What is a Green Card
A US Permanent Resident Card (commonly called a "green card") gives the holder the right to live and work in the USA indefinitely. It is the step before citizenship (which most holders can apply for after 5 years). Green card holders owe US tax on worldwide income, similar to citizens.
Family-Based (65% of all green cards)
The most common path. The US prioritizes family reunification:
- Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, unmarried minor children of US citizens) — no numerical limit. ~12 months.
- Family preference categories: F1 (adult unmarried children of citizens), F2A/F2B (spouses and children of LPRs), F3 (married children of citizens), F4 (siblings of citizens). 5-15+ year waits due to quotas.
Employment-Based (15%)
Five employment-based categories:
- EB-1 — Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational executives
- EB-2 — Advanced degree / exceptional ability (PERM labor cert required)
- EB-3 — Skilled workers, professionals
- EB-4 — Special immigrants (religious workers, etc.)
- EB-5 — Investors (see below)
For Indian and Chinese nationals, EB-2/EB-3 waits can exceed 15 years due to per-country caps.
EB-5 Investor
Invest in a US business that creates 10 US jobs. Minimum investment (since 2022):
- $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (rural or high unemployment)
- $1,050,000 elsewhere
Investment must create full-time jobs for 10 US workers. Conditional green card granted, becomes permanent after 2 years if conditions met. Popular with wealthy families seeking residency quickly.
Diversity Visa Lottery
The famous "green card lottery." 55,000 visas annually to applicants from countries with low US immigration rates. Free to apply at dvprogram.state.gov (Oct-Nov each year). Odds vary — around 1% globally. Winners selected randomly, then go through background checks. Excludes citizens of Canada, UK (mostly), India, China, Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam and others.
Humanitarian
- Asylum — granted to people fleeing persecution
- Refugee status — processed outside the US
- U visa — crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement
- T visa — trafficking victims
- Special Immigrant Juvenile — abandoned/abused minors
Wait Times
| Category | Wait |
|---|---|
| Spouse of US citizen | ~12 months |
| Parent/minor child of citizen | ~12 months |
| F1-F4 family | 5-20 years depending on country |
| EB-1 | 1-5 years |
| EB-2/3 (most countries) | 1-5 years |
| EB-2/3 (India, China) | 15+ years |
| EB-5 | 1-4 years |
| DV Lottery | 1 year if selected |
Cost
| Path | Government Fees |
|---|---|
| Family-based | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Employment-based | $1,500-$3,000 + legal ($5,000-15,000) |
| EB-5 | $11,000+ filing + $800,000-$1,050,000 investment |
| DV Lottery | Free to apply; $330 if selected |
Green card paths are deeply complex and case-specific. Always consult an immigration attorney before starting. Initial consultations run $200-500.