04 Feb
Getting a Permanent Resident is a dream for many people who wish to study abroad in USA or other foreign countries. But, ever you have to think about the process of getting the card and the benefits of having a green card. In this article, we will look deep into the benefits of a Green Card in the USA.
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What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an official identity document that grants individuals the status of a permanent resident (PR) in the United States. Those who were holding a Green Card were formally known as Lawful Permanent Residents. This card allows the cardholders to live and work in the country. Upon expiry of the card after 10 years, the person needs to renew it. Green Card holders enjoy many benefits and responsibilities that come with legal residency.
Usually, the Permanent resident status is given to three categories:
- For those who have a green card already and are issued a new one,
- US citizens Relatives or Permanent Residents, and
- Workers on employment visas in the US.
What are the Benefits of a Green Card?
A green card provides many benefits over a visa. The Green Card allows the cardholder to permanently live and work in the United States for several years and later become a citizen of the US. Let’s look into the various benefits of a Green Card.
- Live in the US Permanently
- One of the biggest benefits of getting a Green Card is that it gives you the right to live in the US for as long as you want. Unlike a visa, which has an expiration date, a Green Card does not require you to leave after a set time.
- Work anywhere in the US
- With a Green Card, you can work for almost any employer in the US You don’t need a work visa, and you’re not restricted to certain jobs. You can also start your own business if you want to be self-employed.
- Travel more Easily
- A Green Card allows the cardholder to travel in and out of the country without the need for any visas. You can visit other countries and return without worrying about losing your status. However, long trips outside the US might require special permission.
- Pathway to US Citizenship
- For becoming a US citizen, a Green Card is the first step. After living in the US for several years (usually five), you can apply for citizenship and enjoy even more rights, like voting in elections.
- Bring Family to the US
- A Green Card holder can sponsor certain family members, like a spouse or children, to come and live in the US This makes it easier to reunite with loved ones and build a future together.
- Access to Education and Benefits
- Green Card holders can attend public schools, colleges, and universities at lower tuition rates than international students. They may also qualify for scholarships, financial aid, and government benefits.
- Legal Protection and Rights
- Green Card holders have many legal protections under US law. They can own property, get a driver’s license, and even apply for certain government jobs. They are also protected by the same labor laws as US citizens.
Responsibilities of having a Green Card
Once a green card is issued, the cardholder holds certain responsibilities as a legal US permanent resident.
- Obey US Laws
- The cardholder is responsible for following all the federal, state as well as local laws.
- Serious violations could lead to losing permanent resident status.
- File Taxes
- Like US citizens, Green Card holders must report their income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.
- Maintain Residency
- You must live in the US and not spend too much time outside the country, or you might lose your Green Card.
- Extended trips abroad may require a reentry permit.
- Register for Selective Service
- If you are a male Green Card holder between the ages of 18 and 25, you must register with the Selective Service System in case of a military draft.
- Notify USCIS of Address Changes
- Within 10 days of moving, the cardholders are required to update their address with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of a Green Card are that it allows international people who want to live, work, and build a future in the US. However, it also comes with responsibilities. If you’re thinking about applying for a Green Card, the best decision is to choose Ashiraj Overseas Consultancy!
FAQs
1. What are the main benefits of having a Green Card?
A Green Card grants permanent resident status in the US, allowing you to live and work anywhere in the country indefinitely. It also provides legal protections similar to those of US citizens and can be a pathway to citizenship.
2. Can Green Card holders travel freely in and out of the US?
Yes, but there are restrictions. Green Card holders can travel abroad, but extended stays (typically over a year) may lead to reentry issues unless they obtain a reentry permit.
3. Do Green Card holders get access to government benefits?
Yes, Green Card holders can access certain public benefits like Social Security, Medicare (after eligibility criteria are met), and financial aid for education. However, eligibility varies by program and state.
4. Can I sponsor family members for a Green Card?
Yes, as a Green Card holder, you can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children for permanent residency. US citizens have broader sponsorship privileges than international residents.
5. How does a Green Card help with US citizenship?
After holding a Green Card for five years (or three years if married to a US citizen), you can apply for naturalization, provided you meet residency and other requirements.
