Green Card

The US green card, also known as the permanent resident card, gives the holder permanent residency in the United States. Green card holders can legally live and work in the United States. They can travel in and out of the United States more freely as well. The US green card is also the first step to US citizenship, as one must generally secure a green card before applying for naturalization.

In order to be eligible for a green card, an applicant must belong to one of the immigrant categories outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Generally, this means that the applicant must be eligible to enter the US through employment, investment, family, refugee status, or through some other ways. As well, the applicant must be admissible into the United States in order to qualify for a US green card. This means that there is no security, health, or criminal issues which would make the applicant ineligible to enter the US. In cases where a green card applicant has to apply for a US Visa first, the visa must be secured or available before the green card application is submitted.

The green card process for application is actually quite complex, as there are several ways to get a US green card. For example, one can receive a permanent resident card by marrying a US citizen or by applying through the sponsorship of a family member or employer who is already a US citizen. Some people are eligible to receive a green card through an asylum or refugee status. As well, in some cases, people receive a permanent resident card through the US green card lottery. In each case, the process for green card application is a little different.
In general, however, you will need to submit a green card application, supporting documents, and a filing fee. Depending on how you are eligible for a green card, your filing fees and documentation may be different. For example, if you are applying for a green card through marriage, you will first apply for a K-1 visa to enter the United States and get married. Then, you will need to apply for a conditional green card. After you have been married for a few years, you can petition to adjust your status to receive a permanent green card. Your fiancé(e) will also need to file the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F). If you are applying for a green card through employment, however, your employer will need to file a petition on your behalf and you will need to file. There are in fact many green card application forms which may need to be filed by those sponsoring you and by yourself.
Once you receive your green card, it will be valid for ten years. You will need to file additional green card renewal Form I-90 if your card is damage, lost, stolen, or if the information on your card becomes outdated. When your green card is about to expire, you will be required to file green card renewal Form I-90 to extend your green card status. It is also important to always carry your green card with you once you have a green card, as the permanent residency card is a required form of identification.

The process of securing a permanent resident card can be very confusing. There are so many forms involved and so many ways to get a green card, that is can quickly feel very overwhelming. Worse, any mistakes make on your green card application forms can delay your green card application, sometimes significantly. A good resource can help. We offer a number of quality resources that can take the guesswork out of the green card process. For example, the Green Card Renewal resource can show you exactly how to prepare to renew your green card easily and quickly online when it is about to expire, so that you don't lose your status. The Green card Replacement resource can show you exactly how to act quickly to preserve your permanent residency if your green card is stolen or lost.
There are many resources specifically for those applying for a permanent residency card through different eligibility requirements: The Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, the Green Card for Brothers or Sisters Application, the Green Card for Children Application, Green Card for Domestic Employee or Unskilled Labor Application, the Green Card for Multinational Executives and Managers, and the Green Card for Parent(s) Application are all packages that can help you apply for a permanent residency card. Each package contains the latest version of the applicable USCIS forms as well as detailed, step-by-step instructions that allow you to quickly and easily apply for a green card.