Understanding Green Cards
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants you the right to live and work permanently in the United States. As a lawful permanent resident, you enjoy most of the rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship, including the ability to sponsor certain family members for immigration, travel freely in and out of the United States, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
The path to obtaining a green card can be complex, with multiple pathways available depending on your individual circumstances. Whether you're seeking permanent residence through family relationships, employment opportunities, investment, or other special categories, our experienced immigration attorneys will guide you through the process and help you choose the most appropriate pathway for your situation.
At Veritas Global Immigration Law Firm, we have successfully helped thousands of clients obtain green cards through various pathways over our 45+ years of practice. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your case is carefully prepared and presented to maximize your chances of success.
Green Card Pathways
Family-Based Green Cards
Family-based green cards are available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and beneficiaries of family preference petitions. Immediate relatives, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, have unlimited visa numbers available and can proceed directly to the green card application process once their I-130 petition is approved.
Family preference categories include unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, spouses and children of permanent residents, married children of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens. These categories are subject to annual numerical limitations and may require waiting periods before visa numbers become available.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based green cards provide permanent residence opportunities for skilled workers, professionals, investors, and other individuals whose presence benefits the U.S. economy. The employment-based system includes five preference categories, each with specific requirements and annual numerical limitations.
Employment-Based Green Card Categories
| Category | Description | Annual Limit | Labor Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Priority Workers | 40,040 | Not Required |
| EB-2 | Advanced Degree/Exceptional Ability | 40,040 | Usually Required |
| EB-3 | Skilled Workers/Professionals | 40,040 | Required |
| EB-4 | Special Immigrants | 9,940 | Varies |
| EB-5 | Immigrant Investors | 9,940 | Not Required |
Investment-Based Green Cards (EB-5)
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a pathway to permanent residence for foreign investors who make qualifying investments in U.S. commercial enterprises that create or preserve jobs for U.S. workers. The program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million in other areas.
EB-5 investors can choose between direct investment in a new commercial enterprise or investment through a Regional Center, which pools investor funds for larger development projects. The Regional Center option often provides more passive investment opportunities while still meeting the job creation requirements.
Diversity Visa Program
The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, also known as the green card lottery, makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The program is administered by the Department of State and requires meeting education or work experience requirements.
While the DV program provides an opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to obtain permanent residence, the application process is highly competitive, and selection does not guarantee visa issuance. Our attorneys can help DV selectees navigate the complex requirements and deadlines to maximize their chances of success.
The Green Card Application Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Pathway
The first step in the green card process is determining your eligibility and identifying the most appropriate pathway for your circumstances. This involves evaluating your family relationships, employment opportunities, investment capacity, and other factors that may qualify you for permanent residence.
Our attorneys conduct comprehensive case evaluations to assess all available options and recommend the pathway that offers the best chances of success within your desired timeframe. We consider factors such as processing times, numerical limitations, and potential complications that may affect your case.
Step 2: File Initial Petition
Most green card applications begin with filing an initial petition, such as Form I-130 for family-based cases or Form I-140 for employment-based cases. This petition establishes the basis for your green card application and must be approved before you can proceed to the next step.
The petition process requires extensive documentation to prove eligibility and establish the qualifying relationship or employment opportunity. Our attorneys ensure that all required evidence is properly gathered, organized, and presented to meet USCIS requirements and avoid delays or denials.
Step 3: Wait for Priority Date
For categories subject to numerical limitations, you must wait for your priority date to become current before proceeding with your green card application. The priority date is typically the date your initial petition was filed, and visa availability is determined by the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State.
During the waiting period, it's important to maintain your legal status in the United States and keep your case information current. Our firm provides ongoing monitoring services and guidance to ensure you're prepared to move forward when your priority date becomes current.
Step 4: Apply for Green Card
Once a visa number is available, you can apply for your green card through either adjustment of status (if you're in the United States) or consular processing (if you're abroad). Both processes involve filing additional forms, attending biometrics appointments, and participating in an interview.
The green card application requires updated documentation, medical examinations, and background checks. Our attorneys help prepare comprehensive application packages and provide interview preparation to ensure you're ready for this critical step in the process.
Maintaining Your Green Card
Permanent Resident Obligations
As a lawful permanent resident, you have certain obligations to maintain your status, including residing primarily in the United States, filing tax returns, and avoiding certain criminal activities. Failure to meet these obligations can result in loss of permanent resident status.
If you need to travel outside the United States for extended periods, you may need to obtain a reentry permit to preserve your permanent resident status. Our attorneys can advise you on the requirements and help you obtain the necessary documentation for extended travel.
Renewing Your Green Card
Green cards are typically valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiration. The renewal process involves filing Form I-90 and providing updated biometrics. It's important to file for renewal well in advance of the expiration date to avoid complications with employment authorization or travel.
Conditional permanent residents, such as those who obtained green cards through marriage to a U.S. citizen within two years of marriage, must file Form I-751 to remove conditions before their green card expires. This process requires demonstrating that the marriage was entered into in good faith and continues to be valid.
Path to Citizenship
After maintaining permanent resident status for the required period (typically five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Citizenship provides additional benefits and security, including the right to vote and protection from deportation.
The naturalization process involves meeting residency requirements, demonstrating English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and civics, and passing background checks. Our citizenship services can help you prepare for and navigate the naturalization process successfully.