Monday, February 10th, 2025

What is Green Card, who is eligible for it and how to get US Permanent Residency? Know here

What is Green Card: The number of Indians in America is around 48 lakhs, out of which a large number of people have Green Card. There are 10 lakh Indians who are still waiting to get Green Card in America. Actually, the US government issues a document called Permanent Residency Card, commonly known as Green Card. This card gives immigrants the right to live and work permanently in America. Green Card is such an important document that getting it is like conquering a mountain. Only a certain number of Green Cards are issued every year. Green Card is issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This card contains the card holder’s photo, fingerprint, biographical information and expiry date.

What is the eligibility criteria for Green Card?

To get a US Green Card, many eligibility criteria have to be fulfilled. First of all, the applicant has to understand the category for which he/she wants to get a Green Card. Below you will find information about each category.

Family Based Green Card:

  • Close relatives of US citizens: This includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of US citizens. To file a green card petition for parents, the petitioner must be at least 21 years of age. Only these people can be granted a green card.
  • Other family members: This includes unmarried sons and daughters and their children of US citizens; spouses and unmarried children (minors and adults) of permanent residents; married sons and daughters, their spouses and children of US citizens; siblings of adult US citizens and their spouses and children.

Employment Based Green Card: In this category, green cards are given to people holding EB-1 to EB-5 visas. EB-1 to EB-5 visas are given to those who are professors, researchers, multinational executives, professionals with advanced degrees, skilled workers or investors.

Refugees: Individuals granted asylum or refugee status may apply for a green card one year after being granted refugee status.

Diversity Lottery: Under the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, 50,000 immigrant visas are available every year. It includes citizens of countries from which a small number of people come. Selection in this visa program is done randomly.

Special Immigrant Status: This category includes several special groups of people eligible to receive Green Card, such as religious workers, employees of US Foreign Service posts, retired employees of international organizations, foreign minors.

Victims of violence, crime or human trafficking: This category of green card is for people who have faced VAWA (Violence Against Women Act). Also eligible for a green card are self-petitioners (including spouses, children or parents of a US citizen who has been abused), U visa holders (victims of certain crimes) and T visa holders (victims of human trafficking).

Long-standing residents: Individuals who have lived continuously in the United States before January 1, 1972, may be eligible to apply for a green card.

How to apply for Green Card?

Getting a Green Card in America is a very challenging task. The eligibility criteria is different for everyone. Let us know how to apply for a Green Card.

  • Determining the eligibility criteria: First, determine if you qualify for a green card under a category. Common green card categories include family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylum seeker status, and the diversity visa lottery.
  • Have someone file the petition for you: In most categories, the job of filing a green card petition is done by someone else. For example, a family member who has already obtained a green card files the petition for others. Similarly, your employer can also file a petition.
  • Wait for decision on the petition: Once the petition for a green card is filed, wait for it to be approved. Approval times may vary depending on the category and specific requirement.
  • Finalise Green Card Application: Once your petition is approved, you can apply for a green card. The application process may be slightly different depending on whether you are applying for a green card from within or outside the US.
  • Arriving at the biometric appointment: If you are applying from the US, USCIS will schedule a biometric appointment where you will be required to provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature. This will be used for background checks.
  • Attending the interview: USCIS or a consulate may interview you. Be prepared to answer questions about your application and background.
  • Waiting for the verdict: After the interview, USCIS or the consular office will make a final decision on your green card application process. The time it takes to make a decision may vary.
  • Obtaining a Green Card: If USCIS or a consular office approves the application process for a green card, you will receive the card. This will make you a permanent resident of the United States.
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