05 Feb
The government of the United States issued an identification card for foreign nationals with a validity of 10 years, which must be renewed. This document acts both as a permanent resident status and a valid US Entry document allowing the cardholder to return to the US after temporary travel abroad. Let us understand What is a Green Card, its benefits, validity, and how to get a green card.
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What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an official document allowing a foreign national person to live and work permanently in the United States. This document is also known as a Permanent Resident Card. You will become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the US when you receive a Green Card.
But why is the card known as the Green Card? The fact is that, from 1950 to 1964, the card was originally in a historical green color.
Over the years and decades, the color and design changed many times, but the terminology remained a nickname among the public and immigration professionals. Recently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services extended the permanent resident card validity to 36 months for LPR who file a form I-90. This applies to both new and existing applicants.
The green card acts as a verification for employers and professionals who can work without restrictions in the USA. A Green cardholder enjoys most of the benefits and rights of a US citizen, including the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country. Also, they will be protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Eligibility for a Green Card
One should fall into certain categories to be eligible for a valid green card. The eligibility should be based on the type of green card and the applicant’s relationship to a green card holder or a US citizen. Some of the criteria are mentioned below.
- Family Members of US Citizens or Green Card Holders
- Application based on employment
- Diversity Visa Lottery Winners
- Refugees and Asylees
- Special Migrants
- Victims of Human trafficking or abuse
- Individuals eligible under unique government programs
Types of Green Cards
Based on certain circumstances, the green card is classified into different categories. Green cards based on Family, employment, and special categories are some of them. Let’s classify the types of green cards in this section.
- Family-based Green Card
- Employment-based green card
- Diversity Visa Green Card
- Humanitarian Green Card
- Special Immigrant Green Card
- Long Time Resident Green Card
What are the Benefits of having a Green Card?
A Green card provides more benefits compared to a Visa. The main benefit of getting a green card is that it allows the cardholder to live and work anywhere in the country. Let’s examine what are the benefits of getting a Green Card.
- Live and Work in the US Permanently – You can stay in the US for as long as you want and work for any employer.
- Travel Freely – You can travel outside the US and return without needing a visa (but there are some restrictions).
- Path to Citizenship – After holding a Green Card for a certain number of years, you may apply for US citizenship.
- Legal Rights and Protections – You get many of the same rights as US citizens, except for voting in federal elections.
How to Get a Green Card?
To get a green card, you need to apply for permanent residency in the United States through a variety of methods, including family sponsorship, employment, or refugee status. Here, we explain different ways to get a Green Card:
- Family Sponsorship
- If you have close family members who are US citizens or Green Card holders, they can sponsor you for a Green Card.
- Employment-Based Green Card
- Some people get a Green Card through a US employer. Certain jobs and skills qualify for this process.
- Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program)
- The US government runs a lottery each year where people from certain countries can apply for a Green Card.
- Refugee or Asylum Status
- People who come to the US as refugees or seek asylum due to dangerous conditions in their home countries may apply for a Green Card after one year.
Green Card Validity and Expiry
A Green Card is valid for 10 years. You must renew before expiry. If it is a conditional Green Card, 2 years is the validity, and you must apply to remove the conditions before it expires.
However, even if the card expires, your status as a lawful permanent resident remains valid unless revoked by the US government, meaning you should renew your card to continue using it as proof of your status when traveling or interacting with government agencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding what is a Green Card is important for those who want to live permanently in the US Whether through family, work, or other programs, many people each year achieve their dream of becoming lawful permanent residents.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get a Green Card?
The processing time for obtaining a Green Card varies depending on the type of application. While some applicants receive their Green Cards within a year, others may face delays of several years due to backlogs and government-imposed limitations.
2. How long is a Green Card valid after expiration?
Recently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the validity of expired Permanent Resident Cards for renewal purposes from 24 months to 36 months.
3. Is a Green Card the same as citizenship?
A Green Card grants lawful permanent residency but does not confer US citizenship. Green Card holders remain citizens of their country of origin and do not have the same rights and responsibilities as US citizens, such as voting in federal elections.
4. What is a Green Card for Indians?
Indian nationals increasingly seek US permanent residency to live and work without restrictions. Various pathways exist for Indian applicants, but they must meet specific eligibility criteria before applying for a Green Card.
5. What are the benefits of a US Green Card?
Holding a US Green Card allows an individual to reside and work permanently in the country. It also serves as the first step toward applying for US citizenship through naturalization.
