What is a Green Card or Permanent Resident Card?

US Embassy Signage
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Sources

  1. https://www.uscis.gov/green-card
    The official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides authoritative information on Green Card eligibility, application processes, and requirements.
  2. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
    The U.S. Department of State's official page on the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program explains eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines.
  3. https://www.usa.gov/green-card
    USA.gov is a reliable government resource that summarizes Green Card eligibility, application steps, and rights of permanent residents.
  4. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/green-cards-permanent-resident-visas-29604.html
    Nolo is a trusted legal resource that provides detailed explanations of Green Card categories, application processes, and common issues.
  5. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/how-united-states-immigration-system-works
    The American Immigration Council offers a comprehensive overview of the U.S. immigration system, including Green Card pathways and policies.

Key Points

  • A Green Card is required for permanent residency in the United States and is issued by the federal government.
  • Eligibility for a Green Card includes categories like family-based sponsorship, employment, refugee status, or being an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen.
  • The application process involves filing an immigrant petition, a Green Card application, attending appointments, and an interview.
  • Applicants must keep their information up to date, especially their address, to avoid delays or deportation risks.
  • A Green Card allows permanent residence and work rights but does not grant U.S. citizenship.
  • The difference between a Green Card and a visa is that a visa is temporary, while a Green Card is permanent.
  • Green Card holders can apply for citizenship through naturalization after 3-5 years of residency.
  • The application process can take anywhere from three months to two years, depending on individual circumstances.
  • If denied, applicants receive a notice explaining the reason and options for appeal or reconsideration.
  • The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) offers an additional pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants.

Summary

To obtain a U.S. Green Card (Permanent Residence Card), applicants must meet eligibility criteria such as family ties, employment sponsorship, or refugee status, and follow a multi-step process involving petitions, interviews, and documentation. While a Green Card grants permanent residency and work rights, it differs from citizenship, which requires a separate naturalization process. Processing times vary, and denied applicants may appeal or seek legal advice, with additional options like the Diversity Visa Lottery offering alternative pathways.

If you want to become a permanent resident in the United States, then you will need a Green Card. You apply for a Green Card through the United States federal government.

Read on to find out how to get a Green Card:

Who is Eligible for a Green Card?

Several categories you may fit under allow you to apply for a Green Card. The categories are determined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Some categories that you may be eligible for include a family-based Green Card or sponsorship from your employer. In addition, some crime victims or refugees may also be eligible.

You may also qualify if you are an immediate relative of U.S. citizens, fiancé of U.S. citizens, religious worker, or international media broadcaster.

Therefore, it’s important to be familiar with the different options you may have if you hope to obtain a Green Card.

become an american citizen
Poster from 1919 showing the advantages of becoming an American Citizen. The sun represents prosperity.

What is the Green Card Process?

The application process can be daunting because requirements vary depending on your situation and your eligibility.

Most people eligible to apply for a Green Card will have to fill out a few forms, including an immigrant petition and a Green Card application.

Some people can file the documentation for themselves, but others need a sponsor to file the petition. You will also be interviewed and asked questions about why you want to obtain a Green Card.

Applying for a Green Card differs on whether you live inside the United States or are applying from abroad.

Below is a general list of steps you must take to apply for a Green Card:

  1. File the immigrant petition
  2. Once that is approved by the government, file a Green Card application
  3. Attend an in-person appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature
  4. Attend an interview
  5. Receive a decision

Please remember to keep your information up to date throughout the application process because you must be able to receive mail.

If you do not update your address after moving, your case could be delayed, and you could potentially have to start the process over from the beginning.

Updating your residence address is an important rule to follow even after you obtain a Green Card because if you do not update your address, you could risk deportation.

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Immigrants at Ellis Island from the early 20th Century.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is also known as a Permanent Residence Card. It is a document issued by the federal government that allows you to live and work permanently in the United States.

Is a Green Card a Visa?

There is a difference between the two. The simplest way to describe the difference between a Green Card and a visa is that a visa is temporary, and a Green Card is permanent.

A visa allows someone to live in the United States for a designated period and possibly have a work permit. A visa may also be the first step in getting a Green Card.

A Green Card allows the holder to live permanently or work wherever they want in the country. It also gives the holder almost as many rights as a United States citizen.

A Green Card Does Not Make You a Citizen

A Green Card does not grant the holder United States citizenship. However, if you want to become a United States citizen, you can pursue that process, called naturalization, after three to five years of living in the U.S.

If you are a Green Card Holder, you cannot vote in U.S. elections, leave the country for extended amounts of time, and may not be eligible for certain scholarships or federal grant money.

However, once you go through the naturalization process and become a United States citizen, you are granted full rights, including the right to vote and receive social security.

How Long Does the Green Card Application Process Take?

Applying for and obtaining a Green Card could take between three months to two years. Several factors go into the decision-making process, including your ties to family members or a job.

If Your Green Card Application was Denied

If your Green Card application was denied, you should receive a notice from the federal government explaining why your case was rejected.

This document will also explain if you can file an appeal or a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision.

You are advised to obtain legal advice if you haven’t had an immigration lawyer up until now. Immigration law can be very complicated, especially if your status is uncertain.

The Green Card Lottery

There is a system called the Green Card lottery, which gives you an extra chance of becoming a permanent resident even if you don’t have an immigrant visa.

It is called the Diversity Visa Lottery or the DV Lottery, and you can apply online. Apart from a few exceptions, it is open to all.

What is a Green Card or Permanent Resident Card? Quiz

What must you do after moving while your Green Card application is pending?
What is the first step in the Green Card application process?
What right does a Green Card holder NOT have?
What is a Green Card also known as?
What is the difference between a Green Card and a visa?
What is the name of the Green Card lottery system?
How long does the Green Card application process typically take?
What is the process called to become a U.S. citizen after holding a Green Card?
Which of the following is NOT a category for Green Card eligibility?
What should you do if your Green Card application is denied?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for a Green Card in the United States?

Several categories make you eligible for a Green Card, including family-based sponsorship, employer sponsorship, being an immediate relative of U.S. citizens, a fiancé of U.S. citizens, a religious worker, an international media broadcaster, or a refugee or crime victim. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services determines these categories.

What is the difference between a Green Card and a visa?

A visa is temporary and allows someone to live in the United States for a designated period, possibly with a work permit. A Green Card, on the other hand, is permanent and allows the holder to live and work anywhere in the country indefinitely, with rights almost equivalent to a U.S. citizen.

What are the general steps to apply for a Green Card?

The general steps include filing an immigrant petition, submitting a Green Card application once the petition is approved, attending an in-person appointment for fingerprints, photos, and a signature, attending an interview, and receiving a decision. The process may vary depending on whether you are applying from within the U.S. or abroad.

How long does the Green Card application process typically take?

The Green Card application process can take anywhere from three months to two years, depending on factors such as family ties, employment sponsorship, and other eligibility criteria.

What should you do if your Green Card application is denied?

If your Green Card application is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reason for denial and whether you can file an appeal or motion to reopen or reconsider the decision. It is advisable to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer at this stage.

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