U.S. Green Card Guide: Categories, Requirements, and Benefits
The United States issues nearly one million green cards each year through multiple immigration pathways. A green card is the main gateway for foreign nationals who want to live and work permanently in the U.S. and eventually pursue citizenship. Because there are many categories and subcategories, understanding which green card fits your circumstances is critical.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide in-depth guidance to help you determine eligibility, understand processing times, estimate costs, and successfully navigate the application process. This resource introduces the most common types of green cards, their requirements, and the advantages of lawful permanent residence in the U.S.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, grants foreign nationals the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a green card confirms lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
With this status, individuals can:
- Live in the U.S. indefinitely.
- Work for any employer without employment restrictions.
- Travel in and out of the country more freely.
- Pursue U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Many applicants pursue green cards for career opportunities, access to education, family reunification, or long-term stability. Holding a green card provides a strong foundation for building a secure future in the United States.
Eligibility for a U.S. Green Card
Eligibility depends on the category under which you apply. The most common pathways include:
- Family-Based Immigration – Through a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.
- Employment-Based Immigration – Through sponsorship from a U.S. employer or investment.
- Refugee or Asylee Status – For those granted protection due to persecution.
- Diversity Visa Lottery – Through random selection for applicants from underrepresented countries.
- Longtime Residence – For individuals who meet continuous presence and hardship requirements.
- Conditional Residency – For spouses of U.S. citizens or certain investors, valid for two years.
Eligibility for a U.S. Green Card
1. Family-Based Green Cards
Family reunification is one of the most common immigration pathways. Categories include:
- IR-1/CR-1 – Spouse of a U.S. citizen (CR-1 applies if married less than two years).
- IR-2 – Unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen.
- IR-3/IR-4 – Orphans adopted abroad or within the U.S. by U.S. citizens.
- IR-5 – Parent of a U.S. citizen (aged 21+).
- F-1 – Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens.
- F-2A / F-2B – Spouses, children, or unmarried adult children of LPRs.
- F-3 – Married children of U.S. citizens and their families.
- F-4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens and their families.
Note: Immediate relative (IR) categories usually have shorter wait times than family preference (F) categories.
2. Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based green cards are divided into five preference levels:
- EB-1 – Priority workers, including individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, and multinational executives.
- EB-2 – Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
- EB-3 – Skilled workers and professionals.
- EB-4 – Special immigrants (religious workers, broadcasters, etc.).
- EB-5 – Investors who make significant capital investments in U.S. enterprises.
3. Refugee and Asylee Green Cards
Foreign nationals who have been granted asylum or refugee status may apply for permanent residence after one year. Other humanitarian options include:
- T Visa – For victims of human trafficking who cooperate with law enforcement.
- U Visa – For victims of serious crimes who assist law enforcement.
- VAWA Green Card – For victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child.
4. Diversity Lottery Green Cards
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program selects applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. Each year, about 55,000 visas are made available through this program.
5. Longtime Resident Green Cards
Individuals who have lived in the U.S. for at least ten years without legal status may qualify under certain conditions, including proof of good moral character and evidence that removal would cause exceptional hardship to qualifying family members.
6. Conditional Green Cards
Conditional permanent residence applies to:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens or LPRs married for less than two years.
- Investors who have placed significant funds in a U.S. business.
These cards are valid for two years, and holders must file to remove conditions before expiration.
Non-Immigrant Work Visas (Temporary Options)
While not green cards, several temporary visas allow employment in the U.S.:
- H-1B – Specialty occupation workers.
- L-1 – Intracompany transferees.
- E-3 – Specialty workers from Australia.
- TN Visa – Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA.
- O Visa – Individuals with extraordinary ability.
- P Visa – Athletes, entertainers, and performers.
- R Visa – Religious workers.
Why Seek Guidance from Green Card Link?
The U.S. immigration system is complex, with rules, deadlines, and requirements that vary by category. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys help applicants:
- Identify the best immigration pathway.
- Prepare documentation to meet USCIS standards.
- Avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or denials.
- Navigate family, employment, and humanitarian options with confidence.
By working with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link, you can streamline your application process and move closer to achieving lawful permanent residence.
U.S. Green Card Guide: Requirements, Application Process, and Benefits
Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)
The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery, often called the Green Card Lottery, is a yearly program that randomly selects qualified applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Each year, up to 55,000 Diversity Visas are made available for eligible participants.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent; or
- Have two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation.
All selected applicants must also undergo a background check and medical examination before receiving permanent residency.
Long-Time Resident Green Card (Cancellation of Removal)
The long-time resident green card, also known as cancellation of removal, allows certain non-citizens who have resided in the U.S. for an extended period to obtain lawful permanent residence.
Eligibility requires:
- 10 years of continuous residence in the U.S.
- Physical presence for at least half of that time.
- No serious criminal convictions.
- Proof that deportation would cause exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member.
Conditional Green Cards
There are two primary types of conditional green cards:
- CR-1 (Marriage-Based Conditional Green Card) – Issued when a foreign spouse applies for permanent residency within the first two years of marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- EB-5 (Investor Green Card) – Granted to foreign nationals who invest a qualifying amount in a U.S. business, extending to the principal investor, their spouse, and dependent children.
Applicants holding a conditional green card must file to remove conditions within two years, or their permanent resident status could be revoked.
U.S. Green Card Requirements
To successfully apply for a U.S. green card, applicants typically must satisfy the following:
- Valid Passport – Must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended U.S. stay.
- Nonimmigrant Intent Documentation (for certain temporary visa categories).
- Petitioner Requirement – Many applicants must have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor.
- Consular Interview – Conducted at a U.S. Embassy or consulate.
- English Proficiency – Required for specific visa categories.
- Financial Proof of Support – Demonstrating the ability to sustain yourself and dependents.
- Medical Examination – To verify the absence of communicable diseases.
- Clean Criminal Record – Applicants must have no disqualifying criminal or terrorism-related history.
How to Apply for a U.S. Green Card: Step-by-Step
While each immigration category has its own specific process, most green card applications generally follow these six steps:
- Determine Eligibility – Identify the correct immigration category for your case.
- File a Petition – Either by yourself, your family sponsor, or your employer.
- Wait for Approval – Processing times vary by category and backlog.
- Complete Biometrics – Fingerprints and photographs are required.
- Attend USCIS Interview – An officer will verify eligibility and intent.
- Receive a Decision – If approved, you’ll be issued your green card.
Green Card Costs and Government Filing Fees
The cost of applying for a U.S. green card depends on the immigration path.
Family-Based Green Cards:
- Range between $1,170 – $2,115 depending on the type and number of dependents.
Employment-Based Green Cards:
- Costs often exceed $2,000 – $5,000, with employers typically covering many fees.
Key USCIS Filing Fees:
- I-129F (Fiancé Petition): $675
- I-130 (Family Petition): $625
- I-485 (Green Card Application): $1,440
- I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
- Consular Processing Fee: $325
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
- Work Authorization (I-765): $260 with I-485, $470 standalone
Applicants must also provide proof of financial stability, which may include bank statements, investment records, or job offer documentation.
Green Card Processing Times
Green card processing times vary based on the visa category:
- Family-Based Green Cards: 8–30 months.
- Employment-Based Green Cards: 4–9 months (longer if PERM labor certification is required).
- Diversity Visa Lottery: Selected applicants are usually notified within 8 months.
- Asylum-Based Applications: 4 months to over 4 years, depending on court backlogs.
It’s essential to prepare early and stay updated on processing times since USCIS workload and visa bulletin updates directly affect wait periods.
What a Green Card Looks Like
The U.S. green card is a wallet-sized identification card, predominantly green, featuring the Statue of Liberty, the cardholder’s photo, name, unique identification number, expiration date, and signature. Security features such as barcodes and magnetic stripes help prevent fraud.
Benefits of a U.S. Green Card
Obtaining a green card grants lawful permanent residency and numerous benefits:
- Economic Opportunities: Access to high-paying jobs across industries.
- World-Class Education: Eligibility for scholarships and financial aid.
- Political Stability: Security under a democratic government.
- Healthcare Access: Comprehensive medical coverage for residents.
- Family Reunification: Ability to sponsor close family members.
- Cultural Diversity: Living in a global melting pot.
- Safety and Security: Legal protections and lower crime exposure compared to many countries.
Green Card FAQs
What qualifies you for a green card?
Eligibility may be through family sponsorship, employment, refugee/asylee status, or the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Is it difficult to get a green card?
Yes, the process can be complex due to annual quotas, long wait times, and extensive documentation requirements.
How long is a green card valid?
Typically 10 years, while conditional green cards are valid for 2 years. Renewal is required before expiration.
Does having a green card make you a U.S. citizen?
No. Permanent residents have many rights but cannot vote in federal elections or hold certain government positions. Citizenship requires a separate naturalization process.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys provide trusted legal guidance throughout the green card process. From determining eligibility and filing petitions to preparing for USCIS interviews, our team ensures you avoid costly errors and delays.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link and take the next step toward securing your future in the United States.