Stay permanently in the United States and enjoy virtually the same rights as an American citizen, all without even a visa? Nothing impossible if you are lucky enough to get a green card! Below is the essential to know about this amazing sesame.
What is the green card?
The American green card, or “green card”, is similar to a long-stay visa. This document, which is actually more of a pale yellow color, automatically grants you “permanent resident” status in the United States. This implies many daily facilities compared to a traditional visa, including that of being able to exercise any professional activity without authorization.
In general, happy green card holders enjoy exactly the same rights as an American, with the exception of the right to vote. Having this card is a major asset if your ultimate goal is to gain American citizenship: you can make an official request after holding the green card for five years,
What are the advantages associated with the green card?
Beyond the elements detailed above, the US green card confers considerable advantages over a traditional immigrant. In particular, you will have much less trouble getting a university scholarship for your children, and the tuition fee itself will be a little less exorbitant than for a foreign student. In-view of your status as a permanent resident, you will also be able to obtain more easily attractive rates for a mortgage. In short, everything will seem easier to you to rebuild your life on the spot!
In return, your tax residence will automatically be deemed to be in the United States. With, in the key, sometimes unfortunate consequences since the American tax authorities apply the principle of worldwide profit to income tax and will therefore be interested in all of your income affected in the United States or abroad.
How to get it?
It is possible to obtain the green card in three different ways:
By a family member with U.S. citizenship. Any American citizen and major (at least 21 years old) can indeed submit a green card request for his spouse, his minor children or his parents. Be careful, the procedure certainly has a high probability of being successful but requires at least a year and a half! In the case of an adult child, a brother or a sister, it can be even longer.
By an American employer. This concerns professionals with a specific profile or high potential, but also investors and business leaders, renowned teachers and high-level athletes.
By winning a lottery. Every year since 1994, the Diversity Visa Lottery Program has distributed around 50,000 green cards, leaving it to chance! One way to give anyone a chance.
In the first two cases, the application must be submitted not by you but by your “sponsor” to the administration of USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
What to Do After Obtaining Your Green Card
In Immigration
Applying for a visa in the United States can be a very daunting task. If USCIS grants your visa, you may wonder what happens next. Depending on the type of visa US issued to you, there are different requirements to maintain residency. Like, investor visa holders can apply to remove conditions from residency status so that they can get green card.
If you’ve received a green card, here are some things you should know about renewing, withdrawal requirements, and your card benefits.
Card renewal / maintenance of permanent residence
First of all, your green card is probably valid for a period of ten years. Likewise, you should always try to renew your card at least six months before it expires. You can renew card by filing application to replace Permanent Resident Card by mail or online. However, if you have a 2-year conditional card, you should NOT file Form I-90 for renew 2 Year Green Card. Instead, you will need to file the form I-751 to remove the conditions. Additionally, if your permanent residence card is lost or destroyed, you can file Form I-90 for replacement card.
Withdrawal of conditions from your card
Conditional permanent residence cards are valid for two years. If you are an investor, you must file Form I-829 to remove the conditions relating to your residency status. This will also result in your transition to permanent residence. On the other hand, if you have a family-based conditional permanent residence, you must file Form I-751. Either way, you must file either form within 90 days of card expiration.
Benefits of your green card
After obtaining your card, you can use it to prove your eligibility for employment. You can apply for a social security card and driver’s license issued by the state where you reside. In addition, your green card is valid for readmission to the United States if you are traveling abroad. However, if you travel abroad for more than one consecutive year, you must submit a reinstatement request.
Read Also: What Should You Know About Family Based Visa?
