Green Card Guide
Become a Permanent Resident
For years, people have come to the U.S. for many reasons. There are different routes to getting a green card and becoming a permanent resident. This Green Card Guide is designed to provide professional insights and support to simplify the process.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is a document authorizing non-U.S. citizens to live and work in the United States permanently. This Permanent Resident Card grants individuals the legal right to live and work in the country.
Green Card recipients receive many of the same rights and benefits as a U.S. citizen, such as:
- access to healthcare
- education
- the ability to travel freely within and outside the country
How Does a Green Card Look?
A Green Card doesn’t have to be green; it can also be tan. It’s a small plastic card that fits in your wallet. Here are some of the most notable features:
Biographic information
The front of each card shows the holder’s name, photograph, and date of birth. It also contains the fingerprint information. It may also include the card’s expiration date.
Signature
The cardholder’s signature is usually on the card’s back.
Alien registration number (A-number)
Each individual is given an A-number for identification and tracking purposes. This number is prominently displayed on the card.
Barcode and magnetic stripe
A barcode and magnetic stripe on the back will be shown for enhanced security. This can be scanned for verification purposes.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced the new green card design to improve the cards’ security. This new card design will be issued from Jan. 30, 2023. Current issued cards before Jan. 30, 2023 are also valid.
New green card designs include:
- Cutting-edge technology to maintain national security and provide better service to customers
- Improved intricate design
- Advanced tactile printing with improved integration with the artwork
- Enhanced optical variable ink feature
- Increased security with holographic images on the front and back of the card
- Increased security with holographic images on the front and back of card
- A layer-revealing function with a partially transparent window in the back photo box
- Data fields are presented in altered locations compared to previous versions.
Types of Green Cards
Family-sponsored green cards
For family-sponsored green cards, eligible relatives include immediate family members like spouses, children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. Other family members like siblings and children of lawful permanent residents can also apply. Your family members file Form I-130, proving their permanent resident status and relationship with you, using documents like birth or marriage certificates.
If you find a job in the U.S., your employer can help you get this Green Card. They’ll pay for the necessary forms and the application process and sponsor you to live and work. But here’s the thing – you’ll be linked to that employer until your work contract ends.
First Preference Immigrant Worker (EB-1)
This category is more straightforward for individuals with extraordinary abilities in various fields, including arts, science, business, education, or athletics. It’s also for outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives or managers.
Second Preference Immigrant Worker (EB-2)
This category can be more challenging, but it’s for those with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in arts, sciences, or business. It also includes those seeking a national interest waiver.
Third Preference Immigrant Worker (EB-3)
While more challenging, determination can lead to success in this category. It encompasses skilled workers, professionals requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and unskilled workers. Immigrant investors who create jobs are also considered.
Fourth Preference Immigrant Worker (EB-4)
EB-4 visas cater to certain specialized categories, including religious workers, U.S. foreign service post employees, retired international organization workers, and noncitizen minors under U.S. court custody.
Fifth Preference Immigrant Worker (EB-5)
These visas are part of the Immigrant Investor Program and are available to those making significant investments. To qualify, you must invest $1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise with at least ten full-time U.S. workers or $900,000 in a new venture in a targeted employment area with the same employment requirement. Labor certification is waived, and investors and their families can apply for green cards.
Special Immigrants
Special immigrants, like religious workers, abused or neglected juvenile immigrants, and those who served the U.S. government can apply for a Green Card.
Green card through refugee or asylum status
Refugees can request a Green Card one year after arriving, while asylum seekers can do so one year after being approved for asylum.
Green card for human trafficking and crime victims
Human trafficking victims or the victims or other crimes involving abuse can apply for a Green Card through T or U nonimmigrant visas.
Green card for abuse victims
Abused spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can apply under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Children with Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status can also apply.
Abuse victims from specific countries
Abused spouses or children of Cuban nationals, citizens, or lawful permanent residents can apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Those abused by lawful permanent residents with a Green Card through the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) can also seek a Green Card.
Marriage green cards
You must provide evidence of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Then, prove that your marriage is legally valid according to the laws of the country in which it occurred. Complete the appropriate forms, such as Form I-130 or Form I-129F, Form I-485 or Form DS-260, Form I-765 if you plan to work during the application process, and Form I-131 if you need to travel outside the U.S. Include your marriage certificate and, if applicable, documents like divorce decrees or previous spouse’s death certificates to confirm the termination of prior marriages. The legitimacy of your relationship is a huge factor in this application process.
Returning resident green card
If you previously had a Green Card but left for over a year due to circumstances beyond your control, this card is for you. Valid reasons include being held in another country or not being allowed to return to the U.S. This can be due to family or cultural reasons. You’ll need to provide documents proving that you had no choice but to stay away for an extended period.
Diversity visa green card
The U.S. has an annual visa lottery for citizens of countries with low immigration rates. If you participate in this lottery and get selected, you’ll receive a diversity visa.
How to Apply for a Green Card
The specific requirements for a Green Card application can vary depending on the category you’re applying under. Below are the basic criteria that you must meet:
- Eligibility category: You must fall into one of the eligible categories we have previously listed for Green Card issuance. Each category has its unique requirements.
Green Card Type
Requirements
Family-Sponsored Green Cards
- Sponsored by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member (spouse, child, parent, or sibling).
- Sponsors must demonstrate financial ability to support the applicant.
Employment-sponsored Green Cards
- Employment in the U.S. and a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specific category (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or EB-4).
- Labor Certification (in most cases) and meet job-specific requirements.
- Your employer may need to complete a labor certification process. This will demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for your position.
Marriage Green Card CR1 Visa
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Marriage of less than two years at the time of application
Marriage Green Card IRI Visa
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Marriage of more than two years at the time of application
Returning Resident Green card
- Lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- Extended period outside the United States
- Intent to return to the U.S.
Special Immigrant Green Card
- Special categories include religious workers, Afghan or Iraqi translators, international broadcasters, and more.
- Specific criteria for each category, such as religious work experience.
Diversity Visa Green Card
- Applicants must be from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Selected through the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
- No specific job offer or family sponsorship is required.
Refugee or Asylee Status
- Granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S.
- Proof of refugee or asylum status is consistent with asylum or refugee status terms.
Investor Green Card (EB-5)
- Invest a specific amount of capital in an enterprise that creates jobs in the U.S.
- Create or preserve a certain number of jobs and meet investment requirements.
Victims of Crime/Abuse
- Victims of human trafficking (T visa) or certain crimes (U visa).
- Proof of victimization, cooperation with law enforcement, and other criteria.
Additional Requirements for the I-485 Application - Adjustment of Status
The primary form for applying for a Green Card is the I-485. This is known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
You must complete this form and submit it along with the required documents listed below:
- Passport-sized photos.
- A copy of your passport and any previous passports with U.S. entry stamps.
- Birth certificate (with a certified translation in English, if applicable).
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, with a certified translation if not in English).
- Divorce decree or death certificate of a prior spouse (if applicable).
- Proof of legal name change (if applicable).
- Police certificates from your home country and any other countries you’ve lived in.
- Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.
- Medical examination results.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from your sponsor (if required).
- Employment authorization document (if applying for an employment-based Green Card).
Background checks: You’ll undergo a thorough background and security check, including fingerprint collection and an FBI “name check.” The fingerprint collection is used to verify your identity and check for any criminal records associated with your identity. Simultaneously, the FBI “name check” searches its extensive database to identify any criminal activities or security concerns linked to your name or identity.
Medical examination: You must undergo a medical checkup by an approved USCIS doctor. This shows you do not have any contagious diseases that would make you inadmissible to the U.S. The medical examination is a review of your medical history, a physical examination, a chest X-ray, and blood tests specifically for syphilis. During the physical examination, various body parts and systems are thoroughly assessed, including the eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin.
Criminal history and inadmissibility: Applicants must provide a comprehensive history of their criminal background. Certain criminal convictions may render you inadmissible.
As of January 2025, several significant changes have been implemented in the U.S. green card application process:
- Mandatory Use of Updated Form: Starting February 10, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires all applicants to use the revised Form I-485 (edition dated 10/24/24) for Adjustment of Status applications. Older editions postmarked on or after this date will be rejected.
- Concurrent Medical Examination Submission: Applicants must now submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, alongside their Form I-485. This change aims to streamline processing by providing all necessary medical documentation upfront.
- Integration of Affidavit of Support Exemptions: The revised Form I-485 incorporates exemption requests directly into the application, eliminating the need for a separate Form I-864W. This adjustment simplifies the process for applicants exempt from the Affidavit of Support requirement.
Family-sponsored Green Card Requirements Form I-130 Family-Based Green Card
Sponsors of family-sponsored Green Cards must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The documents required may vary depending on the family relationship and preference category.
These individuals must provide documents like the following:
- Proof of Sponsor’s U.S. Status: You must demonstrate your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) status. This could include your U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or Green Card. You must provide vital records like birth certificates for the sponsor and the intending immigrant. If you’re sponsoring your spouse, you must submit your marriage certificate. If it’s a parent-child relationship, birth certificates will suffice.
- Financial Support Documents: To ensure you can financially support the intending immigrant, you must complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). Along with this form, you should submit financial documents such as tax records, Form 1040 for the most recent tax year, W-2 forms, and pay stubs. If you sponsor more than one family member, separate Affidavits of Support should be prepared for each.
When Should You Apply for a Green Card?
You should apply for a Green Card when you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the categories. Applying as soon as possible is essential to avoid delays in the process.
Additionally, it is smart to stay updated on immigration policies and processes. These may change over time, impacting the application process and waiting times.
How Long Does the Green Card Process Take?
Typically, it takes two years for a green card to become available, and the entire process usually takes about three years. However, it’s worth noting that it can take longer for people from Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines.
Applying for a Green Card from Within the United States
Waiting times vary for those applying from within the United States. For spouses and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, it’s around 9–12 months. But, for spouses of U.S. green card holders, other relatives of U.S. citizens, and employment-based green card applicants, it takes more than two years.
Applying for a Green Card from Outside the United States
Waiting times also differ when applying through consular processing from your home country. Spouses and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens face a wait of about 14 to 15 months. The waiting times for other green card categories vary due to country-specific caps and policies. The wait for spouses of U.S. green card holders also varies depending on specific factors and policies.
As of 2023, the following are more specific times:
- The process usually takes 11 to 12 months if a U.S. citizen sponsors you.
- If a green card holder sponsors you, the process will take around 25 months.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Green Card Once Approved?
After your green card application is approved, you must wait for it to arrive. The time this takes varies depending on specific circumstances:
- If you paid the immigrant visa fee after entering the U.S., you can expect a similar timeline. Your permanent resident card might arrive up to 90 days after your payment date.
These timelines are only approximate. The actual arrival date of your green card can vary depending on various factors and circumstances.
How Much Does A Green Card Cost?
The Main Fees for a Green Card Based on the Type of Visa
The overall fee for a Green Card is around $1,800 if you’re in the United States and $1,200 if you’re outside the country. However, these amounts don’t cover the cost of the required medical exam and other fees.
Remember, all these fees are subject to modification. While the exact changes aren’t in effect yet, staying informed is essential, so check the official sources before you apply for a green card.
Visa Type & Purpose
Petitioner Forms
Fees For Petitioner
Applicant Forms
Applicant Fees
K-1 visas
Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
$675
Form DS-160
$185
K-3, F-1, F-2A, F-2B, F-3, F-4, IR-1, IR-2, IR-5 visas
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
$625
Form DS-260 (excluding EB-4)
$325
EB-1, EB-2 visas
Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
$715
Form DS-261 (EB-4)
$325
EB-4 visas
Form I-360 Petition for Amerasian Widow(er) or Special Immigrant
$515
Form DS-117 (SB-1 visa)
$180
EB-5 visa
Form I-526 Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur
$3,675
Affidavit of Support
$120
If you meet the above criteria, you can renew your green card. To do so, go through the following steps:
1
Fill Out Form I-90: Begin by completing a paper Form I-90. This form is designed for Green Card replacement. It can be obtained from the USCIS website or by requesting a copy through the mail. Ensure that you accurately provide all the requested information.
2
Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary evidence to support your application. This typically includes a photocopy of your expired or soon-to-expire Green Card.
3
Review and Sign Your Application: Carefully review your completed Form I-90 for accuracy. Verify that all information is up-to-date and matches your current circumstances. Once satisfied, sign the application as required.
4
Payment of Government Fees: Check if government fees apply to your situation. If fees are required, pay them according to the USCIS instructions. Ensure that you follow the correct payment method and include the necessary amount.
5
Submit Your Completed Application: Package your completed Form I-90, supporting documents, and payment and send it to USCIS using the address provided in the Form I-90 instructions. Double-check that you have included all the necessary components.
6
Wait for Your New Green Card: Once USCIS receives your application, they will start processing. These processing times can vary. However, you may receive notifications or requests for additional information during this period. Keep track of the progress of your application and see if your card gets approved.
How to Renew Your Green Card
First, check to see if you can renew a green card. Ensure you have done the following:
- Legal status: You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) of the United States.
- Validity: Your green card should either be expired or nearing its expiration date.
- Physical presence: You must be physically present in the United States when submitting Form I-90.
- Continuous residence: You must remain in the U.S. without extended periods spent outside the country.
Bona Fide Relationship Evidence
You must demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship with the intending immigrant to prove it's not a marriage of convenience or a fraudulent family connection.
Submit letters, emails, or cards exchanged between you and the intending immigrant that show communication over an extended period.
Photos
Show your relationship over time, such as family gatherings, trips, and everyday life.
Correspondence
Submit letters, emails, or cards exchanged between you and the intending immigrant, showing communication over an extended period.
Legal Documents
Include joint leases, property deeds, or insurance policies to establish shared responsibilities and financial commitments.
Call Logs
For couples in long-distance relationships, call logs or records of phone conversations can demonstrate ongoing communication.
Proof of relationship
You must provide documentation proving the qualifying relationship with your sponsor.
Form I-130 Petition
Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificate
(if applicable)
Divorce Decrees
(if applicable)
Adoption Papers
(if applicable)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence
Affidavit of Support
(Form I-864)
Financial Documentation
Passport Photos
Medical Examination Report (Form I-693)
Fees Payment Receipts
Translation and Notarization (if needed)
How Long After Obtaining a Green Card Should You Wait Before Applying for U.S. Citizenship?
You can apply for U.S. citizenship after holding a green card for five years. However, if you possess a marriage green card, you may apply for citizenship after just three years.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Green Card?
The fee for renewing your Green Card is currently $540. This includes a $455 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee for fingerprinting, photos, and signatures. But, if you’re eligible for a fee waiver, you won’t need to pay either of these fees.
Do You Have a Green Light to Get the Green Card?
At ImmigrationDirect, we provide our clients with all the resources they need to get a green card, no matter their path. The road to permanent residency can be long and costly. However, the benefits of becoming a permanent resident in the United States are well worth the battle!
We can help you become a permanent resident and guide you through the steps to becoming a United States citizen.
