Ultimate Guide to Green Card in USA 2024: Cost, Timeline and More

Are you one of the non-citizens of the USA who want to become a citizen? It is a one-way street to living and working in the country without the constant anxiety of having to leave one day. The process seems intimidating but the destination is clear. You only need correct guidance.

So, here we are to guide you through the Green Card process in the USA. Keep reading to dive into it deeper.

What is a Green Card in the USA?

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. It is proof of their legal immigration status and authorization to reside in the country.

Each year, as many as 140,000 people apply for an employment-based green card.

Permanent resident status is usually given to three categories: those people who already have a green card and are issued a new one, relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and workers in the U.S. on employment visas.

The entire process of application and card issuance is generally undertaken by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The document has a validity of 10 years.

Benefits of a Green Card in USA

Having a permanent residence in the country where you are working removes half of the stress out of our lives. Same thing goes with having a green card in the USA. However, this is not the only benefit of having a green card. The below pointers will help you know more about it.

1. Legal Residency: A Green Card grants you legal permanent residency in the United States, allowing you to live and work anywhere in the country.
2. Employment Opportunities: Green Card holders have the freedom to work for any employer in the U.S. They are not restricted to specific job positions or industries.
3. Education: Green Card holders can attend any school, college, or university in the United States and may be eligible for in-state tuition rates, which are typically lower than out-of-state rates.
4. Social Security Benefits: Green Card holders are eligible for Social Security benefits if they have paid into the system through employment. This includes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
5. Protection under U.S. Law: As a permanent resident, you are entitled to the same legal protections as U.S. citizens, including access to the U.S. legal system.

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Types Of Green Cards In The USA

Green cards are not straight jacket cards made for every individual in a similar way. Depending upon your situation, these cards are diversified into various types. Some of them are discussed below:

1. Family-sponsored Green Cards

In case you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder, you can reach out to them and they can help you sponsor your application.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over 21) generally have priority in this category.

The sponsoring family member (the petitioner) must file a family-based immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Employment-based Green Cards

Having an employment scholarship always comes in handy. Who would have known that an employment scholarship can help you get your Green Card.

Employment-based Green Cards are a category of U.S. permanent residency that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States based on their employment qualifications.

These Green Cards are typically sponsored by U.S. employers who want to hire and retain foreign workers with specific skills and expertise.

There are categories assigned to various types of workers and are given priorities on that basis. Some of these categories are, Priority Workers, Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability, Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers.

3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery program is designed to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by offering a limited number of Green Cards to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Applicants are selected through a random lottery process.

So, if you belong to a country that has historically low rates of immigration to the United States, you should apply for a chance to obtain a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

4. Refugee and Asylee Status Card

Individuals who have been granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. can apply for Green Cards after meeting certain eligibility requirements.

Refugees and asylees are issued Refugee Travel Documents (Form I-571) and Asylee/Refugee Status Adjustment Notices (Form I-94) as proof of their status in the United States.

Types of Green Card Applications

Green Card applications vary according to the area you currently reside in. It will differ depending on if you are applying from within or outside the United States.

1. Green Card Application (from within the US): This application is also known as the application to adjust the status. So, if you're already within US boundaries and want to apply for permanent residency via green card, you must fill the Form I-485. This form is used by those who are already in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, have been selected for a diversity visa, or are eligible through family or employment.
2. Green Card Application (from outside the US): This application is referred to as Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. For people who are outside the US boundaries but want to gain permanent residency in the US, they are required to fill the Form DS-260. This whole process is handled through the National Visa Center (NVC) and your local U.S. Embassy or consulate.

Worrying about finances before moving to the USA? Check out Cost of Study in USA for Indian Students in 2024

Timeline of Getting a Green Card

The time it takes to process a permanent resident card can range from several months to several years, and this timeline is contingent on both the specific category of Green Card you're seeking and your location when you submit the application.

More detailed estimates are outlined below.

• If you are applying from within the United States, the wait is currently 12.5–22.5 months. For spouses of U.S. green card holders, other relatives of U.S. citizens, and employment-based green cards, the wait can be much longer, typically three years or more.

• If you are applying from outside the United States, the wait is currently 13.75–15.5 months. For spouses of U.S. green card holders applying from outside the United States, the wait is currently 10 months.

Green Card Eligibility in USA

For separate categories of green card holders, the eligibility criteria differ. Here below are the eligibility criteria for all major types of green card to help you choose what relates to you.

1. Family-sponsored Green Cards

You should be counted under the below-listed criteria to get a family sponsored green card.

• An immediate relative of a U.S. citizen
• Fall under any other family-based preference categories of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen or the fiancé(e)’s child
• Widow(er) of a U.S. citizen
• Abused child, parent, or spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

2. Employment-based Green Cards

Under employment categories, sub categories are listed on the basis of what kind of job you are doing. So, listing the eligibility separately for your convenience.

• Priority Workers: Individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational managers and executives.

• Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability: Individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their fields, including those who qualify for a National Interest Waiver (NIW).

• Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: Skilled workers, professionals, and certain other workers with specific qualifications and job offers.

• Special Immigrants: Certain special immigrant categories, such as religious workers, certain U.S. government employees, and others.

• Immigrant Investors: Foreign nationals who invest a significant amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. and create jobs.

3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

To participate in the DV Lottery, you must meet the following general eligibility criteria:

• You must be a native of a qualifying country. Nationals from countries with high levels of immigration to the United States are not eligible.

• You must have at least a high school education or its equivalent (e.g., successful completion of 12 years of elementary and secondary education), or have two years of qualifying work experience in the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.

• You must meet the educational or work experience requirements at the time of the DV Lottery entry.

4. Refugee and Asylee Status Card

Refugee and Asylee Status Cards are granted only in special circumstances. This is not a card you can get easily by showing a few documents. You need to fulfil some stringent requirements without any encumbrances.

• To be eligible for refugee status, you must have experienced or have a well-founded fear of persecution based on at least one of the following grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

• You must be outside the United States at the time of your application for refugee status. However, you must be physically present in the United States or at a U.S. port of entry when you apply for asylum.

• You must not have another durable solution, such as the ability to return safely to your home country or settle in a third country.

Cost of Getting a Green Card In The USA

The government application fee for a green card application again varies depending on the type of green card you are applying for. The fees are listed here.

• Family-sponsored Green Card- $1760
• Employment-based Green Card- $2,500
• Diversity Visa Lottery- No application fees.
• Adjustment of Status- $2000-$5000

All Green Card applicants are typically required to undergo a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon. The cost of the medical exam can vary but usually ranges from $200 to $500.

If required, there is an $85 fee for biometrics (fingerprinting and photo) for certain applicants.

(It's important to note that fee structures and requirements may change over time, so it's essential to check the most current information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website)

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Immigration to the USA from India is a testament to the desire among the population to explore opportunities in the country. As a world leader, the U.S. has always been an attractive destination for immigrants. You can get assistance with the specifics, advice on your alternatives, and preparation for the visa interview from a reputable immigration consultant GetGIS. The experts are qualified with more than 20+ years of experience in this field. They will assist you at every stage, from relieving you of difficult paperwork to assisting your family with a move when you land a job.