- Download our Moving to the USA Guide (PDF)
The Green Card is the official document issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to foreign nationals granting them permanent residency in America. This allows the holder to live and work in the United States.
Obtaining a Green Card for the USA
Generally, there are three parts to the process when applying through employment: obtaining labour certification, filing an immigrant petition, and finally, submitting the permanent residence application.
Expats can live in the US under a non-immigrant visa while their immigrant visa is being processed. Alternatively, they can wait in their home country until final approval, at which point they would emigrate. The waiting period will depend on the skill level each person is classified under. Before expats can apply for a Green Card, a US company must petition on their behalf.
A Green Card can also be obtained through family members who are US citizens or legal permanent residents (Green Card holders).
Renewing your Green Card
If you are a lawful permanent resident with an expiring or expired Green Card, you can renew it by filing Form I-90, (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card). As of 2024, the USCIS automatically extends the validity of Green Cards to 36 months for individuals who have properly filed Form I-90. This is an increase from the previous 24-month extension.
Upon filing, you will receive an updated receipt notice. This notice, along with your expired Green Card, serves as valid proof of your continued status and employment authorisation in the United States while you await your new card.
For those who have lost their Green Card and require evidence of their lawful permanent resident status, you may schedule an appointment at a USCIS Field Office by contacting the USCIS Contact Center. After filing Form I-90, you can request an ADIT stamp, which provides temporary proof of your status.
Further reading
►US Citizenship and Immigration Services: Green Card
Employment-based non-immigrant visas for the USA
Non-immigrant visas allow applicants to reside in the US while processing their Green Card. There are numerous types of visas in this category. Here are the most commonly used.
H-1 Visa
H-1 visas are for skilled international professionals who want to live and work in America on a long-term basis. As these are non-immigrant visas, they are often quicker to obtain than a Green Card. In order to qualify for this visa, expats must have a US company sponsor their application or petition on their behalf.
L Visa
Available for international companies that wish to expand operations into the United States or have an existing branch in the US that they want to transfer an employee to. This visa is one of the most popular.
It can lead to permanent residency and is relatively easy to obtain with the proper documentation and presentation. Expats would need to be transferred from a company’s offices in their home country to a branch in the US.
E-5 visa
This requires a direct financial investment into a new or existing business. The minimum funds required for the investment vary depending on the geographic area where the applicant plans to set up their business operations. The expat’s new company can then sponsor their Green Card application.
Useful links
►US Citizenship and Immigration Services: Temporary Non-Immigrant Workers
►US Department of State: Temporary Worker Visas
*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.
Further reading
►To find out about other permit options read the Visas for the USA page
Expat Experiences
"We enlisted the services of a specialised lawyer for our work permits. The process was fairly quick at the time. We entered the country with an L-1 visa which was a big advantage. I would definitely recommend investing in hiring the services of an immigration lawyer who will be able to guide your application for the appropriate work permit or visa. There are many different kinds and each has its own process."
Read more about Emmanuelle's expat experiences in the US in her interview with Expat Arrivals.
Are you an expat living in The USA?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to The USA. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Moving your family abroad can be intimidating, but learning about medical options such as family health insurance early on can help you successfully settle in.
- Comprehensive family coverage, wherever you go
- Paediatric coverage for well-child visits & immunisations
- Access to dental and orthodontic care
- 24/7 multilingual customer service
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!