What is a Permanent Visa and a Green Card?

A Permanent Visa in the United States is designed for foreign citizens to travel and establish permanent residence in the U.S. Meanwhile, a Green Card, officially recognized as a Permanent Resident Card, signifies that the holder is a lawful permanent resident who is authorized to work and reside anywhere in the U.S.

The Different Types of Green Cards

Several types of Green Cards cater to diverse eligibility criteria:

• Family-Based Green Card
• Employment-Based Green Card
• Special Immigrant Green Card
• Refugee or Asylee Status Green Card
• Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
• Green Card for Victims of Abuse
• Miscellaneous Categories Green Card
• Registry Green Card

How to Apply for a Green Card?

The application process for a Green Card varies based on individual circumstances but generally includes these steps:

1. Filing an immigrant petition, typically by a sponsor.
2. Once the petition is approved and a visa is available, applicants either file a Green Card application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State.
3. Attending a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature.
4. Participating in an interview.
5. Receiving a decision on the Green Card application.

If you're applying for a Green Card and you're already in the United States, the process you'll go through is called "Adjustment of Status." This means you can apply to become a permanent resident without having to leave the U.S. to do so. On the other hand, if you're outside the United States, the process you need to follow is called "consular processing." This involves applying for a Green Card through a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country or where you currently live. Each process has its own steps and requirements depending on where you are when you apply.

Residency Requirements and Duration

Permanent residents can stay indefinitely in the U.S., with Green Cards renewable every 10 years. Residents may apply for U.S. citizenship after five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?

The duration to obtain a Green Card can vary significantly depending on the type and the applicant's location.

Traveling Abroad with a Green Card

Permanent residents can travel outside the U.S. frequently, though trips exceeding a year may impact their residency status.

Contact Our Expert Immigration Attorney

At Najib Hakimi Law PLLC, we specialize in navigating the complex path to U.S. permanent residency. Applying for a Green Card is a significant step towards permanent residency in the United States. The process varies significantly depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the U.S. Our experienced immigration attorney is here to guide you with the process and with obtaining your Green Card. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at (+1)360-390-3936 or via our online form.