How to Get a US Green Card from Pakistan: A Complete Guide from NC Solicitors

Obtaining a U.S. Green Card is a significant step for individuals in Pakistan looking to establish permanent residency in the United States of America. It provides legal authorization to live and work in the U.S. while enjoying various rights and protections.

Why is a U.S. Green Card Important?

A Green Card grants permanent residency, which comes with multiple benefits, including:

• Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere in the U.S.: Unlike temporary visas, a Green Card allows individuals to settle in any state without job restrictions.
• Pathway to U.S. Citizenship: After maintaining Green Card status for a specific period, individuals may apply for naturalization.
• Legal Protections and Benefits: Green Card holders enjoy labor protections, social security benefits, and eligibility for government programs.
• Sponsorship Opportunities for Family Members: Permanent residents can sponsor close family members to join them in the U.S.

What to Expect in This Guide

This guide outlines the various pathways available for obtaining a U.S. Green Card from Pakistan. Whether through family sponsorship, employment opportunities, or the Diversity Visa Lottery, this resource will provide step-by-step insights into the application process, eligibility requirements, and essential considerations.

For expert guidance on your U.S. Green Card application, visit NC Solicitors for professional assistance.

2. Understanding U.S. Immigration Categories

There are several pathways for individuals in Pakistan to obtain a U.S. Green Card. The most common routes include family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, and the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program. Understanding these categories is essential before applying.

1. Family-Based Immigration

The family-based Green Card allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for immigration. This category is divided into two main groups:

Immediate Relatives (No Annual Cap)

These applicants have the highest priority and do not have to wait for visa availability. Eligible individuals include:
✔ Spouses of U.S. citizens
✔ Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
✔ Parents of U.S. citizens (if the sponsor is 21 or older)

Family Preference Categories (Limited Annual Visas)

These applicants face longer waiting times based on priority dates:
✔ First Preference (F1): Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens.
✔ Second Preference (F2A & F2B): Spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders.
✔ Third Preference (F3): Married children of U.S. citizens.
✔ Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the sponsor is 21 or older).

2. Employment-Based Immigration

For professionals, skilled workers, and individuals with specialized talents, employment-based Green Cards offer a pathway to permanent residency. These are divided into several preference categories:

EB-1: Priority Workers (Fastest Processing)

✔ Individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
✔ Outstanding professors and researchers with international recognition.
✔ Multinational executives or managers transferring to U.S. companies.

EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Abilities

✔ Individuals with a master’s degree or higher (or equivalent work experience).
✔ Those with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business.
✔ National Interest Waiver (NIW) applicants who can prove their work benefits the U.S. economy.

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

✔ Skilled workers: Must have at least two years of experience.
✔ Professionals: Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
✔ Other workers: Includes jobs requiring less than two years of experience.

3. Family-Based Green Card Process

A family-based Green Card allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members from Pakistan to live in the United States permanently. Below is a step-by-step guide to the process.

1. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a family-based Green Card, the applicant must have a qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder.

Eligible Family Members

✅ Immediate Relatives (No Waiting Time)

• Spouse of a U.S. citizen
• Unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen
• Parent of a U.S. citizen (if the sponsor is 21 or older)

✅ Family Preference Categories (Limited Visas Available Each Year)

• F1 (First Preference): Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens.
• F2A (Second Preference): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of Green Card holders.
• F2B: Unmarried children (21+) of Green Card holders.
• F3: Married children of U.S. citizens.
• F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the sponsor is 21+).

2. Application Steps

The Green Card process for family members residing in Pakistan involves two main stages:

Step 1: Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

✔ Who Files? The U.S. citizen or Green Card holder (petitioner) files Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
✔ Purpose: Establishes the relationship between the sponsor and beneficiary (applicant).
✔ Required Documents:

• Proof of petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or Green Card status.
• Birth or marriage certificates proving the family relationship.
• Evidence of a bona fide (genuine) marriage (for spousal cases).
  ✔ Processing Time: 6 months – 2 years (varies by category).

Step 2: Consular Processing for Applicants in Pakistan

Once USCIS approves Form I-130, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.
✔ The applicant submits Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online.
✔ Required documents:

• Valid passport
• Police clearance certificate from Pakistan
• Medical examination report from a U.S.-approved doctor
  ✔ The applicant attends an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

3. Processing Times and Considerations

Processing times depend on visa category and priority dates (for family preference categories).

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

• The U.S. government releases a Visa Bulletin monthly, showing priority dates for pending applications.
• Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens) do not face waiting periods.
• Family preference categories have annual visa limits, leading to longer wait times (years, sometimes decades).

Estimated Processing Timelines

The family-based Green Card process can be time-consuming, but proper planning and documentation help avoid unnecessary delays. If eligible, spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens can get Green Cards the fastest.

4. Employment-Based Green Card Process

For professionals and skilled workers in Pakistan, an employment-based Green Card offers a pathway to permanent residency in the U.S. This process requires sponsorship from a U.S. employer and involves multiple steps, including labor certification, filing an immigrant petition, and consular processing.

1. Labor Certification (PERM Process)

Before sponsoring a foreign worker for a Green Card, a U.S. employer must complete the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) process, which ensures that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact U.S. workers.

Role of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

The DOL oversees the labor certification process, ensuring that:
✔ There are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.
✔ The wage offered meets the prevailing wage for the job location.
✔ The employer has complied with recruitment requirements.

Employer’s Responsibilities in the Certification Process

✔ Job Posting & Recruitment:

• Employers must advertise the position and make genuine efforts to hire a U.S. worker.
• Advertisements should be placed in newspapers, online job portals, and company websites.
  ✔ Filing PERM Application (ETA 9089):
• If no qualified U.S. worker is found, the employer submits Form ETA 9089 to the DOL.
  ✔ PERM Processing Time:
• Standard processing: 6–12 months.
• Audits or reviews: Can add 6+ months to the process.

2. Immigrant Petition (I-140 Filing)

Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Key Requirements for I-140 Filing

✔ Job Offer from a U.S. Employer
✔ Employer’s Financial Ability to Pay the prevailing wage
✔ Worker’s Qualifications: Educational degrees, work experience letters, and certifications

3. Consular Processing (For Applicants in Pakistan)

Once I-140 is approved, and a visa is available, applicants in Pakistan complete the consular processing steps at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

Steps in Consular Processing

✔ Step 1: File DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)

• Submit online at the National Visa Center (NVC) website.
  ✔ Step 2: Submit Civil Documents
• Valid Passport (6+ months beyond intended travel date).
• Educational Certificates & Work Experience Letters.
• Police Clearance Certificate from Pakistan.
• Medical Examination Report from a U.S.-approved doctor.
  ✔ Step 3: Attend Visa Interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
  ✔ Step 4: Receive Visa & Travel to the U.S.

Interview Preparation

✔ Be ready to discuss your job offer and qualifications.
✔ Bring all original documents and a printed interview appointment letter.
✔ Expect questions about work experience, employer details, and future plans in the U.S..

The employment-based Green Card is a structured but lengthy process, requiring employer sponsorship and government approvals. Understanding PERM, I-140, and consular processing helps ensure a smooth application.

5. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, provides a limited number of U.S. immigrant visas to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates, including Pakistan. This program allows successful applicants to obtain a U.S. Green Card without employer or family sponsorship.

1. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Diversity Visa Lottery, applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria related to nationality, education, or work experience.

✔ Country of Eligibility

• Pakistan is eligible for the DV Lottery.
• The applicant must be born in an eligible country or claim eligibility through a spouse or parent if they were born in an eligible country.

✔ Education or Work Experience

Applicants must have either:
✔ A high school diploma or equivalent (completion of 12 years of formal education).
✔ Two years of work experience (within the last five years) in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.

2. Application Process

The DV Lottery is an online process managed by the U.S. Department of State.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

✔ Step 1: Submit an Online Entry

• Visit the official DV Lottery website (dvprogram.state.gov).
• Fill out the online form (DS-5501) with accurate personal details.
• Upload a recent digital photo (must meet official specifications).

✔ Step 2: Receive Confirmation Number

• After submitting the application, you will receive a unique confirmation number.
• Save this number to check your results later.

✔ Step 3: Wait for Results

• The DV Lottery results are announced on May 6 of the following year.
• Check results on the Entrant Status Check page using your confirmation number.

Key Dates & Deadlines

3. Selection and Post-Selection Steps

If selected, applicants must complete several steps before obtaining a Green Card.

✔ Step 1: Check Selection Results

• Visit dvprogram.state.gov and enter your confirmation number.
• Selection does not guarantee a Green Card – you must complete the process before visas run out.

✔ Step 2: Submit DS-260 Form

• Log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and fill out Form DS-260.
• Submit personal details, education, work history, and family information.

✔ Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

• Valid Passport (must not expire within 6 months).
• Birth Certificate (with certified English translation).
• Educational Certificates or Work Experience Proof.
• Police Clearance Certificate from Pakistan.
• Medical Examination Report from an authorized U.S. doctor.

✔ Step 4: Attend the U.S. Embassy Interview

• The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad conducts in-person interviews for DV selectees.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your background, education, and intention to live in the U.S..

✔ Step 5: Receive the Diversity Visa

• If approved, you will receive a visa stamp in your passport.
• A sealed immigrant packet must be presented at the U.S. port of entry.

The DV Lottery is one of the easiest ways for Pakistanis to immigrate to the U.S. without needing a job offer or family sponsor. However, since it is a random selection process, applicants should also explore employment-based and family-sponsored Green Cards for additional options.

6. Role of Legal Assistance in the U.S. Green Card Process

Applying for a U.S. Green Card from Pakistan can be a complex and lengthy process, especially for those navigating family-based, employment-based, or Diversity Visa pathways. While some applicants manage their cases independently, legal assistance from an immigration professional can significantly improve the chances of success.

1. Benefits of Consulting Immigration Professionals

A qualified immigration attorney or consultant can help applicants understand legal requirements, documentation, and potential roadblocks.

✔ Handling Complex Cases

• If an applicant faces inadmissibility issues (e.g., past visa denials, overstays, or criminal records), an immigration lawyer can assess eligibility and suggest solutions.
• Employment-based applicants, especially those in EB-1, EB-2, and NIW categories, may require help to compile strong supporting evidence.

✔ Avoiding Costly Mistakes

• Errors in Form I-130, I-140, or DS-260 can delay processing or result in rejection.
• Lawyers ensure applications are complete, accurate, and backed with proper documentation.

✔ Navigating Administrative Processing (221g Delays)

• Many Pakistani applicants experience “administrative processing” (221g delays) after their U.S. Embassy visa interview.
• An immigration attorney can expedite the review process by addressing consular concerns effectively.

✔ Legal Strategies for Faster Processing

• Attorneys can help employment-based applicants apply for premium processing for I-140 petitions, reducing wait times.
• They can assist in requesting humanitarian parole or expedited review for cases involving urgent situations.

Conclusion

Obtaining a U.S. Green Card from Pakistan involves navigating multiple pathways, each with its own eligibility requirements and processing steps. Whether through family sponsorship, employment-based visas, or the Diversity Visa Lottery, applicants must ensure accuracy, proper documentation, and compliance with U.S. immigration laws to increase their chances of success.

Recap of Green Card Application Pathways

✔ Family-Based Green Card – Sponsored by U.S. citizen or Green Card holder relatives. Processing times vary based on relationship and visa category.

✔ Employment-Based Green Card – Requires a U.S. employer sponsor for PERM labor certification and I-140 petition approval before proceeding to consular processing.

✔ Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery – A random selection process offering a limited number of Green Cards to eligible applicants from Pakistan.

✔ Special Considerations for Pakistani Applicants – Many applicants face long processing times, administrative delays, and visa backlogs, making early preparation essential.

✔ Legal Assistance – Consulting an immigration lawyer can help navigate complex cases, avoid errors, and expedite processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I apply for a U.S. Green Card from Pakistan?

There are three main pathways:
✔ Family-Based Green Card – If you have a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder relative eligible to sponsor you.
✔ Employment-Based Green Card – If a U.S. employer sponsors you through an approved job offer.
✔ Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery – If you win the annual Green Card lottery, based on eligibility criteria.

2. Can I apply for a Green Card without a job offer or family sponsor?

Yes, through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, which allows eligible applicants from Pakistan to enter the lottery without needing a job offer or family sponsorship.

3. What are the chances of winning the DV Lottery from Pakistan?

The DV Lottery is a random selection process, and the chances depend on the total number of applicants worldwide. Pakistan is currently eligible, but this may change if immigration levels increase.

3. Does getting selected in the DV Lottery guarantee a Green Card?

No. Being selected only means you can apply for a visa—you still need to:
✔ Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application).
✔ Attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
✔ Pass a medical examination and provide all required documents.