<p>Are you a foreign grad working on a US visa and your next step is to apply for a green card? However, you do not have any information about it like its application, process, and types. Seeking guidance for that? Then you are on the right page. Here the blog is all about solving your queries. It consists of all the answers to your questions regarding the green card. So, start reading and know every small detail of your permanent resident card.</p>
<h2>What Is a Green Card?</h2>
<p>A green card or a permanent resident card is a card that consists of biographic information of an individual with its photo and fingerprint. In addition, it also carries the expiration date of the card issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It permits a foreign individual to live and work in the US indefinitely. Because at once the card was green in color it keeps its nickname till today. Another name for it is "Alien Registration Card" and "Form I-551."</p>
<p>The current color of the card is yellowish consisting of a magnetic barcode on the back which keeps the information of an individual. The green card contains an expiration date i.e. 10 years and needs to be renewed. However, the status of a green card holder as a "lawful permanent resident" remains valid unless it is revoked or abandoned by the US government.</p>
<p>This is a quick review of the green card with some information mentioned on it. Moving ahead, let's know the different types of it available for foreign individuals.</p>
<h2>Types of Green Cards</h2>
<p>There are many different types of green cards available for individuals. Here we have stated the common ones that are as follows:</p>
<h3>Family-Based Green Card</h3>
<p>Under a family-based green card, the close relatives of US citizens and current green card holders may apply. The eligible members include parents, siblings, spouses, and children. It also involves the children and spouses of those adults, spouses, siblings, and children.</p>
<p>Apart from this widowers and widows who married a citizen of the US at the time the citizen died can also apply in this category. However, to get the <a href="https://visament.com/blog/green-card-vs-visa"><strong>green card</strong></a> they need to prove that their marriage was authentic. Also, extended family members like grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins do not qualify for this. They can only apply in this category if they are a close relative of the US citizen or current card holder.</p>
<h3>Employment-Based Green Card</h3>
<p>Within this type of green card, several subcategories of employees can apply for permanent residency in the USA. Also in several cases, their spouses and children do qualify for permanently living in the country. Moving ahead, here the following table carries the subcategories and the job types that fall under them:</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #ffffff;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Category</strong></span></p>
</th>
<th style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Jobs Involved</strong></span></p>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Priority Employees (EB-1)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Job positions in education, science, athletics, arts, and business with extraordinary skills.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Outstanding researchers and professors, executives, and multinational managers.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Professional with exceptional skills and advanced degrees (EB-2)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Positions of National Interest</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jobs require having a master’s degree, along with a bachelor's degree. In addition, five years of work experience in relevant fields like business, arts, and science with exceptional skills.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Physicians (EB-2 with a special waiver)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p style="text-align: left;">Physicians who meet other eligibility criteria and agree to work full-time for a specific period in underserved areas. </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Professional, skilled and unskilled workers (EB-3)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Positions of National Interest</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jobs require having a master’s degree, along with a bachelor's degree. In addition, five years of work experience in relevant fields like business, arts, and science with exceptional skills.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Special Workers (EB-4)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ministers, media professionals, and religious workers.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Iraq and Afghanistan nationals who have served the government of the United States under certain capacities.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Other certain retirees, employees, and members of their family. </li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Investors (EB-5)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Non-US nationals who are investing or invested at least $ 1 million or $500000 in a rural or high-employment area in the new US.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Businesses that will create full-time job positions for at least 10 workers in the country.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Humanitarian Green Card</h3>
<p>People who have experienced or have a fear of persecution in their home country come under this green card category. It includes the following types:</p>
<h4>Asylees and Refugees</h4>
<p>Individuals who have experienced or have a fear of persecution in their home country can apply for a U.S. green card under this category. It includes reasons like religious differences, race, political opinion, nationality, and more. Once these people physically live in the country for at least one year they can <a href="https://visament.com/blog/green-card-replacement"><strong>apply for a green card</strong></a> under asylees and refugees. Spouses and children of them also seek protection in the country through this and can apply for the card.</p>
<h4>Military Family Members: Parole in Place (PIP)</h4>
<p>Parole in Place (PIP) is for military family members to gain lawful status in the United States. This program is available to undocumented parents, spouses, and children of the US military services. Through this program individuals without leaving the country can request parole. In addition, if they qualify it allows them to adjust status to permanent resident. While PIP does not provide green cards to any individual however it removes the barriers to adjusting the status. Also, make the way to permanent residency more accessible to these people.</p>
<h4>Crime Victims</h4>
<p>Victims who have faced mental or physical abuse or living in the US whether lawfully or unlawfully may apply for a U visa. To get this visa the application of the victim should be certified by a law enforcement agency. For example, the U visa applicant should agree to help investigate and prosecute individuals who commit crimes. It includes sexual assault, torture, and kidnapping. With this, to qualify for a green card they need to fulfill the following requirements:</p>
<ul>
<li>Since getting the U visa they physically lived in the US for at least three years.</li>
<li>They did not refuse to assist in prosecuting or investigating certain crimes after getting the U visa. It is until the USCIS approves or denies their green card application.</li>
<li>They should not leave the country from the time they apply for a green card in the US. It is also until when the green card application of the victim is approved or deny by the USCIS.</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, the parents, siblings, spouses, and children of victims are also eligible to apply for their own green card. However, for this, both the victim and his/her relatives need to fulfill the mentioned requirements.</p>
<h4>Human-Trafficking Victims</h4>
<p>Human trafficking victims who are living in the US whether lawfully or unlawfully can apply for a T visa. Through this, they can stay in the country for up to four years. However, as the condition of the T visa, they need to assist in prosecuting and investigating perpetrators of human trafficking. If the victim is under the age of 18, then in this circumstance he/she does not need help with such things. In addition, to get a green card, an individual has to live physically in the US for one of the following periods, whichever is shorter:</p>
<ul>
<li>The duration of a prosecution or investigation of human trafficking</li>
<li>Three years since getting the T visa</li>
</ul>
<p>Apart from the following requirements they also need to qualify in other things. It includes showcasing good moral character meaning they do not commit certain crimes like fraud, murder, or more after getting a T visa. Also, they should showcase to the US government that if they do not get a green card and need to leave the country they will suffer extreme hardship. With this, their family members are also eligible to apply for their green card. However, for this, both of them have to fulfill the above-mentioned requirements.</p>
<div class="support_counter_strip_main mt-3 mb-3">
<div class="support_counter_left">
<div class="title">Your Trusted Partner in Effortless Visa Services, Apply Online Today!</div>
<p>We offer OCI, Visa, and Passport application services along with other services. Our team will make sure to get your dreams fulfilled by filling out an error-free application for you.</p>
<a class="btn btn_gradiant" href="https://visament.com/contact-us">Contact US</a></div>
<div class="support_counter_right"><img src="https://visament.com/front/images/usabg.png" alt="USA img" width="324" height="291"></div>
</div>
<h4>Abuse Victims</h4>
<p>Victims who face domestic violence or extreme cruelty may apply for a green card in the US. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), they can seek relief. Although the following act was made to benefit women, it applies to both men and women. In addition, it also includes the children and parents of the abuse victim. An abuse victim on their own can apply for a green card. They did not need to get permission or knowledge of their abusive relative including:</p>
<ul>
<li>A parent who is a green card holder or a US citizen</li>
<li>A former or current spouse who is a green card holder or a US citizen</li>
<li>A child who is a citizen of the US</li>
</ul>
<p>With this, USCIS will not give the green card application information of the victim to an abusive relative to keep him/her safe.</p>
<h3>Diversity Lottery Green Card</h3>
<p>The green card lottery is also known as the "Diversity Visa Lottery Program." Under this, the US government randomly chose up to 50,000 people for the green card. It includes the applications received from six geographic areas such as Asia, Oceania, and Africa. People who belong to countries that less traveled to the US in the past can apply under this card category. The green card share distributed to any nation is capped at 7%. At the time they cast their entries many applicants of the lottery live in their home countries. However, under a different immigration status, some already live in the US.</p>
<h3>Longtime-Resident Green Card</h3>
<p>Since 1 January 1972, applicants who have physically lived in the US whether lawfully or unlawfully can apply under this. For this, they need to apply through a special process i.e. "registry." However, to qualify under this, they need to fulfill the following<a href="https://visament.com/blog/green-card-eligibility-categories"><strong> green card eligibility categories</strong></a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>They entered the country before 1 January 1972. To prove this thing they need to provide an I-94 travel record. It is officially known as the "Form I-94 Departure/Arrival Record."</li>
<li>Since their arrival in the country, they did not leave.</li>
<li>They have good moral character. It means they never committed any crimes like murder, fraud, or prostitution.</li>
<li>Through naturalization, they are eligible for citizenship in the US.</li>
<li>In addition, they have not committed anything that made them deportable from the country. For instance, marriage fraud, drug abuse, and smuggling.</li>
<li>They have not committed crimes that make them "inadmissible." It means they are not eligible to get a green card. For instance, staying more than six months in the US after the expiry of the visa.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Types of Green Cards</h3>
<p>Apart from the above-mentioned green cards, the US government issues other types of green cards. Some of them involve permanent resident cards for "special immigrants." It includes religious workers, media professionals, and Iraq and Afghanistan nationals who served the country in certain capacities. Other involved green cards for American Indians born in Canada and Cuban citizens.</p>
<p>These are the different green card categories offered by the US government. It is advisable before applying for any of the green cards go through the requirements mentioned for it. With this, moving ahead, let's know the different pathways to get permanent residency in the US.</p>
<h2>Different Pathways to Get a Green Card</h2>
<p><img src="https://visament.com/editor_image/mceu_65362914611742558553944_1742558553.webp" alt="Different Pathways to Get a Green Card"></p>
<p>There are typically five ways to get a U.S. green card. Each of them has their requirements and separate visas. Moving further, let's know about them.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Employment Sponsored and Investor Visas: </strong>If you get a job in the United States in that case your employer will pay for the forms. In addition, do the application process and will sponsor your stay in the country.</li>
<li><strong>Diversity Lottery Program:</strong> Every year the United States holds a visa lottery for individuals who belong to countries that have low immigration in the US. If you are eligible for this category you can apply for it and get a diversity visa. After that, you are on your path to get a green card.</li>
<li><strong>Marriage-Based Visa: </strong>Those who get a CR1 or IR1 visa may apply for a U.S. green card.</li>
<li><strong>Family-Sponsored Immigrant Visas:</strong> If you have a close family relative in the US such as parents, siblings, spouses, and children of US citizens you can apply through them for a green card.</li>
<li><strong>Returning Resident Green Card: </strong>It is an additional way for those who held a green card in the past but traveled outside the country. In addition not able to come back for more than one year for reasons that were beyond their control.</li>
</ul>
<p>These are the different pathways through which you can apply for a U.S. green card. Furthermore, let's now know the process to apply for permanent residency in the country.</p>
<div class="blog_alert_sucess d-flex align-items-center justify-content-start gap-1"><img src="https://visament.com/front/images/alert.png" alt="alert img" width="25" height="25"> Also want to know about <a href="https://visament.com/blog/how-you-can-check-uscis-case-status-online">USCIS Case Status</a> Check Now!</div>
<h2>What Is the Process to Apply for a Green Card?</h2>
<p>While the process to apply for a green card varies as per your situation, most applications for green card follow this general process:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Filling Petition: </strong>Either you or someone else files an immigrant petition for you.</li>
<li><strong>Submission of Application:</strong> After getting approval of your petition and checking the availability of your visa category, file for a green card application. You can apply for the green card in two ways i.e. through USCIS or with the US Department of State.</li>
<li><strong>Biometric Appointments:</strong> Book a biometric appointment with the officials and provide your signature, fingerprints, and photos for the process.</li>
<li><strong>Interview: </strong>Fix an appointment with the immigration officials and give the interview.</li>
<li><strong>Decision:</strong> Get a decision on your application. It might be approved or rejected depending on your application, documentation, and interview. In case it gets rejected a specific reason for that will be stated.</li>
</ul>
<p>The green card application process may take several months or years. It completely depends on your specific visa category and circumstances. With this, moving ahead, let's know about the <a href="https://visament.com/blog/uscis-processing-time"><em><strong>USCIS processing times for a green card</strong></em></a>.</p>
<h2>What Is the Processing Time of a Green Card?</h2>
<p>Depending on the green card type, you are applying for, the <a href="https://visament.com/blog/green-card-processing-time"><strong>green card processing time</strong></a> can take a few months to many years. Here to provide you with an idea precise estimated time is mentioned below:</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #ffffff;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Type of Green Card</strong></span></p>
</th>
<th style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Processing Time</strong></span></p>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Family Preference Immigrant Visas</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p style="text-align: left;">1 to 10 Years (It is based on priority date and yearly caps).</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p><a href="https://visament.com/blog/marriage-green-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Green Card Through Marriage</em></a> (IR-1)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p style="text-align: left;">10 to 13 Months</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Returning Resident Immigrant Visa (SB-1)</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Upon the interview immediate decision.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Employment-Based Green Card</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p style="text-align: left;">Varies as per category and demand. Often take 1-2 years or longer.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p>Diversity Visa</p>
</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">
<p style="text-align: left;">After initial application approximately takes 2 years.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Well, the above process time is just estimated it can vary as per your green card type and visa category. Moving further, let's know the cost of a green card.</p>
<h2>How Much Does it Cost to Get a Green Card?</h2>
<p>For a family-based green card, the government filing fee is $3005. It is for individuals who are applying for the card within the country. In addition, for applicants applying outside the country, the fee is $1340. The cost of an employed-based green card ranges between $2000 to $5000 and a spousal visa is $1540. Here, the fees do not involve the medical exam cost, which varies as per provider.</p>
<p>This is how much a green card costs as per its type. With this, moving ahead, let's know some of the benefits of having a green card by your side.</p>
<h2>Benefits of Having a Green Card</h2>
<p>As per the US immigration law and regulations, green card holders enjoy several benefits. Considering this, some of them are stated below:</p>
<ul>
<li>As per your qualifications and skills, you can employed in any legal work in the country.</li>
<li>You can vote in the elections where having US citizenship is not mandatory.</li>
<li>Protected by all the laws of the US, local jurisdictions, and state residences.</li>
<li>After three years if you are married to a US citizen or five years if not you can apply for citizenship in the country.</li>
<li>Without a visa, you can travel in and outside the US. However, you cannot stay more than 6 months there as it may result in losing your green card.</li>
</ul>
<p>These are some of the key <a href="https://visament.com/blog/benefits-of-green-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>benefits of green card</em></a> holders while staying in the country. With this, let's know the process of renewing a green card.</p>
<div class="blog_alert_sucess d-flex align-items-center justify-content-start gap-1"><img src="https://visament.com/front/images/alert.png" alt="alert img" width="25" height="25"> Also want to know about <a href="https://visament.com/blog/track-your-green-card-status">Track Your Green Card Status</a> Check Now!</div>
<h2>Process to Renew the Green Card</h2>
<p>As stated above, the green card is renewed every 10 years. One should renew it within the expiration of 6 months. For the <a href="https://visament.com/blog/renew-green-card"><strong>Renew Green Card process</strong></a>, two methods are available: online application or mail-in format. To renew your card, follow the below-mentioned process:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fill out the I-90 green card renewal form. While filling it must select the right reason for applying for the card renewal from the 17 listed reasons.</li>
<li>The current fee for the green card renewal is $540. The USCIS has fixed this fee and before submission of the document you need to make the payment. In this, the form fee is $455 and a biometric fee is $85 if applicable.</li>
<li>As per your selected reason the form will instruct you about the required documents that you need to submit.</li>
<li>To complete the application follow the mentioned instructions in the form. With this, make sure to sign the form since USCIS rejects or returns the applications without signature.</li>
</ul>
<p>This is how you can renew your green card. Also, through your <a href="https://visament.com/blog/uscis-online-account-number" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>USCIS online account number</em></a>, you can check the USCIS case status of your application. For this, you just need to make an online account on the USCIS website, and through the number you can track down your applications.</p>
<div class="home_different_service join_comunity_social blog_social_strip mt-3">
<div class="mt-0 home_heading text-center">Join Our Community Now</div>
<ul>
<li><a class="fb_icon" href="https://www.facebook.com/visament/" target="blank">
<div class="icon_social"> </div>
Facebook
<div class="arrow_icons"> </div>
</a></li>
<li><a class="whts_icon" href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=918858888885" target="blank">
<div class="icon_social"> </div>
WhatsApp
<div class="arrow_icons"> </div>
</a></li>
<li><a class="insta_icon" href="https://www.instagram.com/visament__/" target="blank">
<div class="icon_social"> </div>
Instagram
<div class="arrow_icons"> </div>
</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>A green card holder is a resident of the US but not an American citizen. Having this by your side provides you with lots of perks. However, with perks, it does bring some responsibilities that you need to follow. Here the following blog consists of all of the information regarding the card. Moreover, if you need guidance or assistance in any NRI services contact Visament. The experts here hold great knowledge of all these processes and aid you in your smooth travel in the US.</p>
<div class="blog_alert_sucess d-flex align-items-center justify-content-start gap-1"><img src="https://visament.com/front/images/alert.png" alt="alert img" width="25" height="25"> Also want to know about <a href="https://visament.com/blog/permanent-residence-vs-citizenship">Permanent Residence vs Citizenship</a> Check Now!</div>