Card to foreign investors and their families by making qualifying investments in new commercial enterprises. Currently, this program requires a minimum investment of $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the investment is made in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project.
- The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): VAWA provides a legal immigration path for victims of domestic violence and other qualifying crimes. It allows abused spouses, children, and parents of US citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for lawful permanent residency, offering protection without the abuser's knowledge.
How long does it take to obtain a US Green Card?
One of the most frequently asked questions about visa or residency processes is, “How long does it take?†Unfortunately, there is often no straightforward answer. Current Green Card processing times vary depending on the category and the applicant's country of origin. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — including spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 — do not face visa bulletin delays, but USCIS processing still typically takes 10 to 14 months.
Family preference and employment-based categories may face multi-year backlogs, particularly for applicants from high-demand countries such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines.
For most standard cases, USCIS now issues receipt notices within three business days.
Responsibilities of US Green Card holders
Navigating life as a US Green Card holder comes with both privileges and responsibilities. Here's an overview of what you must and mustn't do as a permanent resident in the United States:
Rights and opportunities
As a Green Card holder, you have the valuable right to live and work anywhere in the United States. This flexibility allows you to explore diverse opportunities and build a life in the country.
Maintaining your permanent residency opens the door to a potential future as a US citizen. By adhering to the requirements and guidelines, you can eventually apply for citizenship and fully participate in the civic life of the nation.
The term "Green Card" is an informal yet widely used reference to permanent residency. The card, first introduced in 1946, derives its name from its predominantly green color, symbolizing the holder's status as a lawful permanent resident.
Responsibilities and obligations
Upholding the law is paramount for Green Card holders. Adhering to all US laws and regulations is not only a legal requirement but also essential for maintaining your immigration status.
Permanent residents are obligated to file income tax returns and report their income to both the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state taxing authorities. Fulfilling tax responsibilities ensures compliance with financial regulations.
Green Card holders are expected to support the democratic form of government in the United States. Advocacy for government changes through legal and democratic means is encouraged, while any involvement in illegal activities is strictly prohibited.
Health insurance
According to the Affordable Care Act, citizens and permanent residents of the United States must have health insurance. If your income falls below federal poverty levels, you will be eligible for government subsidies that can help you pay for your health coverage. However, in most cases, permanent US residents can only apply for the social health program () after they have lived in the United States for at least five years.
Criminal acts
As a permanent resident in the United States, you could be deported from the country and refused re-entry if you are convicted of a crime. This may also lead to you losing eligibility for US citizenship in the future.
Other infractions that can affect your status include:
- Providing false information to obtain immigration benefits;
- Claiming to be a citizen of the United States when this is not the case;
- Voting in a federal election (as a permanent resident, you can not vote);
- Multiple marriages;
- Inability to financially support your family;
- Failure to submit tax returns.
Path to US Citizenship
Obtaining US citizenship is a significant milestone in your immigration journey. After receiving your Green Card, you have the option to apply for US citizenship. To become a US citizen, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- Hold a Green Card (permanent residency) for a minimum of 5 years, or 3 years if you are the spouse of an American citizen;
- Ensure the renewal of your permanent residency within 6 months of your citizenship application or if it has already expired;
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application;
- Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing basic English;
- Uphold good moral character, reflecting adherence to US laws and values;
- Navigate through the 10-step naturalization process to culminate in US citizenship.
The 10-step naturalization process in the USA
1.Eligibility criteria check
Verify your eligibility for US citizenship by reviewing the naturalization criteria on the USCIS official page. Common eligibility factors include being born in the US, born abroad to US citizens, holding a valid Green Card, being a spouse of a US citizen for at least 3 years, or serving in the US military.
2.Form N-400 completion
Fill out the with personal details, employment history, marital history, and other relevant information.
3.Photograph submission
Provide two recent passport-sized photographs (2أ—2 inches or 5أ—5 cm) along with the N-400 form.
4.Document compilation
Collect certified copies of necessary documents, such as your Green Card, passport, visa, and birth certificate. If any document is not in English, ensure it is translated.
5.Application submission
Send your completed آ and certified copies of documents to the USCIS office. Original documents are not required at this stage.
6.Fingerprinting
Attend a biometric verification appointment at the USCIS office for fingerprint collection.
7.Naturalization interview
Participate in a naturalization interview where you'll answer questions about your application and background. Truthful responses are crucial to the process.
8.US naturalization test
Take and pass the Naturalization test, which includes a civics part and an English part. This assesses your knowledge of US laws and your English language skills.
9.Verdict waiting
After passing the interview and test, await the USCIS decision. Possible outcomes include approval, rejection (requiring departure before visa expiration), or an undecided case necessitating further information or appointments.
10.Citizenship grant or further steps
If approved, congratulations on obtaining US citizenship. In case of rejection, follow the necessary steps. For undecided cases, provide requested information or attend additional appointments as needed.
Can US citizenship be revoked?
While instances of US citizenship revocation are exceedingly rare, they can occur under specific circumstances. Grounds for potential revocation include:
- Falsification or concealment: Providing false information during the application process or interviews, even after obtaining citizenship, may lead to denaturalization proceedings;
- Membership in a subversive group: Citizenship can be revoked if credible evidence suggests your involvement in a subversive organization within 5 years of becoming a citizen;
- Refusal to testify before congress: Within the first 10 years of citizenship, refusing to testify in investigations related to potential harm to US officials or an attempt to overthrow the US government may lead to revocation;
- Dishonorable military discharge: Citizenship obtained through military service is at risk if you receive a dishonorable discharge before completing 5 years of service.
Individuals denaturalized based on these grounds must promptly leave the United States.
It's important to note that natural-born US citizens are protected by the 14th Amendment, preventing revocation. However, they have the option to voluntarily renounce their citizenship.
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