USA Permanent Residence (Green Card) Visas – Complete Guide

The United States Permanent Residence visa, commonly known as the Green Card, allows foreign nationals to live, work, and settle permanently in the USA. Holding a Green Card opens the door to long-term career opportunities, access to social benefits, and eventually U.S. citizenship.

At Immigration Pointer, we help applicants understand the right pathway to U.S. permanent residency based on their qualifications, family ties, or employment background. This guide explains everything you need to know about USA Green Card visas, including types, eligibility, application steps, and benefits.

What is a USA Green Card?

A Green Card officially grants Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status in the United States. Green Card holders can:

• Live permanently anywhere in the USA

• Work for most U.S. employers without sponsorship

• Sponsor eligible family members

• Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Main Categories of USA Permanent Residence (Green Card) Visas

1. Family-Based Green Card

This is the most common route to U.S. permanent residency.

Eligible Sponsors:

• U.S. citizens

• Lawful Permanent Residents

Eligible Relatives Include:

• Spouse

• Unmarried children under 21

• Parents (for U.S. citizens aged 21+)

• Siblings (U.S. citizens only)

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have no annual visa cap, making this category faster.

2. Employment-Based Green Card

Ideal for skilled professionals, workers, and investors.

Employment-Based Preference Categories:

EB-1 (Priority Workers)

• Extraordinary ability professionals

• Outstanding professors and researchers

• Multinational executives and managers

EB-2

• Advanced degree professionals

• Exceptional ability individuals

• National Interest Waiver (NIW)

EB-3

• Skilled workers

• Professionals

• Other workers

EB-4

• Special immigrants (religious workers, broadcasters, etc.)

EB-5

• Immigrant investors investing in U.S. businesses and job creation

3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

The Green Card Lottery provides up to 55,000 visas annually to applicants from eligible countries with low immigration rates to the USA.

Key Points:

• Random selection

• Free to apply

• Requires minimum education or work experience

4. Refugee or Asylee Green Card

Individuals granted asylum or refugee status can apply for a Green Card after one year of physical presence in the USA.

5. Special Programs & Humanitarian Green Cards

Includes:

• Victims of human trafficking (T Visa)

• Victims of crimes (U Visa)

• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners

Eligibility Requirements for USA Green Card

Eligibility depends on the visa category, but general requirements include:

• Valid sponsor (family or employer)

• Clean criminal background

• Medical examination clearance

• Proof of financial support

• Compliance with U.S. immigration laws

Step-by-Step USA Green Card Application Process

Step 1: Determine the Right Category

Choose family-based, employment-based, lottery, or special program eligibility.

Step 2: File Immigrant Petition

• Family: Form I-130

• Employment: Form I-140

• Investor: Form I-526

• Lottery: DV selection confirmation

Step 3: Wait for Visa Availability

Based on priority date and Visa Bulletin.

Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

• Inside USA: Form I-485

• Outside USA: Consular processing at U.S. Embassy

Step 5: Biometrics & Interview

Fingerprinting, background check, and interview.

Step 6: Green Card Approval

Receive permanent resident card after approval.

Processing Time for USA Green Card

Processing times vary based on:

• Visa category

• Country of birth

• USCIS workload

Average Timeline:

• Family-based: 1–5 years

• Employment-based: 1–4 years

• EB-5 Investor: 2–6 years

• DV Lottery: Within 1 year

Benefits of USA Permanent Residence

• Permanent legal status in the USA

• Freedom to change jobs

• Access to education and healthcare

• Social Security benefits eligibility

• Pathway to U.S. citizenship

• Sponsor family members

Common Reasons for Green Card Rejection

• Incorrect documentation

• Ineligibility under chosen category

• Medical inadmissibility

• Criminal history

• Fraud or misrepresentation

Professional guidance from Immigration Pointer significantly reduces rejection risks.

Why Choose Immigration Pointer for USA Green Card?

• Expert visa assessment

• End-to-end documentation support

• Up-to-date immigration guidance

• Personalized strategy for faster approval

• Transparent and reliable services

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the fastest way to get a USA Green Card?

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and EB-1 visas are usually the fastest.

2. Can I apply for a Green Card without a job offer?

Yes, through family sponsorship, DV Lottery, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW categories.

3. How long does a Green Card remain valid?

Permanent residency is indefinite; the physical card must be renewed every 10 years.

4. Can Green Card holders work anywhere in the USA?

Yes, except for certain government positions.

5. Is IELTS required for a USA Green Card?

No, there is no IELTS or language test requirement.

6. Can I sponsor my spouse after getting a Green Card?

Yes, Green Card holders can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children.

7. Can a Green Card be revoked?

Yes, if immigration laws are violated or residency requirements are not met.

8. When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?

Usually after 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).

9. Can I travel outside the USA with a Green Card?

Yes, but long absences may affect residency status.

10. How can Immigration Pointer help with my Green Card application?

We provide eligibility checks, documentation support, filing assistance, and interview preparation.