Living permanently in the United States may be a dream for many people all around the world; however, there is a long process to actually obtain permanent residency in the country. The good news is that, although it takes time, you can indeed achieve the coveted Green Card. And if that’s your desire, here you will find a complete guide on what a Green Card is, how it works, and how to obtain it.
The Green Card is a document that grants permanent residency in the United States. The American government issues this document and grants it to foreigners who wish to live and work legally in the United States on a permanent basis.
Those who possess a Green Card acquire many of the same rights and responsibilities as US citizens. For example, the right to work legally, live permanently in the country, as well as education for children. Furthermore, the document grants access to most social benefits, and you can even apply for US citizenship after 5 years of continuous residency.
It’s important to remember that the process to obtain a Green Card is complex and lengthy, and the requirements depend on each visa category being applied for. That said, it’s crucial to emphasize that simply obtaining a Green Card does not exempt you from certain obligations as a permanent resident in the United States. In other words, you can lose your permanent resident status if you fail to meet certain conditions or if you violate U.S. immigration laws.
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How to obtain a Green Card using an EB-2 NIW visa.
First, it’s important to point out that there are over 100 types of visas available for those planning to live legally in the United States. That said, your specific circumstances will determine which path you should take.
For example, artists and athletes fall into a specific visa category, while business people and skilled professionals fall into others. In this case, the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa presents itself as the best option among immigrant visas.
To be eligible for the EB-2 NIW visa, you need to meet some specific requirements. These include having an academic degree and experience in your field. In other words, you need a college degree to have the necessary qualifications to hold a job in the United States. Additionally, you must have more than five years of proven professional experience in your field.
However, if you don’t have an academic degree, don’t worry. You may still be eligible for the EB-2 NIW visa. To do so, you need to provide evidence proving that you have more than 10 years of experience in your professional field.
It’s important to highlight that the American government issues the EB-2 NIW visa to people with specific qualifications or skills that they can apply for in the country. In this case, you can obtain Permanent Residency without needing a job offer or position from a company in the United States.
See other ways to obtain a Green Card.
While the EB-2 NIW visa is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to advance their career in the United States, there are other ways to obtain a Green Card. Below, we list some of them:
- Sponsorship by a Family Member: A family member who is already a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident can sponsor a foreign relative to obtain a Green Card.
- Employment in the USA: You may be eligible for a Green Card due to employment if you possess specific skills and qualifications. This involves a US employer willing to sponsor your application.
- Investing in the U.S: Foreign investors can obtain a Green Card through the EB-5 program by investing a substantial amount in a U.S. commercial project that creates jobs.
- Asylum or Refuge: People facing persecution or fearing to return to their country of origin may apply for asylum or refuge in the United States, which can lead to a Green Card after a period of residency.
What is required to obtain a Green Card as a foreigner?
To apply for a Green Card as a foreign national, you will generally need to meet specific requirements. In other words, you need to have a U.S. visa status that allows for the change to a Green Card, and you must not have a serious criminal record or immigration violations. Additionally, it is important to fulfill all the requirements and documentation needed for the chosen Green Card category.
More than 200,500 immigrants has received Green Cards for permanent residency, according to research released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in April 2024. This data shows a huge percentage increase compared to 2023, and this growth continues to accelerate as more and more people all over the world pursue the American dream.
The labor shortage in the United States is one of the factors that most influences the high number of Green Cards granted by the American government, encouraging the hiring of immigrants. Added to this are the numerous benefits that immigrants seek when moving to the country.
Discover the benefits of obtaining Permanent Residency and living in the United States.
First, it’s important to remember that a Green Card grants the right to live permanently in the United States. With this in mind, those who obtains a Green Card can build a life and plan their future and that of their family in the country.
And speaking of family, many people who invest in this change do so to ensure a better quality of life for their children. In addition to their children being educated in English and attending top-tier public and private schools, they will be close to the best universities in the world.
Those who have permanent residency in the United States also have access to a range of social benefits. These include healthcare, public education, and social security programs. Another point to consider is that having a Green Card offers security and stability in immigration status. In other words, you don’t need to worry about renewing temporary visas or having them expire.
Likewise, Green Card holders can travel outside the United States without worrying about their return. In other words, upon your return, you and your family can enter the country without needing a new visa, facilitating international travel. And finally, living in the USA provides contact with a diverse culture full of opportunities.
Investment and durability
First, it’s important to know that each case has a specific price. That is, each immigration visa category has a cost, as does each immigration consultancy service. However, it’s worth emphasizing that this isn’t just about a document; we’re talking about fulfilling a dream and changing your life.
Planning to obtain a Green Card involves several steps. This applies to those seeking to live in the United States and to those already living in the country with a student visa, for example. To give you an idea, the process of applying for a Green Card includes a Business Plan, resume translation, data analysis, among other requirements.
Regarding its duration, the Green Card is initially valid for 10 years. However, it’s important not to wait for the expiration date and to renew it before it expires. This way, you maintain your permanent resident status in the United States without problems. Renewal usually involves filing a petition for a new Green Card.
Read Also: Visa Sponsorship Job Opportunities in the USA – Submit An Application
In conclusion: The Green Card is the gateway to a life in the United States.
As we’ve seen in this article, a Green Card is a fundamental document for foreigners who wish to live permanently in the United States. There are several ways to obtain it, whether through family ties, employment, investment, or asylum.
Having a Green Card offers a range of opportunities and rights in the country, making it an important goal for many foreigners. However, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and renewal obligations to maintain permanent resident status in the United States.
