The United States ranks first in the world for the number of immigrants. People from around the globe dream of moving to America for high-paying jobs, prestigious education, business opportunities, and a better quality of life.
To relocate to the US, you need a Green Card – the American residence permit. This article explains the legal pathways to obtain a Green Card in 2025.
Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders
As it was mentioned, the Green Card serves as a permanent residence permit, allowing foreigners to live, work, and access social benefits in the US. It's valid for 10 years and must be renewed, but after 5 years of legal residence, holders can apply for citizenship through naturalization.
Obtaining a green card grants the right to enter the country at any time, but requires residing there for at least 183 days per year and paying taxes.
Green card holders have the right to cross the country's borders without restrictions, enjoy all available social benefits, study at American universities, work or conduct business in the United States, and invite relatives to the country for family reunification.
US Immigrant Visa - Steps to Obtaining
If you plan to obtain a green card, you must first obtain an immigrant visa. This category is available to skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and relatives of U.S. residents. If you don't qualify for one of these categories, you can enter the annual Green Card Lottery to win one.
Applying for an immigrant visa involves the following steps:
Selecting a basis for immigration.
Submitting a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Paying a consular fee (the amount depends on the visa type).
Submitting Form DS-260 (electronically).
Collecting the required documents for the selected visa type.
Undergoing a medical examination at a facility approved by the U.S. Embassy.
Passing an interview at the consulate.
Obtaining an immigrant visa to enter the United States.
An immigrant visa is valid for six months. During this time, the foreigner must come to the United States and obtain a green card.
How to Get a US Green Card – All Legal Options
Obtaining an Investor Visa
There are two types of investment visas in the US – the EB-5 and the simplified E-2. The EB-5 visa is available to all investors from any country and is issued under a special quota of 10,000 spots per year for principal applicants and their family members (spouse and children under 21). After five years of residence under this visa, foreigners are eligible to apply for citizenship.
To obtain this visa, you must invest in your own business in the US or in local investment projects that can create at least 10 jobs through your investment.
Minimum investment: $800,000 in regions with high unemployment and rural areas; $1,050,000 in other regions of the country.
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa—it allows you to live and conduct business in the United States, but does not lead to a green card or citizenship. To obtain this visa, you must invest in an existing business, open your own company, or establish a branch of an existing one. There is no minimum investment requirement, but it typically starts at $100,000.
Only citizens of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States can obtain this visa.
Green Card Lottery
The United States annually distributes 55,000 immigrant visas from early October to early November. A special program selects winners from among all lottery participants, and the winners come to the United States and apply for a green card. The process is completely legal and recognized by the U.S. government.
To participate in the lottery, you must meet the following requirements:
be a citizen of a country whose residents are allowed to participate in the lottery this year;
have completed high school;
absence of infectious diseases and have completed all required vaccinations;
have no criminal record or U.S. visa violations.
Family Reunification
Relatives of U.S. residents or citizens may obtain a U.S. immigrant visa. Depending on their degree of relationship, immigrants are eligible for different visa categories (one for immediate relatives and one for siblings and grandchildren).
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
To marry a U.S. citizen, a foreign national must obtain a K-1 visa and marry within 90 days of entering the country.
If children were born between the foreign national and U.S. citizen prior to the marriage, they may enter the U.S. with their parent on a K-2 visa.
If the marriage took place outside the U.S., the spouse may enter the country on a K-3 visa and legally reside in the U.S. until an immigrant visa is obtained.
Employment
To work in the United States, a foreign national must obtain an E visa. Before applying, the applicant must find an employer and sign an employment contract with them, after which they can apply for a visa.
Depending on their qualifications, education, and work experience, foreign nationals receive different categories of work visas, which can be extended or converted into an immigrant visa.
Admission to a University or College
Student visas are non-immigrant visas; they grant the right to live and study in the United States during their studies. Students can also work part-time if they have sufficient free time.
After completing their studies, graduates must either leave the United States within 60 days or find employment in the country and obtain a work visa.
Talent Visa
Talent visas are available to foreign nationals who have achieved success in science, business, athletics, the arts, or education. This visa is issued for three years and is renewable, but is not an immigrant visa and does not grant the right to convert it to a green card.
If you are planning to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, or purchase real estate abroad, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we will thoroughly discuss your questions and create a step-by-step action plan for you.