What is a Green Card?

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that indicates that an individual has been granted lawful permanent status in the United States. This status allows an individual to live and work in the United States permanently, and it serves as a stepping stone to obtaining U.S. citizenship.

How to get a Green Card?

There are several ways to obtain a green card, including through family sponsorship, employment, investment, and humanitarian programs such as asylum and refugee status.

• Family sponsorship is the most common way to obtain a green card. U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, children, parents, and siblings for green cards. The process can take several months or even years, and it's important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that the application is properly prepared and submitted.

• Employment-based green cards are available to individuals with job offers in the United States in certain fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and individuals with extraordinary abilities.

• Investor green cards, also known as EB-5 visas, are available to foreign nationals who invest a certain amount of money in a U.S. commercial enterprise and create or preserve at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.

• Asylum and refugee status are humanitarian programs that allow individuals who have been persecuted or fear persecution in their home country to obtain green cards.

What happens after I get a Green Card?

Obtaining a green card is a significant achievement, but it's important to remember that it does not guarantee citizenship. Green card holders must maintain their legal status, meet certain residency requirements and pass a background check, before they can apply for citizenship.

It's important to consult an experienced immigration attorney if you are considering applying for a green card, to help you understand the process, the requirements and the different options available. An attorney can also help you navigate the process, ensuring that your application is properly prepared and submitted.

Obtaining a green card is a complex process, but it is an important step for many immigrants looking to build a life in the United States. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can navigate the process and achieve your goal of obtaining lawful permanent status in the United States.