How to Obtain a US Residence Permit?

The United States is an attractive country for many people due to its strong economy, job opportunities, and living standards. For those planning a long-term life here, one of the most important issues is understanding the US residence permit process correctly. This is because the US immigration system is based not only on opportunities but also on strict rules. Which path is suitable varies according to your financial situation, profession, and family ties.

What Is a US Residence Permit?

A residence permit in the US allows a foreign national to live in the country legally. Permits are divided into two main groups:

Temporary statuses: Provide stay for a certain period, such as student and work visas.
Permanent residence (Green Card): Grants the right to live and work indefinitely.

Green Card holders can live and work in the US indefinitely. The path to citizenship may also open over time. Some rights, such as voting, belong only to citizens. Most temporary visas do not grant permanent residence and only allow staying in the country for a specific purpose and duration; permanent residence (Green Card) is a different legal category from these statuses.

How to Obtain a US Residence Permit?

There is no single way to obtain a residence permit in the US because the US immigration system does not operate with a one-size-fits-all application logic but with a layered structure that works according to the applicant’s profile. Your education level, professional competence, investment capacity, family ties, and even your long-term goals determine which path is realistic. For example, career-based immigration may be logical for a highly qualified professional, while investment programs may be more suitable for someone with capital. There are various residence permit applications available in the US.

Family Sponsorship

Relatives who are US citizens or Green Card holders can act as sponsors. Sponsorship for spouses, parents, and children under 21 is generally in priority categories. The genuineness of family ties must be proven with documentation. The length of the process varies by application category.

Residence Through Employment and Career

Career-based immigration is an important option for individuals working in fields where the US needs qualified labor. The US economy has established a system to attract global talent in fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, academia, and management. The aim of this system is not only to provide employment but also to gain profiles that can contribute economically and intellectually to the country in the long term. Therefore, applications are evaluated based on the candidate’s diploma, professional experience, level of expertise, international achievements, and the added value they will bring to the US labor market. Some categories require employer sponsorship, while in some exceptional cases individuals can apply based on their own qualifications. The main career-based immigration categories are:

EB-1: Individuals with extraordinary ability, academics, managers
EB-2: Advanced degree professionals; in some cases National Interest Waiver (application without employer)
EB-3: Professionals and workers in certain fields

Residence Through Investment (EB-5)

This is a structured program for investors with capital; however, the EB-5 visa is not a simple model of just investing money and obtaining residence. The core logic of the program is to provide real contributions to the US economy through investment. In other words, the system targets investments that create employment and generate economic activity rather than passive financial transfers. Therefore, applications are evaluated not only by the investment amount but also by the commercial nature of the investment, employment potential, transparency of the fund source, and sustainability of the project.

In addition, most investors make a strategic choice between regional center projects and direct investments in terms of risk management and process compliance. The basic requirements of EB-5 residence through investment can be summarized as follows:

Minimum 800,000 USD in targeted employment areas
1,050,000 USD investment in other areas
Creation of at least 10 full-time jobs
Legal documentation of the fund source

In EB-5 applications, most investors initially receive a 2-year conditional permanent residence; once it is proven that the investment and employment requirements are fulfilled, this conditional status is removed and permanent residence is granted.

Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa)

The DV Lottery (Diversity Visa Program) is an immigration program based entirely on a lottery system and aimed at increasing the diversity of the US immigrant population. However, contrary to what many people think, this system does not rely solely on “luck”; there are technical elements behind the program such as country-based quotas, education criteria, and security evaluations. In other words, although the lottery stage is random, the path to a Green Card depends on meeting certain eligibility requirements.

Moreover, the program does not operate under the same conditions every year; participating countries and implementation details are determined annually by theUS Department of State. Therefore, it should be considered an opportunity rather than a planned immigration strategy. The basic framework of the program can be summarized as follows:

Eligibility is determined each year by the US Department of State.
Participating countries and conditions may change from year to year.
Winning does not automatically guarantee a Green Card.
Education and security requirements are evaluated separately.

For application, at least a high school diploma or equivalent education, or certain qualifying work experience is generally required, and since program conditions may change periodically, it is necessary to check current official announcements before applying.

Asylum

Asylum applications are based on demonstrating a reasonable and concrete fear of persecution if the person returns to their country. This persecution must be related to reasons such as political opinion, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or ethnic identity. Since the process is legally complex, applications are evaluated with detailed statements and supporting evidence. Asylum is valid only for real and provable risk situations; false or unfounded applications can lead to serious legal consequences.

Is It Possible to Obtain a US Residence Permit by Buying a House?

Simply purchasing a home in the US does not provide a residence permit. Buying real estate does not grant immigration status. Investments under EB-5 are commercial and job-creating projects; they are not the same as purchasing a residence. Therefore, the claim of obtaining a residence permit by buying a house in the US is generally misleading.

How Long Is a US Residence Permit Valid?

Although having a Green Card means permanent resident status in the US, the physical card that represents this status has certain renewal periods. Many people confuse the card’s validity with the residence status itself. However, the card’s validity period is an administrative matter; what is important is maintaining permanent resident status. The general framework is as follows:

Standard Green Cards are usually valid for 10 years.
Some marriage-based cards may initially be issued conditionally for 2 years.
Even if the card expires, the status does not automatically disappear; the card is renewed.

The US residence system offers opportunities but requires personalized planning. Family-, career-, or investment-based paths each involve different risks and requirements. For a sound decision, it is important to act based on up-to-date information from official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Residence Permits

How Much Money Is Needed for a US Residence Permit?

There is no fixed amount because the cost varies by application path. In family- or employment-based applications, government fees and process expenses may be at the level of several thousand dollars, while for investment-based (EB-5) residence the minimum investment amount starts from 800,000 USD. Legal and filing expenses are added on top of this.

How Many Years Does It Take to Obtain Residence in the US?

The duration depends on the application category, quota status, and the nature of the case. Family- and employment-based Green Card processes can often take several years, while some priority categories may move faster. Quota practices and country-based waiting times can significantly extend the process in some categories. The exact duration differs for each application.

After How Many Years in the US Can I Obtain Citizenship?

The general rule is to live as a permanent resident for 5 years after obtaining a Green Card. For those married to a US citizen, this period can often be 3 years. In addition, physical presence in the US and good moral character requirements are sought. In citizenship applications, not only time but also meeting physical presence and continuous residence requirements is necessary.

You can also check out our previous blog post: Why Americans Over 55 Are Choosing Northern Cyprus