Permanent Residency
A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a 10-year visa to the United States. It gives you the legal right to work in the United States and grants you the status of a permanent resident—though not a citizen.
Once you have a Green Card, you may apply for U.S. citizenship after you have been in the United States for a certain period of time.
You can apply for and obtain a Green Card while in the United States on an H-1B visa. Ask International Student and Scholar Services for guidance.
Eligibility
An offer of permanent employment in the United States may make you eligible to obtain a Green Card. “Outstanding professors and researchers” are among those receiving first preference for permanent residence.
Applying for a Green Card is a time-consuming process that involves a lot of paperwork. Green Cards are granted in limited numbers. There is a per year quota for each country and each category of applicant.
If you do not gain permanent residency before your H-1B visa expires, you must live outside the United States for at least 1 year before reapplying for another H or L visa.