America is the country with the most immigrants by far, and almost 20% of all immigrants in the world reside within the United States. For many, becoming a U.S. citizen and cementing their family firmly in the United States is their goal. Along the way, an immigrant has to receive and maintain their presence in the USA by obtaining a green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. To help keep the information fresh or educate new readers, we will today discuss the basic requirements and how to obtain one.
Green Card Benefits
Obtaining a greencard is essential for living a life in the United States with massive restrictions, especially if you intend to become a U.S. citizen in the future. The Green Card Form I-551 gives the holder certain rights, including the right to live and work in the United States without restriction. Recipients are lawful permanent residents that cannot have their status revoked by any individual state or county. Green card holders can also travel in and out of the country without significant restrictions and can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years in most cases, but as early as three years if they are married to a U.S. citizen.
Obtaining A Green Card – Eligibility Categories
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website has an extensive list of the categories of people who are eligible for citizenship applications. Some categories are very niche, such as refugees from specific countries that were the benefits of a law or executive order that opened up a new path for lawful permanent residence. The most common ways that someone can receive a green card are:
- Being hired by a U.S.-based company for your skillset and expertise
- Having relatives that live and reside in the U.S.
- Obtaining a Green Card through the Department of State’s Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
The Diversity Immigrant Visa program is a special case where applicants from countries that historically have not had many immigrant applications to America are randomly chosen to receive roughly fifty thousand additional green cards. Citizens of countries that can not apply include citizens of China, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and India, but the list consists of many more. The 2023 list of countries eligible for this program is listed starting on page 16 of this State Department document.
Nuclear families with one American citizen can often be fast-tracked to their status in order to reunite the family within the country lawfully. A spouse, single child under the age of 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen is considered an Immediate Relative and may merit Green Card eligibility within three to eighteen months. Each individual case is unique, which is why seeking the advice of an immigration attorney is so essential.
Greencard holders that received their status through exceptional talent or ability related to their career often work as executives, researchers, professors, or other skilled workers. Some religious work is also eligible through green card status. The final way some receive green card status is through substantial investment in a U.S. company, with the current minimum amount totaling roughly $1 million.
The immigration process has always been complicated, but laws and regulations are changing rapidly. To best ensure green card eligibility, call an experienced immigration attorney. Probinsky & Cole has offices throughout Florida – Sarasota, Brandon, and Orlando – and have the skill and knowledge you need to navigate the immigration process.
