Getting a Green Card is the dream of many immigrants who plan on settling permanently in the United States. Being able to secure this document is equivalent to getting a permanent authorization to work anywhere in the country and doing any profession, and to settle in any city or town. However, this very desired document is generally not accompanied by an easy or straightforward process. Many things have to come together, many requirements need to be filled and forms need to be filed before the Green Card becomes a reality.
What exactly is a Green Card?
A Green Card is the colloquial name given to the document received by permanent residents which allows them to work and live permanently in the United States. The origin of the name can be traced decades back when the card itself was that color. Through the years the card has changed colors to blue, pink, and yellow but the name is so well-known that it will be very difficult for people to start referring to it by any other name.
How can you get a Green Card?
You can be eligible to receive a Green Card through different pathways. These can be either through a family member, through your work, because you are a refuge and are seeking asylum or through a variety of other programs such as the Diversity Immigrant Visa or the lottery system.
What are the different types of Green Cards?
Your situation will dictate the type of Green Card you are eligible to apply for. These are some options:
Green Card Through Family Sponsorship
You may qualify to receive this type of Green Card if a close family member already lives in the United States and you want to be reunited. Immediate family is only a spouse, children, or parents that have obtained American citizenship or have their own Green Card.
Green Card Through Your Job
If you have found a job in the United States your employer can petition to come and work in this country. If this is your case, you will be bound to this employer and work for the company until the end of your contract. After that, you may be able to look for a job with another company.
Green Card Through the Diversity Lottery
Every year the United States holds what is called a visa lottery. Its purpose is to offer citizens from other countries, particularly those that have a low immigration rate to this country, to get a permanent residency card that would allow them to move and work to here right away.
Green Card for Returning Residents
It may happen that if you already have a Green Card, you have to travel internationally. Once at your destination, circumstances beyond your control prevent you from returning for more than one year. You may have been detained, war may have broken out or any other unexpected event might have happened. If you lose your Green Card, for this reason, you must prove you were unable to return by providing various documents in order for your status to be reinstated.
If you have an issue with your Green Card or need to apply for a new one, Immigration Lawyer Gonzalez has the resources and information you need to get this done. Reach out to him today to get started.
