GREEN CARD UPDATE

The Green Card is the key to settling and living in the United States. It also allows you to work for an American company or on your own without needing a visa. This document allows you to pass through customs without hindrance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what it is and how to obtain it.

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A GREEN CARD?

Before identifying the different ways to obtain a green card, let’s first clarify that a green card is not necessarily required to work in the U.S.: a work visa may suffice. The green card, also known as a permanent resident card, does not entitle the holder to vote or serve on a jury. The holder is also required to carry the card and proof of identity (such as a passport) at all times, in the event of an identity check by a peace officer. The green card is valid for ten years, or two years in the case of a conditional permanent resident. In all cases, the permanent resident card must be renewed before the expiry date, and the new American permanent resident must pay a fee of $165 to obtain the card itself.

The green card is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) according to certain selection criteria. Anyone holding a Green Card for more than 5 years is eligible to apply for naturalization. Unlike theESTA, the Green Card is one of the most difficult permits to obtain. Every year, thousands of people hope to obtain this sesame that will change their lives and careers.

HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD

Let’s now look at the different ways of obtaining the famous green card. There are specific rules to follow for each of the ways of obtaining the permanent residence card. Here are the four main routes to this end:

Family: American citizens over the age of 21 can apply for a green card to allow a member of their family (spouse, parents, children, brothers and sisters) to join them in the United States. The applicant is required to be honest about his or her spouse, as the American authorities are fighting hard to prevent sham marriages.

Work: a green card application may be supported by an American company wishing to hire you on a long-term or open-ended contract. In addition to assisting you with the application process and paperwork, your employer will also cover the application fees in certain cases. However, this method is reserved for “qualified” workers who meet the criteria required by the American government.

Refugee status: anyone recognized as an asylum seeker may apply for permanent residence in the United States if they have been in the country for more than one year.

The “green card lottery ” takes place every year, awarding this famous sesame to 50,000 of the 15 million participants. This program was set up to ensure a certain diversity in the immigrant population of the United States.

If you’re simply planning to visit the USA for a short time, you should know that there are simpler formalities for entering the United States, notably in the form of the ESTA.