American Green Card: what it is, advantages and how to apply

The American Green Card is the document that guarantees permanent resident status in the United States for foreigners.

Having a Green Card means being able to legally live and work in the country indefinitely.

But how to get the Green Card?

In this text, we will explain what the Green Card is, its advantages and how to apply for it.

In addition, we will address the main ways to get the Green Card, so you know how to achieve this much-desired goal.

Keep reading to understand everything about it:

What is the Green Card?

The American Green Card is a document that grants a foreigner the right to live and work in the United States permanently.

It serves as proof that its bearer is a legal resident of the US and therefore has rights and benefits similar to US citizens, such as the ability to travel freely within and outside the country.

This document can be obtained through work, sponsorship of a US employer, investment in US business, union with a US citizen or in cases of political asylum.

Green Card holders need to comply with certain obligations, such as paying taxes, complying with US laws, and renewing the card every 10 years.

Also, after a few years of permanent residency, they can apply for US citizenship.

Benefits of the American Green Card: check

Those who have an American Green Card enjoy several benefits. The main ones are:

1. Permanent residence: there is no need to frequently renew the tourist or work visa;
2. right to work: possibility of legally working in the United States without the need for work visa;
3. Free movement: permission to travel freely in and out of the United States, without the need for a visa to re-enter the country;
4. Social benefits: access to social benefits such as health insurance in the USA, public education and social programs;
5. Possibility of applying for citizenship: after a few years of permanent residence, it is possible to apply for citizenship, which gives access to more rights and benefits, such as the right to vote and the right to carry an American passport;
6. Access to business opportunities: permission to invest and open business in the United States.

Read too: Find out what the minimum wage is in the United States

How does the USA Green Card work?

Obtaining an American Green Card is a desire of people all over the world who want to legally live and work in the United States.

See below how the Green Card works, who can apply for it, which types, how much it costs and much more:

Who can apply for the Green Card?

There are several ways to become eligible to apply for a Green Card. See below in which situations it is possible to request a Green Card:

1. Family sponsorship: close relatives of US citizens or permanent residents may apply for a Green Card (includes spouses, children, parents and siblings);
2. Job: it is possible to apply for a Green Card based on a job offer in the United States or for being considered an above average professional - with proven experience after academic training. Employers can also sponsor foreign workers for permanent positions. Know what are the jobs in high demand in the US;
3. Diversity: The Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that citizens of countries with low immigration rates to the United States participate in an annual drawing to obtain a Green Card, however, the method is not available for Brazilians;
4. Asylum and Refuge: persons fleeing persecution in their home countries may apply for asylum or refugee status in the United States. If asylum or refugee status is granted, these people may eventually become eligible to apply for a Green Card;
5. Victims of human trafficking or crimes: victims of human trafficking (T visa) and victims of certain crimes (U visa) may become eligible to apply for a Green Card after meeting certain requirements;
6. Investors: foreigners who invest a significant amount of money (generally at least US$ 900,000) in a US business and create jobs for US citizens or other permanent residents may apply for a Green Card based on their investment (EB-5 visa). Learn more about US investor visa, 

These are just some of the common categories of Green Card eligibility. There are other specific and less common categories as well. there are others types of american visas that do not qualify as a green card, such as the EB-2 NIW, a type of work visa. Check out all the details about this type of visa and how not to have a visa EB-2 NIW declined here on the D4U immigration blog!

The process and requirements vary for each category, so it is important to consult a specialized immigration advisor, such as D4U Immigration.

Read too: EB2-NIW visa requirements: find out what they are and how to obtain them.

How much does a Green Card cost?

There is no fixed cost to obtain a Green Card, as the amount can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Request type: whether it is through an employer petition, family member or as a refugee, for example;

• Process fees: it also varies depending on the type of request and the process you are going through;

• Fees: depending on whether you do the process, you may need to pay fees for lawyers or immigration advisors;

• Other costs: medical examinations, translation of documents, fees for obtaining birth or marriage certificates, among others.

Therefore, if you are interested in obtaining a Green Card and need help with the process, it is recommended to speak with one of the D4U agents.

We are an immigration advisory company that can help you at every stage, from immigration planning to the diploma validation in the USA.

Talk to us and we'll provide you with accurate information on the costs involved and help you choose the best option for your specific situation.

Contact D4U Immigration now for more information!

What is the validity period of the Green Card?

The Green Card has different expiry dates depending on the type issued. Understand:

• Regular Green Card: most documents have a validity period of 10 years. Although the card itself has an expiration date, permanent resident status is continued as long as the holder meets legal requirements. However, it is necessary to renew the physical card before it expires;
• Conditional Green Card: some people can receive a conditional Green Card valid for 2 years. This usually occurs in cases of marriage to a US citizen or when the holder obtains the Green Card through an investment (EB-5). In this case, to obtain unconditional permanent resident status, you must request the removal of conditions within 90 days prior to the card's expiration date.

Maintaining the Green Card requires compliance with certain responsibilities and rules, such as paying taxes and not staying outside the US for longer than 12 months.

If the Green Card holder does not meet these requirements, their permanent resident status may be revoked.

Read too: how to be a nurse in the United States

Conclusion

The American Green Card is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to live and work legally in the United States. Learn more about our real estate consultancy in the USA.

The advantages are many, from the freedom to travel and study to the possibility of applying for American citizenship after a certain period of time.

To get the Green Card, it is important to understand the different forms of application and the necessary requirements for each of them.

But don't worry, D4U Immigration is here to help. In addition to this question, we can help you with several others, such as: what are the rules for bringing a pet to the USA.

With our immigration consulting and advisory services, you can be sure that you will have all the support you need to get your Green Card efficiently and safely.

Contact us and start your process right now!