What Is a USA Green Card?
A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) allows a foreign citizen to live and work permanently in the United States. It’s the first step toward U.S. citizenship.
✅ USA Green Card Eligibility Categories
You may be eligible through various paths:
1. Family-Based
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, children, parents)
Other family categories (siblings, adult children, etc.)
2. Employment-Based
Skilled workers, professionals, researchers, executives
EB-1 to EB-5 visa categories (including investors)
3. Diversity Visa Lottery
For individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
4. Asylees or Refugees
If granted asylum/refugee status, you can apply after 1 year
5. Special Categories
Afghan/Iraqi nationals, religious workers, abused spouses (VAWA), etc.
📄 Required Documents
Documents vary by category, but generally include:
✅ Identity & Immigration
Passport (current and expired)
Birth certificate (translated into English)
Current visa and I-94 (if already in the U.S.)
✅ For Family-Based Applications
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from the U.S. sponsor
U.S. citizen or green card holder’s proof of status
✅ For Employment-Based
Job offer letter
Labor certification (PERM)
Employer sponsorship documents (Form I-140)
✅ Medical & Legal
Form I-693 (Medical Examination Report by USCIS-approved doctor)
Police clearance certificates (if applicable)
Two passport-size photos
📝 Green Card Application Process
If You Are Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):
File Immigrant Petition
Form I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment)
Wait for Priority Date (if applicable)
Depends on visa bulletin and category
File Form I-485 – Adjustment of Status
Include biometrics and medical forms
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Attend Green Card Interview
At local USCIS office
Get Decision
If approved, you’ll receive the Green Card by mail
If You Are Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):
File Immigrant Petition (I-130 or I-140)
Wait for USCIS Approval
File DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Form)
Attend Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy/Consulate
Receive Immigrant Visa & Travel to the U.S.
Green Card Mailed to Your U.S. Address
💵 Fees
I-130 (Family Petition): $535
I-485 (Adjustment of Status): ~$1,225 (includes biometrics)
DS-260 (Consular Processing): $325
I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
Medical exam fees vary (~$200–$400)
🎯 Green Card Benefits
✅ Live and work permanently in the U.S.
✅ Path to U.S. citizenship (after 3 or 5 years)
✅ Travel freely in and out of the U.S.
✅ Access to education, healthcare, and social security benefits
✅ Sponsor relatives for green cards
✅ Protection under U.S. law
📌 Notes
Green Cards are valid for 10 years (renewable).
You can lose your Green Card for criminal activity or long absences from the U.S.
Maintain U.S. residency (file taxes, don’t stay abroad for 6+ months without a re-entry permit).
🇺🇸 Green Card – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Green Card?
A Green Card allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. It’s officially known as a Permanent Resident Card.
2. How can I apply for a Green Card?
You can apply through:
Family sponsorship (Form I-130)
Employment (Form I-140)
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
Refugee or asylum status
Special categories (e.g., VAWA, U-visas, Afghan/Iraqi programs)
3. What are the main eligibility categories?
Immediate family of U.S. citizens
Employment-based immigration
DV Lottery winners
Refugees/asylees
Special immigrants
4. How long does it take to get a Green Card?
Family-based: 1–10 years (depending on category)
Employment-based: 1–5 years
DV Lottery: 6–12 months
Asylum-based: ~1 year after asylum approval
5. What documents are required for a Green Card?
Passport, birth certificate, visa/I-94
Petition (I-130/I-140)
Medical exam (I-693)
Affidavit of support (I-864)
DS-260 (for consular processing)
6. What is the cost of applying for a Green Card?
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): ~$1,225
Immigrant petition (I-130 or I-140): $535–$700
Consular processing (DS-260): $325
Other fees: Medical exam, translation, etc.
7. Can I work while waiting for my Green Card?
Yes, if you apply for a work permit (Form I-765) along with your I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
8. Do I need to attend an interview?
Yes, most Green Card applicants must attend a USCIS interview (in the U.S. or at a consulate abroad).
9. Can I lose my Green Card?
Yes. You can lose it due to:
Criminal offenses
Staying outside the U.S. for too long
Failing to file taxes
Providing false information
10. When can I apply for U.S. citizenship after getting a Green Card?
After 5 years (general rule)
After 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
11. What is a conditional Green Card?
A 2-year Green Card issued to spouses of U.S. citizens if married for less than 2 years. Must file Form I-751 to remove conditions before it expires.
12. What is the DV Lottery (Green Card Lottery)?
The Diversity Visa Lottery is a program that gives 55,000 Green Cards annually to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates.
13. Can I travel outside the U.S. with a Green Card?
Yes, but avoid staying outside the U.S. for more than 6 months. For longer trips, apply for a Re-entry Permit (Form I-131).