Is it Easy to Get a PR in USA?

Are you one of those who wants to live the great American Dream? Well, the land of opportunities can grant that wish of yours if only you know how to proceed. Whenever we think of living in the USA we often wonder if it is easy to get a PR in the USA even if we manage to get a job. The answer to this common dilemma is not straightforward, getting a PR in the USA can be hassle-free for you if your preparation and documents are in order. If you have a history of studying in the USA and have been working there for a few years then the process is going to be a lot easier for you. Let’s see how you can achieve it. 

What Does PR in USA Mean?

PR or Permanent Residence in the USA is a Green Card that provides legal authorisation to permanently live and work in the USA permanently. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) issues a card to prove your eligibility to have a permanent residence. However, this is not a card that provides citizenship, you will not become a US citizen with a PR (Green Card). Being from India by origin, you will get the status of Non-Residential Indian by this process. 

Also Read: USA Student Visa: Cost, Types, Intakes

Is it Easy to Get a PR in the USA?

Well, you would need some patience and accurate information to make the process easy for you. There are various ways in which you can make the PR process easy for you for instance, by ensuring to follow the process properly, keeping all documents ready and maintaining a good record as a temporary resident. 

Other things can also help, for example, an employee sponsorship can help increase your chances of getting a PR, your skill and expertise in a field can also expedite the process, chances are always better if you get a sponsorship from a business-owning relative, marry a US citizen, take part in military services or seek asylum. 

How Does the PR Process Work in the USA?

The United States immigration laws are founded on a few fundamental ideals, including welcoming those who can contribute significant skills to the nation, reuniting families, protecting refugees, and fostering cultural diversity. The number of individuals who can be granted a green card each year is capped under U.S. immigration law in many (but not all) eligible categories. 

Due to this, the amount of time applicants must wait just to proceed with their application might be anywhere from nothing to 20 years or longer. It would not be ideal if, for instance, your sole option was applying as the brother or sister of a US citizen. You might not have a choice as to how you can fit yourself into a green-card qualifying category, but it would not be ideal either. If we talk about the waiting time for PR in the USA is the longest of any visa category.

Also Read: US Visa Application Process 2023: Types of Visas in the USA

Eligibility Criteria for USA Permanent Residency 

Applicants must choose one of the options that allow them to stay in order to move forward with the USA PR application process. You can, among other things, obtain sponsorship, a petition from your employer, or a spouse who is a US citizen. There are, nevertheless, some common eligibility conditions. These are listed below:

• You should have spent at least five years in the United States. 
• If you are the spouse of a US citizen then 3 years are enough.
• You must have been morally upright and healthy during this time.
• Also, you must have a working knowledge of US history and governance.
• You must also be able to read, write, and speak in English.
• Finally, you must be residing for at least three months in the USIC district or state before applying.

Steps to Get a PR in the USA

To get a PR in the USA, you can follow the steps given below and maintain your eligibility for the Green Card. 

• Submit form I-485. This document serves as an application for US permanent residency.
• After that, the official department will update you about the required documents and fees that you have to submit.
• Following this, USCIS will schedule an appointment to review your application. They will check your paperwork and interview you face-to-face.
• A green card will be issued to you after approval. Keep in mind that it will only be valid for ten years before needing to be renewed.

Documents Required for PR Process

When applying for US PR, be sure to bring the following documents with you:

• 2 passport-size photographs
• A copy of your birth certificate 
• A photocopy of your passport and non-immigrant visa
• Evidence for having no criminal record
• Medical record
• Form I-485 or an affidavit of support 
• Biography information sheet

Also Read: US Visa wait times to reduce by mid-2023

Different Ways to Apply for a PR in the USA

There are various ways to apply for a PR in the USA. The most suitable or easiest way to get a PR in the USA will depend on the eligibility criteria fulfilled by the candidate. Let’s look at these different ways of obtaining a US Green Card; 

Green Card Lottery: Diversity Immigrant Visa Program 

Every year around 55,000 immigrants get a PR in the USA through a lottery program arranged by the government of USA. For people with economic constraints, this is an ideal way of getting a PR. Nevertheless, this process does not guarantee a PR even if all the eligibility criteria are met. 

Furthermore, to be eligible, the candidates must be foreign nationals and have a low immigration rate. Also, they must have relevant experience or higher education for the program. On top of that, they must be able to prove that they can sustain themselves and their family in the USA. 

Employment-Based Green Card

If you have an amazing skill set and experience you can use it to help you settle in the USA. The waiting time in this process is short but the required documentation is much more. There are 5 categories in which you can apply for an Employment-Based Green Card; 

• EB-1 Priority Worker Visa
• EB-2 Advanced Degree Professional Visa
• EB-3 Skilled and Unskilled Worker Visa
• EB-4 Special Immigrant Visa
• EB-5 Investors Visa

Refugee or Asylum Status

This category is mainly for those who are facing life-threatening situations in their own country. The authorities grant PR under this category within one year of obtaining a visa. 

Family-Sponsored Visa

Being an immediate family to a US citizen can grant you the privilege of this visa. This is also the fastest route PR visa offered by the USA. The eligibility includes various criteria such as being a parent to a US citizen below the age of 21. Being a spouse to a US citizen also makes candidates eligible. 

Also, candidates who are children of US citizens and are below the age of 21 are eligible. This option can only be explored if you are unmarried. Moreover, if you are a married child of a US citizen you can get a visa under the family third preference and being an immediate sibling of an adult US citizen will allow you to apply under the family fourth preference.

Relevant Reads:

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FAQs

Getting PR in the USA is a time-consuming process hope this blog post has helped you get the required information about how to get PR in the USA. Contact our Leverage Edu experts for study abroad programmes. Call us immediately at 1800572000 for a 30-minute free counselling session.