Obtaining a Green card is vital to those who want to legally live and work in the United States of America. There are different ways to obtain a green card, which will be highlighted on this page alongside the requirements and step-by-step guide to achieve this.
What Is A USA Green Card/Permanent Residence Card?
Simply put, a Green card, also known as a permit residency card, is a document showing that a person has permanent residency in the United States. Previously, it was referred to as a “certificate of alien registration” or an “alien registration receipt card,” and it is decided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in most cases.
The card contains details about the holder, such as the name, country of birth, date of birth, sex, category, card expiry date, and residence date.
How To Obtain The USA Green Card/Permanent Residence Permit
The USA Green Card can be issued under the categories outlined below:
- Green Card through Family: To be eligible to apply via this category, applicants must meet the following conditions: Must be immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen
- Must be a Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen or the fiancé(e) ‘s child
- Must be a Widow(er) of a U.S. citizen
- VAWA self-petitioner– victim of battery or extreme cruelty
- Green Card through Employment: To be able to apply for a residence permit via this category, applicants must ensure they are Immigrant Workers/Physicians National Interest Waiver/Immigrant investors.
- Green Card as a Special Immigrant: Special Immigrants are those who qualify for residence permits in the country based on the following categories: Religious Workers
- Special Immigrant Juvenile
- Afghanistan or Iraq
- national who meet certain conditions
- International broadcaster
- An employee of an international organization or family member or NATO-6 employee or family member
- Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status: This category is for those granted asylum or refugee status at least one year ago.
- Green Card for Victims of Abuse
- Green Card through Registry: This is for those who have resided continuously in the U.S. since before Jan. 1, 1972.
- Green Card through Special Categories
- Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
Eligibility For USA Green Card
To check your eligibility, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services official website www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility-categories. Go through the eligibility for each category properly.
How To Apply For a USA Green Card/Permanent Residence Permit From Nigeria
To apply, visit the U.S. Department of State consulate in Nigeria to apply. Before going, ensure that you determine the category you’re interested in.