5 Things to Know About Getting a Green Card
Are you looking to apply for permanent residency in the United States? If yes, there are a few things you might want to know about getting a green card. Although the card is indeed green, the color is not as significant as what the card confers on its bearer – an authorization to live and work permanently in the United States. If you’re looking to obtain a green card, here are some things to know.
- The number of green cards granted annually
The green card lottery, which is officially referred to as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, was established by the Immigration Act 1990. Every year, the United States grants a green card to 50,000 immigrants who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
- Ways to get a green card
Generally, when it comes to getting a green card, there are five broad categories. They include:
- Family-based immigration
- Employment-based immigration
- Green card lottery
- Investors
- Special immigrants
Of these five categories, the easiest ways to get a green card is through close family members, through employment/investors, and as a refugee or asylee.
- How to qualify for a green card
Getting a green card is a process that has some requirements that must be met. Here are the key criteria:
- You must belong to one of the Immigrant categories which are listed above, according to the Immigration and Nationality Act (NIA).
- You must have a qualifying immigrant petition filed and approved for you either by your direct family relative or employer in the U.S.
- There must be an immigrant visa immediately available for you as the Congress only approves a limited number each year.
- You must be admissible to the United States. In other words, you must prove that you’re eligible for admission to the U.S.
- Reasons for inadmissibility into the United States
There are several reasons why you may be denied admission to the United States. Here are the most popular factors that are taken into consideration when you’re evaluated for admissibility:
- Financial reasons: You must be able to prove that you’re able to take care of yourself so you don’t end up relying on the public support. If you’re going through a close relative, they must also show that they are able to support you.
- Health-related reasons: People who have diseases or mental disorders that can make them a public health risk should not consider getting a green card.
- Immigration history: People who are illegal immigrants or that overstayed their visa by six months or longer may be denied admissibility.
- Criminal history: People who have been charged or convicted of crimes like violent felonies, drug offenses, and terrorism may be deemed inadmissible.
- The Green Card expires
Although a green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States, you are required by law to re-apply for new residence card after ten years. Getting a green card again doesn’t affect your permanent status; it’s just a demand by the law you will do well to fulfill.
Conclusion
The most delicate stage in the process of getting a green card is registering for it due to the possibility of errors and filling the wrong details. For this reason, it makes sense to let a company of professionals fill out the forms for you.
Read More:
Ways to get a Green Card
Read More About Green Card Organization
