Green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children, making it possible for their family members to live and work in the United States. But what exactly is a green card, and how can you apply for one? This guide will explain everything in simple terms.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card is a document you receive when you become a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. Green card holders can obtain U.S. citizenship after living in the U.S. for three to five years. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency approves all applications for green cards.
What Is the Difference Between a Green Card and Citizenship?
Having a green card doesn’t make you a U.S. citizen. It only proves that the USCIS has given you permanent residency status. Permanent residents can reside and work legally in the United States but can’t vote in national elections.
On the other hand, U.S. citizens can live and work anywhere in the United States and can participate in both state and national elections. That said, permanent residents with green cards can become U.S. citizens via naturalization after living in the U.S. for three to five years.
Eligibility to Apply for a Green Card
Before applying for a green card, you need to first determine if you have a qualifying relationship. Here’s how each green card category works:
Employment-Based Green Card
U.S. companies operating locally can sponsor employees for green cards based on prospective job offers, regardless of their educational background or skill sets.
However, the U.S. government has set a yearly limit of 140,000 employment-based green cards. Employment-based green cards are typically divided into several subgroups known as preference categories. Each preference category receives a given percentage of the allocation annually.
Family-Based Green Card
Immediate family members of U.S. citizens and green card holders can apply for green cards. The term “immediate relatives” refers to close family members like parents, spouses, siblings, and children. Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens can also apply for family-based green cards.
Humanitarian Green Cards
The U.S. government also gives green cards to foreign nationals on humanitarian grounds. Foreign nationals who seek refuge and asylum status, as well as victims of abuse, crime, and human trafficking, can apply for humanitarian green cards.
The application process for humanitarian green cards is very complex. Therefore, it would be best to seek the help of an experienced immigration attorney.
Diversity Lottery Green Cards
Foreign nationals can obtain U.S. green cards through the diversity visa lottery route. Every year, the U.S. Department of State releases a list of countries whose citizens are eligible to enter a lottery for obtaining a diversity immigrant visa. Only individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. are eligible to apply for the lottery. The lottery only selects a maximum of 55,000 winners every year.
If the U.S. Department of State places your home country on the list, you can enter the green card lottery. The distribution of green cards from the lottery program ensures that no single country receives more than seven percent of the total number of green cards granted.
What Is the Green Card Application Process?
The green card application process varies depending on the eligibility category you are filing under. The time it takes to process a green card application also varies depending on the USCIS service center or agency handling it and the specific type of green card you’re filling for. That said, the majority of green card applications follow these steps:
Step 1: The Sponsor Files a Petition
The first step in seeking a family-based or employment-based green cards is for the sponsor to file a petition on behalf of the beneficiary. For the application to push through, the applicant must prove that they have a family relationship or an employment connection with a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
Step 2: Beneficiary Submits Application
You can only submit your green card application if the USCIS approves your green card sponsor’s petition. If you’re applying for a green card from within the U.S., you will be required to submit an adjustment of status application. But if you’re outside the U.S., you need to complete a consular application.
If there is an annual limit on the type of green card you’re applying for, then you may have to get a visa number before you submit your green card application. You can check the number of visas available on The State Department’s website.
For your green card application to be accepted, you have to attach the required supporting documents like birth certificates and tax returns. You can find all this information on the USCIS website.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
Once you submit your green card application, the U.S. government will arrange a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. The U.S. government checks your biometric data with the FBI’s database to confirm if you have any criminal activity on your record. If you are found to have committed certain crimes, then you are barred from getting a green card.
Step 4: Green Card Interview
The green card interview takes place at a USCIS office. If you’re submitting your green card application abroad, you will attend the interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, the USCIS or the U.S. embassy will verify your eligibility for a green card and ensure that all the information in your application is accurate.
This step helps prevent fraud and confirms that you meet all the requirements for permanent residency.
Step 5: Receive Decision on Green Card Application
Lastly, you will receive an approval or a denial from the U.S. government regarding your green card application. Most applicants get their green card decision either during the interview or soon after. You can check the status of your application on the USCIS website.
The Path to a New Future
A green card is a big step toward living and working in the U.S. permanently. If you’re eligible, make sure to follow the application process carefully. Whether applying through family, a job, or another way, being informed will help you succeed.
