Top Ways to Get Permanent Residence (Green Card) in the USA

Table of Contents

1. What is Meant by a PR in the USA?
2. Overview and Eligibility for a PR in the USA
3. Why Apply for a PR in the USA?
4. PR in the USA Application Fee
5. How to Apply? 
6. Top Ways to Get a PR in the USA
7. Documents Required
8. How to Track Your Application? 
9. Application Centers in India for a PR in the USA
10. Frequently Asked Questions

A PR is also known as a Green Card. International citizens who wish to remain in the USA require this document. Many individuals dream of living and working permanently in the United States. To achieve this goal, obtaining a US Green Card is a common pathway. 

This guide will explore the various methods to secure a Green Card and the specific requirements associated with each.

What is Meant by a PR in the USA?

A Permanent Resident has the legal status to live and work permanently in the United States. Obtaining a PR is an important step towards becoming a US citizen.

Permanent residents are commonly known as green card holders in the USA. Green card holders can live in the US and become US citizens in the future. 

Key points about US Permanent Residency:

• Authorized to work in the USA: If you have a PR, no extra work permit is required to seek employment in the USA. 
• Tax laws: Having a PR makes you a taxpayer in the USA, both federal and state taxes.
• Access to benefits: A PR lets you enjoy government benefits such as medical coverage and tax subsidies. 
• Citizenship pathway: Once you complete 5 years as a permanent resident, you can apply for US citizenship. 

Overview and Eligibility for a PR in the USA

Here’s a brief overview of what is a PR in the USA: 

Pathways	Employment (H1B) Extraordinary achievements (O1) Exchange programs (J1) Green Card – Special Handling Labor Certification
Cost of application	$1,300 – $4,200, depending on your pathway
Eligibility	Live in the USA for at least 5 years. It is 3 if you are a spouse of a US citizen. Medical certification Knowledge about the US government systems and history English proficiency Be a resident of the USIC district or state for at least 3 months before applying.
Processing time	7 to 44 months or more
Validity	10 years

Why Apply for a PR in the USA?

It is better to be a permanent resident in the US for many reasons. Here are the top benefits of having a PR in the USA:  

• Permanent residency: With a PR, you can live in the USA for a long period and explore your goals and interests. 
• Authorization to work: With a green card, you can work in the USA without having to wait for a separate work visa. 
• Sponsor your family: If you are a permanent resident, you can sponsor your family members to live in the USA. It allows you to be with your family while living in the US. 
• Educational benefits: Once you are a permanent resident, your children can study in US schools and universities with domestic fees. 
• Social Security: Once you are a permanent resident, you can access social security benefits such as medical cover and insurance options. 
• In and out travel: Being a permanent resident lets you visit your home country or any other countries and come back to the US without restrictions.
• Citizenship: A PR is the best way to become a US citizen. Once you complete 5 years as a permanent resident, you can apply for a US citizenship. 

PR in the USA Application Fee

Your fees for a PR differ depending on your visa type. See the table below for details. 

Visa Type	Fee
H-1B	$1,300
J-1	$220 SEVIS fee
O-1	$4,200
Green Card Special Handling Labor Certification	$1,825

How to Apply? 

Here’s the step-by-step application process for a PR in the USA: 

• Check your eligibility: Find out your visa type and the guidelines for a PR for that category.
• Get your documents: Always be ready with documents, like your birth certificate, academic documents, and employment records. 
• Apply: Start your application for a PR by visiting the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  
• Biometrics verification: Your fingerprint and photo need to be verified. Visit a center and complete the process. 
• Attend the interview: If required, schedule and attend an interview at the USCIS office.

The processing time could be 7 – 44 months or more, depending on your pathway and the total number of applicants.

Top Ways to Get a PR in the USA

Here are the top pathways for a PR in the USA: 

PR by family:

• Marriage with a US citizen: Marrying a US citizen makes you eligible for a PR.
• Being a family member: If you are a spouse, children, or parent of a US citizen, you can apply for a PR. 

PR by employment:

• Priority Workers PR: Those with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics are granted a PR by this category.  
• Advanced Degree Professional category: Having an advanced degree and exceptional ability in your field lets you apply for a PR in the USA.  
• Skilled Workers category: Getting a job offer for occupations in demand in the US allows you to apply for a PR.  
• Special Immigrants PR: This is a special category including religious workers, certain government employees, and other specific groups.  

Investment pathway:

• EB-5 Investor Visa PR: If you investment in the USA that creates jobs, you can apply for a PR. 

Documents Required

The specific list of documents varies depending on your visa type and pathway. Here’s a general list: 

2 passport size photos	Medical record
Birth certificate	Police clearance
Affidavit of Support or Form I-485	Passport copy with a non-immigrant visa
Biography	Other case-specific documents

How to Track Your Application? 

Within 3 days of application, you can track your PR application hassle-free. 

1. Visit the official website.
2. Provide the visa application number and required information.
3. Hit ‘Submit’ to view the current status of your application.

Application Centers in India for a PR in the USA

Indian citizens can apply for a Green Card via US visa application centers in metro cities. The table below shows the details of the US visa centers in Indian cities: 

City	Office Time	Office Address
Chennai	Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm	US Visa Application Centre, 82 Kodambakkam High Road, Good Shepherd, Nungambakkam, 600034, Chennai.
Hyderabad	Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm	US Visa Application Centre, Gowra Grand SP Road, 1-8-384/385, Begumpet, 50003, Secunderabad.
Kolkata	Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm	US Visa Application Centre, Jasmine Tower, First Floor, 31, Shakespeare Sarani, 700017, Kolkata.
Mumbai	Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm	US Visa Application Centre, first floor, 101, A Wing, G Block, Parinee Crescenzo, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, 400051, Mumbai.
New Delhi	Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm	Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Concourse level, Connaught Place, 110001, New Delhi.

Getting a PR in the US is a great achievement that leads to US citizenship and other top benefits. Read the article thoroughly and learn well the application process, eligibility criteria, and required documents. 

And that’s just a start! Be ready to soar high. For comprehensive study abroad guidance and admission counseling in the USA, connect with Nomad Credit today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a PR in the USA? 

You can apply for a PR in the USA via many pathways. First, identify your pathway and follow the guidelines. See the sections above for application details.

Is it difficult to get a PR in the USA? 

Getting a PR in the USA has become extremely competitive. On average, about 3% of the applications get accepted every year, according to a report by Cato Institute.

How long a PR is valid in the USA? 

The PR validity is typically 10 years in the USA.

How much does a PR application cost in the USA? 

The cost of a PR application varies depending on the type of PR. Generally, the cost varies from $1,300 – $4,200.

Can I get a PR in the USA within 3 months? 

The processing duration of your PR application is often unpredictable. It might take longer than you expected. Typically, it takes 7 – 44 months.