If you are in the United States on a visa or if you have a student visa that allows you to work, you can apply for a green card after meeting the eligibility requirements and documents that need to be submitted for review. The term “Green Card” has become synonymous with permanent residence in the United States. The Green Card is a Permanent Resident card, also known as a “PR card”.
Table of Contents Green Card
It is one of the main immigration documents that prove your legal status as a permanent resident of the United States. A Green Card grants you various privileges, such as being able to live and work in the U.S., access education, healthcare, housing and other public services but most importantly it means you can live and work indefinitely in the U.S. In this article, we will explore who is eligible for a green card, what are its different types, how to apply for one and much more!
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is a document that serves as proof of someone’s status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States. The card is also known as a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card). The card is used to register the person as a legal immigrant living in the United States. It also allows you to apply for various services and benefits such as voting, healthcare, etc.
The card was introduced in the 1920s and the design has stayed the same since the 1950s. It is a laminated card that is light green in color. The card has a hole punched in the top right corner. This is where a lanyard can be threaded through to ensure that the card is kept safe. The main text on the card is black and has the words “Permanent Resident” in English, Spanish and Chinese. The card also has a unique identifying number that is a mixture of numbers and letters.
Who is eligible for a Green Card?
The main requirement to be eligible for a Green Card is to be in the United States legally. People who are legally living in the U.S. include: There are other situations where you can get a green card. For example, if you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and this person petitioned for you.
Or if you have been granted asylum, refugee status or have a special skill that is needed in the U.S. In this case, the INS will review your application for a green card within a few months. If you are not able to get a green card through one of the above-mentioned ways, you can request a waiver of inadmissibility. This is a special process where you must prove that you are worthy of a green card despite your inadmissibility issue.
Green Card types
There are several types of Green Cards:
- Immigrant Visa: If you are sponsored by a family member or employer, you can apply for an immigrant visa. It is valid for 2 years, during which you can’t travel outside of the U.S.
- Green Card after graduation: If you are a student who was granted F-1, J-1, or M-1 status, you might be eligible for a green card after you graduate and find a job.
- Green Card through asylum: If you are granted asylum, you will be eligible for a green card after one year.
- Green Card through extraordinary ability: If you have an extraordinary ability that contributes to the U.S. economy, you will be eligible for a green card.
How to apply for a Green Card?
If you know the type of Green Card you want to apply for, you can begin the application process. If you don’t know which type of Green Card to apply for, we recommend that you speak to a lawyer and discuss your options. You will need to fill out an online application form. There is a fee associated with the application, and you will need to submit your biographic information, such as your full name, address, and date of birth.
You will also need to provide details about the type of Green Card you are applying for, any ties you have to your home country, and information about your employer. Once you have filled out the online application form, you will need to gather the following documents:
Pros and cons of having a Green Card
Here are some of the pros and cons of having a Green Card:
- Pros: Once you have a green card, you can live and work in the United States as if you were a citizen. You can also travel freely to and from the United States while visiting other countries. Green card holders can also apply for U.S. citizenship after waiting 5 years.
- Cons: Having a green card can be stressful because you will be closely monitored and audited. You will need to report to the INS and follow their regulations closely. You will also need to renew your green card every 10 years.
- Conclusion: Having a green card means that you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. It also means that you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Contact a Green Card Attorney Today
You will need to fill out an online application form, gather the required documents, and pay the application fee. Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified if you are approved or not. If you have a green card, you will be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. It means that you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years.