Green Card Info: Frequently Asked Questions

After receiving a green card, you become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. This status allows you to live and work anywhere in the country, travel internationally, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship if you meet the requirements. You must maintain your green card by following residency rules and filing taxes.

A green card grants lawful permanent residence, allowing you to live, work, and travel internationally. It is also a stepping stone to U.S. citizenship.

Family-based immediate relative green cards (e.g., for spouses of U.S. citizens) are typically faster. Employment-based categories depend on visa bulletin availability.

No, an H-1B visa does not guarantee a green card. It allows temporary work, but obtaining a green card requires separate sponsorship and approval.

H-1B is a temporary work visa, while EB3 is a green card category for skilled workers, professionals, or other workers. EB3 provides permanent residency, making it more advantageous in the long term.

EB2 is a green card category for advanced degree professionals or those with exceptional ability. It is permanent compared to the temporary H-1B visa, making EB2 the better choice for long-term residence.

Yes, EB2 is an employment-based green card category for advanced degree holders or individuals with exceptional ability.

Yes, failing to pay taxes can put your green card at risk. U.S. permanent residents are required to file tax returns annually. Failure to file or pay taxes can raise questions about your intent to reside in the U.S. permanently, potentially leading to removal proceedings.

There is no specific age limit for green card eligibility. However, some pathways, like family sponsorship, depend on the petitioner’s or applicant’s age.

Yes, you can travel abroad, but extended absences may require a reentry permit to maintain residency.

You can stay outside the U.S. for up to 6 months without risking your green card status. Staying abroad for more than 6 months but less than a year may lead to questioning upon re-entry. Absences longer than one year can result in the loss of your green card unless you obtain a reentry permit before leaving.

You can get disqualified if you get involved in criminal convictions, fraudulent applications, certain health conditions, inadmissibility due to national security concerns, or prior immigration violations.

Green cards can be renewed indefinitely as long as you remain eligible as a lawful permanent resident. Typically, a green card is valid for 10 years, and renewal is required before it expires. Conditional green cards (valid for 2 years) require additional steps to remove conditions before applying for renewal.

After six years, you must leave the U.S. unless you have started the green card process. If your PERM application or I-140 is approved, you can extend your H-1B in increments until your green card is processed.

Yes, if your employer sponsors you or you qualify through family or other categories. An ongoing green card application can allow H-1B extensions beyond the six-year limit.

The timeline depends on the employment-based category (EB2 or EB3), country of origin, and visa serial availability. On average, it takes 1-5 years, but applicants from countries like India and China often face significantly longer waits due to backlog.

Yes, transitioning from an H-1B visa to a green card is a common pathway. The process involves employer sponsorship and filing for permanent residency through employment-based categories like EB2 or EB3.

A green card provides permanent residency and allows unrestricted work and living in the U.S. An H-1B visa is temporary and employer-specific, requiring renewal every three years.

This rule allows certain immigrants in removal proceedings to apply for cancellation of removal if they have lived continuously in the U.S. for 7 years after being admitted in any status.

Once you pay the immigrant fee, it usually takes 2-3 months to receive the physical green card.

Selection depends on the specific green card category. Family sponsorship, employer sponsorship, and diversity lottery are common pathways.

Yes, applications can be rejected for incomplete forms, lack of documentation, criminal records, or inadmissibility.

You will receive an approval notice from USCIS, and the physical green card will be mailed to your address.

Medical exams are required to screen for communicable diseases, vaccination compliance, and other health conditions.

The fastest way is through family sponsorship as the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. Diversity Visa Lottery winners also have expedited processing.

The time varies based on the category and country of origin. Employment-based and family-sponsored green cards typically take 1-10 years, while diversity lottery winners may get theirs in under a year.

This rule pertains to maintaining residency. Absences from the U.S. longer than 6 months but less than a year may raise concerns about your intent to remain a permanent resident.

Green card renewal is rarely denied unless there are significant legal violations, fraudulent applications, or abandonment of residency.

Winning the green card lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery) involves submitting an application during the open registration period and being selected randomly. Meeting the eligibility criteria regarding country of origin and educational or work experience is essential. There is no guaranteed way to win, as it is purely a matter of chance.

PERM Labor Certification: Employer files for certification to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available.
I-140 Petition: Employer files Form I-140 to classify you for an immigrant visa.
Adjustment of Status (I-485): If a visa is available, file Form I-485 to become a permanent resident.
Green Card Issuance: After approval, you receive your green card.