The US Green Card: A Path to Permanent Residency

The United States, often referred to as the land of opportunity, beckons millions with its vibrant culture, diverse landscape, and economic might. If you dream of living and working in the US permanently, obtaining a Green Card is your golden ticket. This official document, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants you the legal right to reside in the US indefinitely and enjoy most of the same privileges as US citizens, except for voting and holding certain public offices.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a physical card about the size of a credit card, embedded with an RFID chip containing your biographical information and unique alien registration number. It serves as tangible proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the US.

Who is eligible for a Green Card?

There are several paths to obtaining a Green Card, each with its own eligibility requirements and application process. Some of the most common categories include:

Family-Sponsored:

A family-sponsored green card is a pathway to lawful permanent residency in the United States for immediate relatives of US citizens or green card holders. This is the most common category for obtaining a green card, accounting for over two-thirds of all green cards issued each year.

There are two main categories of family-sponsored green cards:

Immediate Relatives: These are spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens. There is no limit on the number of green cards available in this category, and the application process is generally faster than for other categories.

Family Preference: This category includes more distant relatives, such as adult children and siblings of US citizens, as well as spouses and children of green card holders. The number of green cards available in each preference category is limited, and there can be significant wait times depending on the category and your country of origin.

Employment-Based:

Individuals with exceptional skills or talents in fields like science, arts, business, or athletics can qualify under this category. Certain professions, such as nurses and physical therapists, also have dedicated Green Card tracks.

There are five main preference categories within the employment-based green card system, each with specific eligibility requirements:

EB-1 (Priority Workers):

This category includes individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, outstanding professors and researchers or certain multinational managers and executives. EB-1 is less accessible as this category aims at people like Nobel prize winners, global artists, etc.

EB-2 (Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability):

This category is for professionals with advanced degrees (master's degree or higher) in their field or individuals with exceptional ability in their profession, including National Interest Waivers for those whose work benefits the US. Careers at this level typically include Accountants, Civil Engineers, Computer Engineers, Financial or Investment Managers, Business or Management Analysts, and Chemists or Chemical Engineers. However, you must be able to demonstrate significant achievements and contributions to your particular industry or field, with forms of proof including industry, government, or peer recognition, awards and salaries recognising exceptional ability, publications and peer-reviewed papers you have authored, and letters from your prior employers showing you have ten or more years of experience in your field. Unfortunately, the majority of people do not meet those requirements.

You may be able to find jobs that support employment-based green card applications on Opentoworld's jobs board. Please read job descriptions carefully to identify opportunities that can help you obtain a green card.

EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers):

This category covers skilled workers who need at least two years of training or experience for their job, professionals with bachelor's degrees, and other workers for unskilled labour jobs not filled by US citizens.

The Third Preference is a much more accessible way of gaining permanent residence through employment compared to EB-1 and EB-2. However, the number of people seeking permanent residency through this category is exceptionally high, significantly increasing waiting times for available visa numbers. You can wait up to four years or even longer after an employer files a Third Preference petition to start the process of getting a green card.

EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants):

This category encompasses various special cases, including religious workers, certain government employees and broadcasters.

EB-5 (Investors):

This category grants green cards to individuals who invest significant capital (usually $800,000 or $1.05 million) in a US business that creates at least 10 new jobs.

Investment-Based: Investing a significant amount of capital in a US business can create jobs and grant you eligibility for a Green Card.

Diversity Visa Lottery:

This annual lottery offers Green Cards to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the US.

Benefits of a Green Card

A green card grants you the right to live and work legally in the country, paving the way for a fulfilling and secure future. Here's a closer look at some of the most significant benefits of having a green card:

Permanent Residency and Work Authorisation:

The most defining benefit of a green card is the freedom to reside and work permanently in the US without restrictions. You're no longer limited by temporary visas or the need for employer sponsorship. This opens doors to career advancement, entrepreneurship, and building a stable life in the country.

Travel Freedom:

Green card holders enjoy the ease of international travel with the ability to re-enter the US freely. You can visit family and friends abroad, explore new destinations, and maintain connections to your home country without jeopardising your residency status.

Access to Social Security and Government Benefits:

As a green card holder, you become eligible for various social security programs, including Social Security retirement benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. You can also access government assistance programs like food stamps and low-income housing, depending on your specific circumstances.

Pathway to US Citizenship:

After fulfilling specific residency requirements (typically five years for most categories), green card holders can apply for US citizenship. This grants you full voting rights, eligibility for federal jobs and a stronger sense of belonging within the American community.

Education and Financial Opportunities:

Green card holders are treated as domestic students for tuition purposes at public colleges and universities, making higher education more affordable. You're also eligible for federal student loans and scholarships, opening doors to academic and professional pursuits.

Family Sponsorship:

Once you obtain a green card, you can sponsor certain family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to immigrate to the United States. This allows you to reunite with loved ones and build a stronger family foundation in the US.

Business and Investment Advantages:

Green card holders have greater freedom to establish businesses, own property, and participate in the US economy. You can invest in ventures, purchase real estate, and contribute to the country's financial growth.

Peace of Mind and Stability:

Having a green card provides a sense of security and stability that's invaluable. You can plan for the future, build a home, and pursue your ambitions with the confidence of knowing you belong in the United States.

The Application Process

The Green Card application process can be complex and lengthy, often taking several years. It typically involves multiple stages, including:

Petition: Your sponsor or employer files a petition on your behalf with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services).

Application: You then submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with supporting documentation.

Biometrics: You will be required to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Interview: A USCIS officer will interview you to assess your eligibility and verify your application details.

Medical Examination: You must undergo a medical examination by a designated USCIS civil surgeon.

Maintaining your Green Card

Once you obtain your Green Card, it's crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities as a lawful permanent resident. Some key points to remember:

Travel: You can freely travel outside the US, but be mindful of re-entry requirements to avoid jeopardising your residency.

Taxes: You are obligated to pay US taxes on your worldwide income.

Renewal: Green Cards are generally valid for 10 years and need to be renewed before they expire.

Citizenship: After meeting specific residency and other requirements, you can apply for US citizenship.

H-1B

Applying for a green card via the employment category takes years. For this reason, employers rarely sponsor overseas job seekers via this route. Instead, many employers are willing to sponsor job offer holders via the H-1B visa route, which can be processed relatively easily.

In fact, the majority of employers sponsor candidates via the H-1B route. If you are looking to take up employment in the US and do not qualify for a green card, your best option will be applying for H-1B sponsored jobs. Once you have received the job offer and proved your skills for a few years, your employer may be willing to apply for a Green Card for you.

If you are looking to move to the US by being employed, you can learn more on our dedicated country guide page. If you want to apply for H-1B visa-sponsored jobs, please check out our jobs board.