A key benefit of having a Green Card is that it allows you to become a lawful permanent resident in the U.S., helping you and your family live the American Dream.
Roughly one million Green Cards are issued annually. This guide explores the benefits of the U.S. Green Card and explains how to obtain it with an EB-3 Visa, a third-category employment-based visa.
The U.S. Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants foreign nationals the status of lawful permanent residents, helping them achieve their American dream.
The U.S. government issues these cards, enabling recipients to reside, work, and travel within the United States. Additionally, Green Card holders are eligible for various other benefits.
A U.S. Green Card offers several benefits, including:
One of the key benefits of having a Green Card is that it grants permanent rights to live and work in the U.S.
You can include your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 in your application. They will also receive Green Cards.
Green Card holders are eligible for some social benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare and other government-sponsored programs.
Permanent residents have the option to apply for government-sponsored student loans, as well as scholarships and grants exclusively available to U.S. permanent residents and citizens.
Green Card holders, like U.S. citizens, are safeguarded by U.S. legislation, including both federal and state laws.
Holding a Green Card permits unrestricted travel into and out of the United States, though certain conditions must be met and conditions apply to maintain permanent residency status.
Obtaining a U.S. Permanent Resident Card is the first step towards becoming a citizen. Permanent residents can get citizenship through the naturalisation process, provided they fulfil certain requirements.
One of the ways to get a U.S. Green Card is via the EB-5 Visa program.
While categorised as employment-based, the EB-5 Visa does not require a job offer. Instead, this type of visa is focused on making a qualifying investment to create jobs.
As EB-5 investors do not need a job offer and can self-sponsor, meaning the pathway to a U.S. Green Card is typically faster than other method
To qualify for a U.S. Green Card via the EB-5 Visa program, investors need to fulfil two primary eligibility requirements:
As opposed to the EB-5 Visa, other employment-based visas offer a more achievable way for foreign workers to get a U.S. Green Card due to relatively lower requirements
The EB-1 and EB-2 visas are designated as the first and second preferences for employment-based immigration.
EB-1 Visas target individuals, such as professors or researchers, who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their respective fields. On the other hand, EB-2 Visas are for individuals who possess advanced degrees or have extraordinary abilities, particularly in fields like science, art, or business.
The EB-3 Visa, which accounts for 28.6% of the annual employment-based Green Cards, targets foreign workers across three categories.
The visa targets three employment categories:
To apply for the EB-3 Visa, applicants first need a job offer from a U.S. employer who acts as the sponsor. Read our guide to find out more about the EB-3 Visa process.
The third EB-3 category continues to attract foreign employees due to its generally low minimum requirements and high approval rates.
The EB-3 Unskilled Workers visa provides a pathway to permanent residency. It requires showing that certain low-skill job vacancies cannot be filled by American workers, offering an achievable route for those aiming to settle permanently in the U.S.
Speaking with a consultant is essential for gaining a thorough understanding of the EB-3 process, requirements and costs based on your individual circumstances.
Among the various employment-based visa options, the EB-3 program is considered a more accessible route to obtaining a U.S. Green Card due to its lower minimum job requirements
However, individuals may consider other options, such as the EB-5 program, which may be more appropriate based on their specific circumstances and objectives. Download our EB-3 and EB-5 factsheets to learn more about each program in more detail. Alternatively, speak to one of our specialists.
Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas. Our expert team provides a bespoke, end-to-end service and support throughout the visa application process.
We are part of the wider Holborn Assets Group, a leading, award-winning financial advisory company with over $2 billion in assets under management (AUM).
We have successfully assisted hundreds of individuals and families in securing second residency. To find out how we can help you, book a consultation with one of our advisers.
A U.S. Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows foreign nationals to gain lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. It is issued by the U.S. government and enables holders to live, work and study in the U.S.
Green Card holders enjoy several benefits such as the right to live and work indefinitely in the U.S., access to social benefits, protection under U.S. law, the flexibility to travel and the path to U.S. citizenship through naturalisation.
The EB-3 Visa is an employment-based immigrant visa for foreign workers. Another benefit is being able to add family members, including a spouse and dependent children, to your application.
The EB-3 Visa is aimed at skilled workers with at least two years of experience or training, professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree, and unskilled workers for jobs requiring less than two years of training.
The application process involves receiving a job offer, applying for Labor Certification, submitting an I-140 petition, and completing the DS 260 form. This is followed by an interview at a U.S. Consulate.
Average processing times can vary, depending on your country of origin, but normally it takes around 36 months. By paying a premium processing service fee of $4,500, it is possible to reduce the processing time to around 24 months.
Yes. After maintaining permanent resident status for a minimum of five years, EB-3 Visa holders can apply for U.S. citizenship, provided they meet eligibility requirements, including continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., good moral character and an understanding of U.S. history and government.