Individuals from around the world long to live the American dream. The United States is a desired destination for many who want to enjoy its freedoms, benefits, and numerous opportunities for a better way of life. To fully participate in all the country has to offer, the first step is to become a permanent lawful resident, commonly known as a green card holder. The process can be challenging but worth the effort. We’ll discuss how to get a green card, its costs, and the different types available.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card, also referred to as a “Permanent Resident Card,” is an important document that allows a person to live and work in the United States permanently. It grants the holder legal status as a permanent resident, which means they can stay in the U.S. without needing to renew their visa. Green card holders have many of the same privileges as United States citizens, such as working legally and attending school, but they do not have the right to vote in federal elections. The card typically has to be renewed every ten years, but it is a vital step toward citizenship for many people.
People who need a green card include individuals who want to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis. This includes family members of U.S. citizens and green card holders sponsored through family-based immigration. Other groups who might need a green card include refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals who have been offered a job by a U.S. employer. Each of these categories has specific requirements and processes for obtaining a green card, so it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria.
A green card has infinite benefits, including access to certain government programs, the ability to travel outside the U.S. and return without a visa, and the opportunity to apply for citizenship after a specific period. For many, getting a green card is a lifelong dream that opens doors to new opportunities and a better quality of life. Suppose you or someone you know is considering applying for a green card. In that case, it’s a good idea to speak with an immigration attorney or visit the USCIS website for detailed information on the process and requirements.
Different Ways to Apply for Permanent Residency
There are several different ways to apply for permanent residency (getting a green card) in the United States, depending on your personal situation. Whether you have family in the U.S., a job offer, or other special circumstances, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers different paths. Below are the most common types of green cards that help individuals become lawful permanent residents.
1. Family-Based Green Cards
- Available to immediate family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders (parents, spouses, and unmarried children).
- This is one of the fastest ways to get a green card if you’re a close relative.
2. Employment-Based Green Cards
- Granted to individuals who have a U.S. job offer or possess unique skills that are in demand.
- Categories range from professionals and skilled workers to individuals with extraordinary abilities.
3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Green Cards
- Awarded through an unbiased lottery system to individuals from countries that have very low rates of immigration to the U.S.
- Each year, a limited number of applicants are randomly selected.
4. Refugee or Asylee Green Cards
- For individuals who have received refugee or asylum status.
- These individuals can apply for a green card after one year of living in the U.S.
5. Special Immigrant Green Cards
- Reserved for specific groups, such as religious workers or employees of U.S. embassies.
- Other eligible groups include certain juveniles and Afghan or Iraqi nationals who assisted the U.S. military.
6. Investor Green Cards (EB-5)
- For individuals who will invest a significant amount of money into a U.S. business that will create jobs for Americans.
- Typically requires an investment of at least $500,000 to $1 million.
How to Apply for a Green Card
Applying for a green card (permanent residency) will involve several steps and varies depending on your eligibility category, such as family, employment, or humanitarian reasons. The application process typically requires filling out specific forms, gathering documentation, and attending an interview. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a green card and what to expect along the way.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Depending on your eligibility, a family member or employer may be the one to file a petition on your behalf.
- Family-based: Use Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
- Employment-based: Employers file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
- Refugee or Asylee: File Form I-589 if you are seeking asylum.
2. File the Appropriate Petition
Depending on your eligibility, a family member or employer may need to file a petition on your behalf:
- Family-based: Use Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
- Employment-based: Employers file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
- Refugee or Asylee: File Form I-589 if you are seeking asylum.
3. Wait for Visa Availability
Some categories require waiting for a visa number to become available. The Visa Bulletin provides monthly updates on visa availability based on category and country of origin.
4. File Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status)
If you’re already in the U.S., you can apply for a green card by first filing Form I-485 which adjusts your status to a permanent resident. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll must go through consular processing, which involves attending an interview at a United States consulate or embassy.
5. Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll need to schedule a biometrics appointment where you’ll provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature.
6. Attend Your Interview
You may be required to attend an interview at a USCIS office or U.S. consulate to verify the information in your application and answer any additional questions.
7. Receive a Decision
USCIS or the consulate will review your application and either approve or deny your green card. If approved, you’ll be issued a green card and become a lawful permanent resident.
Expected Costs Associated with a Green Card
Applying for a green card can be costly and may involve several fees, which can vary depending on your specific case and application category. These costs generally include the filing fees for USCIS forms, biometrics fees, and potential legal or medical fees. It’s important to be aware of these costs upfront so you can plan accordingly. Below is a breakdown of the main expenses you can expect when applying for a green card.
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: If a family member is sponsoring you, the Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) filing fee is typically $535.
- Form I-485 Filing Fee (Adjustment of Status): If you’re already in the U.S. and applying to adjust your status, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140, plus a biometrics fee of $85 for applicants between 14 and 78 years old.
- Form I-140 Filing Fee (Employment-Based): If you’re applying for an employment-based green card, your job employer must file Form I-140 with a standard fee of $700.
- Consular Processing Fees: If you’re applying from outside the U.S., you’ll need to pay a consular processing fee of around $325, along with an immigration visa fee of approximately $220.
- Medical Examination Costs: Applicants must undergo a medical exam by an authorized physician. Cost will vary depending on the location and required tests.
Green Card Processing Times
The time it takes to get a green card can vary widely based on your specific situation, such as the type of green card you are applying for and your country of origin. For some applicants, the process may take just a few months, while for others, it can take several years.
Family-based green cards for immediate relatives (spouses, parents, or unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) tend to process more quickly, often taking 10 to 12 months. On the other hand, employment-based green cards or family petitions for more distant relatives (like siblings or adult children) can take longer, ranging from one to several years depending on visa availability and your country’s backlog.
Green Card Overview
To stay in the United States and become a permanent resident, immigrants will have to follow the path to obtaining a green card. Each individual’s path could be different, depending on their situation and available options. The quickest path to a green card is through a family-based petition. However, this option is only available to those who have an immediate family member living in the United States who is either a green card holder or has become a citizen through the naturalization process. Other possibly routes include employment-based petitions or through the Green Card Lottery.
Green card holders are afforded many different benefits, and despite being a time-consuming and challenging process, the benefits far outweigh any issues and costs involved with becoming a permanent resident of the United States.
