Getting a Green Card the Easy Way

3 minute read

"As an immigrant in the United States, you are issued a Permanent Resident Card, or more commonly known as a Green Card by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document serves as proof of status in the US. To receive a Green Card, you must first undergo “consular screening” at a US Embassy or Consulate overseas before the USCIS processes the application. The entire process of filing a Green Card application has been moved online since 2004."

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Jul 14, 2021

As an immigrant in the United States, you are issued a Permanent Resident Card, or more commonly known as a Green Card by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document serves as proof of status in the US. To receive a Green Card, you must first undergo “consular screening” at a US Embassy or Consulate overseas before the USCIS processes the application. The entire process of filing a Green Card application has been moved online since 2004.

Immigrating to the US is a long and complex process. Many have to wait years before their application for a Green Card is processed.

What Are the Fastest And Easiest Ways to Obtain Permanent Residence in the US?

Based on the type of immigrant visa you are applying for, the application process, waiting times, and fee will vary. The type of green card will depend on your purpose of coming to the US, be it for an employment opportunity, starting a business, or reuniting with family. Generally, there are 3 types for the Green Card:

Diversity Visa Program: For residents of countries with low immigration levels
Employment-Based Visa Programs: For foreign nationals immigrating for career advancement or investment
Family-Based Visa Programs: For foreign nationals who have family in the US

How Does the Diversity Visa Program Work?

This is a popular way for foreign nationals to gain lawful permanent residence in the United States. The Diversity Visa Lottery takes place annually to choose applicants at random. Only applicants from countries that have low immigration levels are eligible to participate in this lottery. To register, you must fill out and submit an online application on the Department of State’s website.

How Do Employment-Based Visa Programs Work?

Employment-based visas are the most common pathway for nonimmigrant workers to gain permanent residency in the U.S. Since permanent residents are authorized to work and live in the U.S permanently, it is a sensible pathway for nonimmigrant workers who hold an H-1B or L-1 visa, etc. The process, eligibility requirements, processing times will vary based on the type of employment-based visa you are applying for.

How Do Family-Based Visa Programs Work?

US Family Sponsorship is one of the long-standing pathways to gain permanent residence in the US. This visa category ensures that immigrant families can reunite in the US as it allows other family members to legally immigrate to the US after one becomes a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. Immediate family members of US citizens and lawful permanent residents and the spouses of U.S citizens and permanent residents are eligible for immigration through this visa category.

To start the process, the U.S citizen or permanent resident family member is required to petition the USCIS for the concerned family member’s immigration. Once this petition is approved, they can apply for a green card to their nearest US Embassy or Consulate.