How to Get a Green Card in the USA for Indian Students?

The United States is home to millions of immigrants from across the world, many of whom wish to live and work permanently. A Permanent Resident Card also known as a Green Card grants individuals lawful permanent residency in the US If you’re planning to stay in the US long-term, obtaining a Green Card is crucial. This guide explains the processes, eligibility requirements, and the step by step on how to get a Green Card in the USA.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a document issued by the US government that grants its holder permanent residency in the country. With a Green Card, individuals can live and work in the US indefinitely, though it must be renewed every 10 years.

A Green Card also allows individuals to sponsor close family members for residency and, after meeting specific requirements, apply for US citizenship. Know the other benefits of a Green Card for International individuals.

Eligibility Requirements for a Green Card

The eligibility criteria depend on the type of Green Card you are applying for. Generally, you must:

• Be eligible for a family-based, employment-based, or other category.
• You must either have a family member, employer, or another party file a petition for you.
• Meet health and background checks that include submitting biometric data, undergoing a medical examination, and passing criminal background checks.

How to get a Green Card in the USA?

The process of obtaining a Green Card can be lengthy and requires careful attention to detail. Let us understand the step-by-step process of how to get a Green Card in the USA.

Step 1: Determine your Eligibility

Before starting the process, determine which category best suits your situation—family-based, employment-based, or others. This will help you understand which forms to file and what evidence you need to provide.

Step 2: File an Immigrant Petition

In most cases, a family member or employer must first file an immigrant petition on your behalf. For example:

• Family-based petition: A US citizen or legal permanent resident relative files Form I-130.
• Employment-based petition: Your US employer files Form I-140.
• Some individuals can self-petition if they qualify under certain categories, such as extraordinary abilities or investors.

Step 3: Needs to wait for the Visa

After your immigrant petition is approved, the next step is to wait for a visa number to become available. Immediate relatives of US citizens generally don’t have to wait, but for other categories, there may be a waiting period due to annual limits on the number of Green Cards issued.

Step 4: Apply for adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Once a visa becomes available, you can apply for permanent residency.

• Adjustment of Status (AOS): If you are already in the US on a valid visa, you may be able to apply for a Green Card through AOS by filing Form I-485.
• Consular Processing: If you are outside the US, you will need to attend an interview at a US consulate or embassy in your home country. The consulate will review your application and decide whether to grant your Green Card.

Step 5: Attend the Green Card Interview

In many cases, you will need to attend an in-person interview. The interview will assess your eligibility and whether you are truthful in your application. Family-based applicants may be asked to prove the legitimacy of their relationship.

Step 6: Receive your Green Card

Once your application is approved, your Green Card will be received. It typically takes a few weeks to a few months for your Green Card to arrive after your approval.

Common challenges in getting a Green Card

The Green Card application process is complex and can come with several challenges, including:

• Long processing times: Depending on your category, it can take months or even years for your petition to be processed.
• Visa retrogression: For some categories, the demand for Green Cards exceeds the annual quota, which can delay your application.
• Ineligibility or denial: If you have a criminal history or have violated immigration laws, your application may be denied.
• Documentation errors: Incorrect or missing documents can delay or even prevent approval of your application.

Green Card Renewal and Maintaining Status

Once you receive your Green Card, it is essential to maintain your status by following these guidelines:

• Renewal: Every 10 years the cardholder needs to renew the Green Card. This process can be done by filing Form I-90.
• Avoid Abandoning Your Status: Prolonged stays outside the US or failure to maintain ties to the country could lead to losing your permanent resident status.
• Path to Citizenship: After 5 years of permanent residency (or 3 years if married to a US citizen), you can apply for US citizenship through naturalization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a Green Card in the US is a significant milestone that grants you the right to live and work in the country permanently. The process can be complicated, but by following the steps carefully, determining your eligibility, and meeting the requirements, you can successfully achieve your goal.

Whether you’re applying through family, employment, or other means, knowing what to expect and how to get a Green Card in the USA will increase your chances of success. If you’re serious about applying for a Green Card, consulting with Ashiraj Overseas Education Consultants can be a wise decision to ensure that your application is properly filed.

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