The holder of a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Residence Card, is able to live and work permanently in the United States.
Learn about the numerous options for obtaining a Green Card in the US, such as getting accepted into the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Program.
US Citizenship against a Green Card?
The Green Card permits the owner to remain in the country forever and work there without facing any immigration limitations.Permanent residency in the US does not confer US citizenship, but it does provide the individual the right to live there permanently.
Although they do not have the right to vote, Green Card holders share many of the same privileges as US citizens.Children born outside of the United States are not automatically granted Green Cards, nor are they transferable.The Green Card must be renewed every ten years, and you are also not permitted to have a US passport.
How Can I Apply for a Green Card in the USA?
You need a green card in order to reside permanently in the United States as a non-citizen, which can be obtained in a number of methods, including:
- Investment
- Marriage
- Transfer of Companies
- Study
- Achievements
- Lottery for Work
- Green Cards
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services must receive a completed and submitted Green Card application (USCIS).You will be contacted to schedule an interview at a consulate or embassy when USCIS approves your application.A consular representative will assess your eligibility for an immigrant visa during this interview.
What Advantages Come With a Green Card?
Holders of green cards are protected by U.S. immigration law and are able to reside and work here legally.Possessing a Green Card has various advantages, including being able to receive certain government benefits and being shielded from deportation.
After settling in the nation for a specific amount of time, holders of green cards may also choose to seek citizenship in the United States.
How Can Someone Apply for a Green Card in the United States?
Each of the options listed below has a different application procedure, but they all demand the completion of several forms and accompanying documentation.There may also be an interview procedure in specific circumstances, such as the Diversity Visa Program.
1. Green Card based on investment
If a foreign national has a job offer from a U.S. firm, they may be eligible for an investment-based Green Card.The employer must demonstrate that the foreign worker’s talents are in demand in the United States and that they will be paid at least the going rate for their occupation in the location of the job.
One of the most popular types of visas for foreign investors is the “investor visa.” There are various categories, and each one offers flexibility in terms of eligibility standards, financial requirements, and, of course, visa type.The EB-5 visa is for investors who, after investing in a new business venture, want to reside and work permanently in the US.The sum might be distributed across several assets; it is not required to be in one single investment.
2. Green Cards based on marriage
It’s crucial to fill out all the necessary forms correctly because applications for Green Cards through marriage are some of the ones that get the greatest scrutiny.The United States citizen must submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in order for the procedure to begin (USCIS).In addition to asking the U.S. government to hold an immigrant visa for your spouse, this application creates a qualifying relationship between you and your spouse.
Marriage-based green cards have the advantage that there are no numerical restrictions on the number of family members who can apply for a green card each year.
An investment must be considered “genuine,” which necessitates that it be made in cash and a tangible asset rather than shares of a limited liability company.In rural areas and Targeted Economic Areas (TEA), the capital requirement for an investment-based green card is $800,000. In other areas, it is $1,050,000.The foreign national must intend to live permanently in the United States.
3. Green Card for Company Transfer
an L-1 Intra – company SublesseeIf their work continues at a connected office, Visa permits foreign corporations to move specialized employees, executives, or managers to the U.S.
A branch must be created if it doesn’t already exist.
Additionally, the company must have been operating in the United States for at least a year.
There is no need for labor certification with this method of obtaining a green card in the United States.
4. Earn Your Green Card by Studying
The F-1 visa status applies to foreign students studying in the United States.
A study-based green card has several drawbacks, but the main one is that it is only good while the student is enrolled in school.The applicant must demonstrate that they will return to their home country after receiving their degree as part of the application procedure.
Naturally, many American students are curious about how they might extend their stay in the country by switching from an F-1 visa to a green card.The work permit known as Optional Practical Training is available to students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Students can ask their company to file for an H1B work visa when their training year is over, and the Department of Labor will issue a labor certification, which is a statement that no one else is available or qualified to fill the position.
After clearing all of these hurdles, the candidate can submit a green card application through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service of the Department of Homeland Security.
Unfortunately, obtaining a green card in this manner is a drawn-out and difficult procedure, but it might be your only choice if you lack resources but have valuable abilities to contribute.
5. A Green Card Based on Achievement
The fastest route for athletes, artists, and intellectuals to obtain a green card in the US without an employer sponsor is through accomplished achievements.Each case is different, thus not all will be eligible.Those who possess exceptional abilities but do not meet the requirements might nonetheless apply for a temporary extraordinary ability.O-1 Visa
6. Get a Job and Earn a Green Card
If your business is prepared to sponsor you and you are skilled in a specialized occupation, you might be able to obtain a green card.The H1B application for students is used for a work-based green card, so it is a drawn-out and difficult process.
Additionally, there is a yearly application cap.Applicants whose work is associated with a college, a non-profit organization connected to a college, or a U.S. government research institution are exceptions to this requirement.
If you have an advanced degree or an accepted labor certification in a shortage occupation where no U.S. employees satisfy the qualifications, you might qualify for an EB-2 extraordinary worker green card based on a national interest waiver.It is highly desirable to obtain a green card with an EB-2 because there are fewer candidates and a shorter waiting period.
7. The Green Card Program, commonly known as the Diversity Visa Program
One of the greatest methods to obtain permanent residency in the United States is to apply for the Diversity Visa Program, which offers applicants the chance to win a Green Card each year.
Anyone who meets the prerequisites, which include the following, and was born in one of the eligible countries is eligible to enter the Green Card Lottery.
- two years of professional job experience
or
- twelve years of formal basic and secondary education
Although it seems simple, there are still many bureaucratic obstacles to overcome, such as strict photo requirements and the challenging DS-260 online form that must be completed before the visa interview in the American embassy if your application is chosen for further consideration.
Unfortunately, a large number of candidates are eliminated at this crucial stage due to the numerous errors that might be committed.
The fact that candidates are never told why their application was rejected makes the situation worse because it exposes them to the same mistakes the following year.