How to Get a Green Card in the USA for Indian Applicants: Complete 2026 Guide

Many Indians seek to move to the United States for better career prospects, an enhanced standard of living, and all the other benefits of permanent residency.

The number of Indian immigrants in the United States has expanded rapidly over the last 40 years. Between 1980 and 2000, the population grew by a factor of five, and from 2000 to 2023 it nearly tripled again.

This growth has far outpaced that of the total foreign-born population, with the number of Indian immigrants increasing by 63 percent since 2010, compared with a 20 percent increase among all immigrants.

Several visa categories allow you to immigrate to the United States. Each offers different advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one for your immigration plans is critical.

Unfortunately, some of these visa categories are oversubscribed by Indian nationals. Mandatory caps mean you may encounter fierce competition if you apply via one of these pathways.

This article explains everything that Indian nationals need to know about immigrating to the United States, including how to do so via a reliable pathway: the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

What Is a Green Card?

A Green Card is an official document that grants a non-U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

Holding a Green Card allows a person to live and work permanently in the country and provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship after meeting certain requirements, such as continuous residence and good moral character.

U.S. visas are generally divided into non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas are temporary and issued to individuals who plan to stay in the United States for a specific purpose and limited time.

Examples include tourist visas (B-2), student visas (F-1), and temporary work visas (H-1B). People on non-immigrant visas are expected to return to their home country once their authorized stay ends.

In contrast, immigrant visas are for individuals who intend to live in the United States permanently. These visas are often based on family relationships, employment, humanitarian reasons, or diversity programs.

Once a person enters the U.S. with an immigrant visa, they typically receive a Green Card, confirming their status as a lawful permanent resident.

What Is the Green Card Process?

The process for applying for a Green Card depends on whether the applicant is currently inside or outside the United States. There are two primary forms used for Green Card applications.

• For individuals applying from within the U.S., the required form is Form I-485, also known as the adjustment of status. This form is for people who are already in the United States on a non-immigrant visa, have been selected through the diversity visa lottery, or qualify for permanent residence through family or employment-based eligibility.
• For applicants applying from outside the United States, the required form is Form DS-260, called the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. This form is completed by individuals seeking an immigrant visa while living abroad, including those sponsored by a family member or employer, or selected through the diversity visa program.

While the exact procedures depend on an applicant’s situation, most Green Card applications follow a standard set of steps.

1. Petition submission: An immigrant petition is filed either by a sponsor on the applicant’s behalf or, in some cases, by the applicant personally.
2. Application filing: After the petition is approved and a visa becomes available in the appropriate category, the applicant submits a Green Card application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or files an immigrant visa application through the U.S. Department of State.
3. Biometrics appointment: The applicant provides required biometric information, including fingerprints, photographs, and a signature.
4. Interview: The applicant attends an interview with U.S. immigration officials.
5. Final decision: A determination is made on the application. The overall process may take anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.

What Type of Visa Should You Choose?

The type of visa you apply for should reflect your reasons for moving to the United States.

Consider the following routes and which of them best suits your needs and desires.

The ones we discuss in this section include:

• Family-based visas: These include visas obtained through marriage, a fiancé(e), or an immediate relative.
• Employment visas: Visas for people who have abilities in certain fields or make an investment in the U.S. economy.
• Dual intent visas: Visas that enable you to live and work or study in the U.S. but do not grant you permanent residence. These can be a good first step towards a Green Card.
• Diversity Visa Program: This visa program is not currently active.
• Other visa types: There are also other visas available for special situations.

Family-Based Immigration

Immediate Relative Visas

Immediate relative visas allow U.S. citizens to sponsor certain close family members for lawful permanent residence. This category includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is at least 21 years old).

Unlike other family-based categories, immediate relative visas are not subject to annual numerical caps. This means applicants do not face visa backlogs based on quotas, only normal processing times.

The U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). Once approved and a visa is available, the foreign national may apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) if already in the United States, or complete consular processing abroad.

Family Preference Visas

Family preference visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor more distant relatives for Green Cards.

These categories include:

• Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens (F1)
• Spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders (F2A)
• Unmarried adult children of Green Card holders (F2B)
• Married children of U.S. citizens (F3)
• Siblings of U.S. citizens (F4)

Unlike immediate relative visas, family preference categories are subject to annual caps and per-country limits.

Because demand from India is high, waiting times in some categories can extend many years, and in certain cases, decades.

Sponsors must file Form I-130, and applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current before proceeding.

K-1 Marriage Visa

With a K-1 visa, a foreign national may become a U.S. lawful permanent resident by marrying a U.S. citizen if they meet all eligibility criteria. This marriage must be genuine and not solely for the purpose of immigration.

The U.S. citizen must first file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with USCIS. The foreign national must complete the following steps:

• Apply for a K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Submit necessary forms, complete a medical exam, and participate in an interview.
• Marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of entering the United States.
• File Form I-485 to adjust status and become a Green Card holder.
• File Form I-751 jointly with the spouse to remove conditions on permanent residence.

💡Key Point: Understand Form I-864

Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA) is an important part of the immigration process for family-based immigrants. It needs to show that an immigrant will receive sufficient financial support from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor upon entering the United States, so that they do not have to depend on government assistance.

Employment-Based Immigration

Employment-based immigration offers several pathways to lawful permanent residency in the United States.

Let’s take a brief look at each one.

EB-1, First Preference

EB-1 visas are for priority workers. This category includes those with extraordinary abilities, renowned professors and researchers, and certain managers or executives from multinational companies.

EB-2, Second Preference

EB-2 visas are for professionals with advanced degrees and those of exceptional ability. Some applicants may qualify for a National Interest Waiver that waives the usual job offer and labor certification requirements.

EB-3, Third Preference

EB-3 visas are for skilled workers with at least two years of experience or training, professionals with a bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent, and certain unskilled workers.

EB-4, Fourth Preference

EB-4 visas are for special immigrants, such as religious workers, employees of the U.S. government abroad, and former employees of some international organizations. They are currently closed for new applications.

EB-5, Fifth Preference

EB-5 visas are for those who make a qualifying investment of capital in a U.S. business that creates jobs for U.S. workers. We explain what this program entails in greater detail below.

Diversity Visa Program

This is also called the “Green Card Lottery.” It provides immigrant visas to individuals from countries that have historically had low immigration rates to the United States.

Getting selected for a Diversity Visa Program Green Card was largely a matter of luck. However, as of December 2025, the U.S. Department of State has paused all visa issuances under the Diversity Visa Program while it reviews screening and vetting procedures, meaning no diversity visas are currently being issued.

Dual Intent Visas: Indirect Pathways to Permanent Residence

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is a temporary non-immigrant student visa. However, F1 visa holders may still consider becoming U.S. permanent residents while studying in America. Indian students can convert F1 student visas to Green Cards via one of the other options listed in this section.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa. It is a dual-intent visa, meaning it allows the holder to pursue lawful permanent residence.

To qualify for an H-1B visa, a U.S. employer must first sponsor the foreign national to work in a specialty field such as science, technology, engineering, or math, where there are not enough qualified U.S. workers. The employer must file Form I-129.

An H-1B visa holder can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.

L-1 Visa

The L-1 visa is another non-immigrant, dual-intent visa that allows the holder to pursue lawful permanent residency.

A multinational company with office locations in and outside of the United States may transfer managers, executives, or employees with specialized knowledge from overseas to the United States under the L1 visa. Unlike the H-1B visa, there is no annual cap on the number of L-1 visas issued.

An L-1 visa holder can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.

The Difference Between Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrants must be able to prove to USCIS that they intend to return home, usually by maintaining a permanent residence in their home country and demonstrating strong ties to it.

Other Ways to Get a Green Card

Beyond family and employment-based options, U.S. immigration law offers several humanitarian and special pathways to permanent residency for individuals in vulnerable or unique situations.

Abuse victims (VAWA): Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), certain individuals abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child may self-petition for a Green Card without relying on the abuser. This protection applies to all genders.

Crime victims (U Visa): Victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered significant harm and assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution may obtain a U visa. After meeting specific requirements, they may become eligible for a Green Card.

Human trafficking victims (T Visa): Individuals subjected to severe human trafficking who cooperate with law enforcement may qualify for a T visa, which can later lead to lawful permanent residence.

Refugees and asylees: Refugees admitted to the U.S. and individuals granted asylum due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may apply for a Green Card after one year.

Veterans and military family members: Certain non-citizen veterans, active-duty service members, and their immediate family members may qualify for permanent residence or expedited immigration benefits due to their service to the United States.

How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate to the United States?

The cost of applying for an immigration visa depends on several factors, including the visa category, where the application is filed, and whether additional government or program-specific fees apply.

What Is the Total Cost of Immigrating to the United States Under the EB-5 Program?

The main EB-5 program cost is the minimum qualifying investment of $800,000 to $1,050,000.

EB-5 Form Filing Fees

Here’s a breakdown of the common form filing fees that an EB-5 applicant will have to pay:

• Form I-526/I-526E fee: $3,675 (an additional $1,000 Integrity Fund fee applies to I-526E applications).
• Form I-485 fee: $1,440 for most applicants (reduced fee applies for certain children filing with a parent).
• Form I-829 fee: $3,750.

Note that these form filing costs change periodically.

Other EB-5 Fees

EB-5 visa applicants usually pay fees for other services too, including:

• Partnering with a regional center.
• Hiring an experienced immigration attorney.
• Translation services.

Tips When Applying for Your Visa

The visa application process can be daunting. Review these best practices to maximize your chances of approval the first time.

• Conduct research and confirm your eligibility.
• Work with an experienced immigration attorney to compile relevant paperwork and comply with immigration laws.
• Consider participating in immigration advice sessions online, over the phone, or in person.
• Read the filing instructions carefully.
• Fill out all paperwork accurately and comprehensively.
• Include all required supporting documents and correct fees.
• Carefully prepare for your visa interview if applicable.
• Respond to any USCIS questions promptly.

If you’re thinking about becoming an EB-5 investor, it’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the main steps of the EB-5 investment process.

Why Immigrate to the United States From India?

Indians immigrate to the United States for many reasons. With lawful permanent residency, they can live, work, and travel nationwide. Some of the benefits of residing in the United States include:

• Access to a large Indian expat community.
• Better employment prospects.
• Improved quality of life.
• Access to the U.S. healthcare system.
• Access to Social Security and Medicare.
• Access to world-class educational opportunities.
• Residence in a country with a strong economy and political stability.
• Improved likelihood of gaining U.S. citizenship

Is It Easy to Migrate to the USA From India With an EB-5 Visa?

Yes. The EB-5 visa is an excellent pathway to lawful permanent resident status in the United States for an investor with the required investment capital.

The investor’s qualified family members can immigrate too. The EB-5 program has been a straightforward and relatively fast route to Green Cards for decades.

That’s a sharp contrast from many other visa programs. The H-1B program isn’t even an immigrant visa, and Indian foreign nationals will have to jump through many different hoops to become permanent residents on one of these nonimmigrant visas.

The EB-5 program also offers some notable benefits over an H-1B visa.

These include:

• Unlimited employment opportunities without having to depend on an employer
• Live and travel anywhere in the country
• Secure immigration status
• Being able to enroll children in U.S. public schools
• Having a higher likelihood of being admitted to U.S. universities

Other immigrant visas also require extraordinary abilities and awards that most people will never have.

An EB-5 Visa Can Help You Become a U.S. Citizen

After five years, EB-5 visa holders can apply for U.S. citizenship. Citizenship comes with a host of additional benefits including the following:

• Voting Rights: Ability to vote in elections for political candidates, including the president of the United States.
• Easier Travel: Ability to travel with a U.S. passport, improved access to other countries, and greater access to U.S. consular services and assistance while abroad.
• Improved Job Access: Eligibility for federal government jobs open only to U.S. citizens.
• Additional Government Assistance: Eligibility for additional educational benefits and government aid programs.
• Family-Sponsored Visas: Ability to sponsor a wide range of family members, such as parents, brothers, sisters, and older children, and petition for asylum for close family members who face persecution abroad.
• Estate Incentives: Enhanced tax benefits and flexibility for estate planning.
• Reduced Chance of Deportation: Protection from being deported unless the individual obtained their citizenship through fraud.

Indians Trust EB5AN With Their EB-5 Green Card Applications

Between the improved quality of life, work, and other opportunities in the country, it’s understandable why so many Indians have emigrated to the United States.

It’s also understandable why so many of them decided to work with experienced EB-5 consulting firms to get their Green Cards. The immigration process can be tricky. It’s not something you should try to handle on your own.

EB5AN has helped more than 2,700 families from 70+ countries become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Our expert team has more than a decade of experience and offers clients first-rate, low-risk EB-5 regional center projects with a 100% USCIS project approval rate.

If you would like to know more about your EB-5 investment options, book a free call with our expert team today.