Our immigration lawyers in the US can provide all the legal support needed in order to obtain the Green Card in the USA. This is also known as the residence permit in the USA.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of U.S. visas that can lead to permanent residency (YES/NO) | U.S. visas are divided into non-immigrant and immigrant visas. The second type allows for peramanent immigration to USA
|
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Possibility of obtaining a Green Card based |
YES, employment is one of the easiest ways of obtaining a Green Card |
|
Possibility of obtaining a Green Card based on family-reunification |
It is possible to obtain a Green Card through a fiance or spouse visa |
| Living requirements for obtaining a Green Card |
Depending on the entry option, a Green Card can be obtained after minimum 3 years, but usually after 5 years of residency |
| Green Card Lottery requirements | There are no special requirements to enter the Green Card Lottery. Applications must usually be submitted between October and November of the current year |
| Possibility to sponsor family members as a Green Card holder (YES/NO) | YES, you can sponsor family members to join you if you are a Green Card holder
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| Rights attached to being a Green Card holder |
Legal right to live and work in the USA indefinitely, access to government jobs (usually reserved for US citizens only), access to education, healthcare, social benefits |
| Conditional residency in USA |
Conditional residency allows a foreign citizen to live and work in the USA for 2 years after which he/she can apply for a 10-year Green Card |
| Green Card validity | A Green Card has a 10-year validity period |
| Green Card renewal requirements | The Green Card must be renewed 6 months prior to expiration |
| Special requirements for obtaining a Green Card based on country of origin (YES/NO) | There are no special requirements applicable based on country of origin. All applications will be subject to the same verifications |
| Possibility to acquire a Green Card through investment (YES/NO) | YES, through the EB-5 visa |
| Access to citizenship after becoming a Green Card holder |
3 years through marriage, 5 years through naturalization |
| Assistance in obtaining a Green Card |
YES, our immigration lawyers in Miami can help you apply for a Green Card |
| Other services available (YES/NO) | YES, assistance in applying for Green Card through investment or by other means, support in renewing a Green Card and removal of the conditional status, assistance in applying for US citizenship |
Who is eligible for a US Green Card?
A foreign citizen can become a green card holder in the U.S. in various ways, some of the most common ones being becoming an employee in a U.S. company or through a family member who is a citizen of the U.S. or a permanent resident here.
There are various categories of people who are eligible for permanent residency in the US. They are categorized into:
- family members of US citizens or permanent residence: spouse, children, unmarried adult children who have not turned 21 years old, parents;
- people who apply for work permits: only those who have be offered job positions in US companies, skilled people, and investors;
- other categories of applicants: asylum seekers, refugees, and women under the incidence of the Violence Against Women Act.
What is the procedure for filing for a Green Card in the USA in 2026?
The procedure of filing for the green card in the USA in 2026, generally involves the following four steps:
1. Filing for labor certification (only for employers)
Prior to contacting the immigration authorities in Miami about obtaining a green card for a foreign employee, the employer has to undertake an advertising and recruitment procedure; consequently, not be able to find a U.S. employee who is qualified, wants and is available to occupy the same position. After that, the employer has to file a labor certification demand with the Department of Labor in the U.S.
2. Filing an initial visa application
As the second step of the procedure of filing for the green card in Miami, this is the stage when the employer or relative begins the procedure of discussing with the immigration authorities in the U.S. through filing an application for a visa on the foreign citizen’s behalf.
3. Wait until a visa is attainable
For visas that have a limited number per year, the visa candidate has to wait until the priority date appears on a waiting list.
4. Filing for the green card
Finally, the foreign citizen can submit the application for the green card in the U.S. This might take up to several months, depending on where the application is made. The application can be made either at an USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) or at a U.S. consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
Here’s an infographic on this subject:
Are there any differences between these applicant categories? If yes, what are they?
Yes, there are several important differences to note, and the most important are:
- the waiting period, which clearly favors people who immigrate to the USA based on family reunification;
- sponsorship: employees will be sponsored by the employer, while incoming relatives by the US citizen/lawful resident, who must also meet specific accommodations requirements;
- investment: those who apply for US Green Cards through the EB-5 visa are bound to invest the minimum amount required under this immigration category.
Is it possible to obtain a Green Card for the US while I am in the country?
Yes, it. The procedure is called Adjustment of Status and requires the submission of Form I-485. However, you must make sure you are in the eligibility pool for this status, and our immigration lawyers can help you with the mandatory checks.
What are the approval times of the US Green Card at the level of 2026?
The approval process can span from 8 to 14 months, for people who are already in the US. For those waiting to receive their Green Cards from abroad, the procedure can take up to 3 years.
However, starting with 2026, there is also a premium fee, for which the approval process is completed in a fast manner.
Does a Green Card expire?
Yes, Green Cards also expire. Better said, their validity is 10 years. The exception is the conditional Green Card, which has a 2-year validity period. So, make sure to renew your document in time to keep enjoying your benefits here.
Do I lose my status if I do not renew the Green Card in time?
No, you will not lose your status; however, you will be temporarily restricted from applying for a job, for example, as the employer cannot perform the verification of your legal status. Our US immigration lawyers recommend you renew your card at least 6 months prior to expiry.
More details on the Green Cards awarded in U.S. are available below:
What are the advantages of a green card in the U.S.?
A green card in Miami, U.S.:
• Enables you to obtain official immigration status in the U.S.;
• Gives you certain rights, as well as responsibilities;
• Allows you to apply for U.S. naturalization.
If you are interested in obtaining a residence permit in a different country, for example, in Spain, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our partners who are experts in immigration matters in Spain – Immigrate-Spain.com.
Please contact one of our immigration lawyers in the United States for further information on how to obtain a green card in the USA.