Permanent Resident Card, also known as ‘Green Card’, contains biographic information, fingerprints, photo and expiration date issued by immigration department of US. The process of obtaining it can be quite complex. There are a number of ways to apply for green card such as through your family, job offer or employment and other special provisions.
In order to be eligible for US Permanent Residency, one must meet the following requirements:
- Be eligible for one of the immigrant categories.
- Qualifying immigration petition must be filed and approved.
- Immigrant visa must be available.
- Be admissible to the United States.
Learn Process To Apply For PR in US
Eligibility criteria for US Green Card under two main categories
There are many supervisions for getting residency for under different circumstances. Each process is studied thoroughly by US Immigration Services to finally give stamp of approval. Let’s study two principal types of immigrant categories under which you can apply for green card.
Family Based
Immediate relatives of US Citizens need not wait for longer periods to get approval. Endless people are granted US Permanent Residency under this category. Immediate relatives include parents, spouses and unmarried children (under age of 21) of a US resident. To apply for parents, US Citizen must be 21 years of age.
According to following cases, preference is given while visa processing:
| First Preference | Unmarried and adult kids (21 years or older) of US Citizen |
| Second Preference |
|
| Third Preference | Married sons/daughters of US Citizens, their spouses and their minor children |
| Fourth Preference | Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children |
Job/Employment Based
With the help of a valid job offer, one can apply for US Green card. Based on this, you will given preference according to following circumstances.
| First Preference | Workers with extraordinary abilities, having “A” Skilled Qualification such as multinational managers, executives, researchers, etc, |
| Second Preference | Members of professions holding an advanced degree or persons of exceptional ability |
| Third Preference | Skilled workers, professionals and other qualified workers |
| Fourth Preference | Certain special immigrants (including those in religious vocations) |
| Fifth Preference | Employment creation immigrants (investors or entrepreneurs) |
Have you heard of Business Visa To United States?
Benefits of US Green Card
Permission to live permanently in the United States, provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable (deport-able) under the immigration law along with your green card being revoked.
- US Permanent Residency entitles you to be employed as per your qualification and choosing.
- You are protected by all of the laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions.
- You can vote in local elections where United States citizenship is not required.