For many who want to live the American dream, the Green Card is a tangible key to that dream. The Green Card is one of the most prestigious immigration documents for foreign nationals who want to live and work in the USA legally and even apply for citizenship in the future.
As Marsan Akguc Law Firm experts, in this content, we have compiled for you what the Green Card is, how it is obtained, who can apply and all the details you need to know in the application process in a simple and understandable way.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, officially known as a “Permanent Resident Card”, is an immigration document issued by the United States that entitles its holder to permanent residence and work. Unlike people arriving on non-immigrant visas, holders of this card can reside, work, study and benefit from many government services in the USA indefinitely.
The Green Card is also the first step on the path to American citizenship. People with this card are eligible to apply for USA citizenship after meeting certain conditions.
How to Get a Green Card? What does it do?
There are different ways to get a Green Card and each way has its own requirements and procedures. In general, you can apply in the following ways:
1. Application through Family
Close relatives of US citizens or Green Card holders can apply this way:
- USA citizen spouse, child, parent or sibling
- Green Card holder spouse or child
2. Application through Labor
You can get a Green Card in the US by being sponsored by an employer or by having extraordinary ability:
- Application in EB-1A, EB-2, EB-3 categories
- Individual application with NIW (National Interest Waiver)
3. Application by Investment
Under the EB-5 investor program in the US:
- In certain regions a minimum investment of $800,000
- In other regions an investment of $1,050,000 is required
4. Green Card Lottery
Green Cards are awarded to randomly selected candidates through the US government’s annual Diversity Visa Lottery program.
5. Exceptional Categories
- Asylum seekers, those with refugee status
- Victims of human trafficking, domestic violence
- Persons eligible for military service
How to Apply for a Green Card?
The application process varies depending on which category you are applying for. But basically the following steps are followed:
1. Sponsorship Process
If family or employer sponsorship is required, this person/entity submits a petition to USCIS (USA Immigration Service).
2. Collection of Documents
Comprehensive documentation is prepared, including the candidate’s identity, marital status, financial status, education and health information.
3. Processing the Application
USCIS reviews the documents and if they are complete, they go through the approval process. If applying from outside the USA, the process is carried out through the consulate.
4. Interview
The applicant is given an interview date. In this interview, both the documents are examined and the candidate’s intentions are assessed.
5. Green Card Delivery
Once the application is approved, the Green Card will be mailed to your address. If the application is made from within the USA, the card is delivered directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card
Who Gets a Green Card?
The following people are eligible candidates for a Green Card:
- Those married to a USA citizen
- Those with a USA citizen parent or child
- Those with a job offer in the USA
- Highly qualified or exceptionally talented individuals
- Entrepreneurs planning to invest in the USA
- Green Card lottery winners
- Refugees or asylum seekers
What are the Benefits of a Green Card?
- Right to live and work in the USA indefinitely
- Benefit from social security and government subsidies
- Right to have children educated in public schools
- Opportunity to establish a company and own real estate in the USA
- Protection under American law
- Right to apply for citizenship
- Opportunity to sponsor family members
How Many Years is the Green Card Valid?
The Green Card is usually valid for 10 years. However, in some special cases (e.g. new marriages) the first card is issued with a 2-year condition. It can be renewed before it expires. Renewal must be continued if citizenship is not applied for.
In which countries is the Green Card valid??
The Green Card is only valid within the United States of America. This card is not valid in other countries. However, a visa is not required for returning to the USA and visa-free entry to many countries may be possible (e.g. Mexico, Canada).
Green Card Application Documents (General List)
The main documents needed in the application process with the expertise of Marsan Akguc Law Firm are as follows:
- Birth certificate
- Copies of ID and passport
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Citizenship certificate of USA citizen sponsor
- Photos, letters, documents documenting relationship
- Criminal record
- Medical examination documents
- Previous visa documents (if applicable)
- Employer letter or investment documents
- Financial documents (bank statements, financial statements)