
Do you want to obtain permanent residency with a Green Card, but don't know where to start? The Green Card is a document that gives you the freedom to live and work in the United States legally and permanently.
If you are interested in learning how to get a Green Card, we recommend that you continue reading this article. Here you will find detailed information on how to start the application process, learning about the steps and procedures that may vary depending on your particular situation.
The Green Card, also known as the Permanent Resident Card, is a legal identification document intended for foreigners living in the United States. With this document, individuals who do not have American citizenship can legally reside and work in the country.
This card contains information such as your name, personal details and photo, serving as proof of your immigration status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The Green Card is usually granted through a relative or employer.
The Green Card is valid for 10 years for permanent residents. However, if you are a conditional resident, the validity will be only 2 years. In addition, the card can be revoked if the person commits a crime.
There are several ways to become a permanent resident of the United States, depending on the category under which you apply:
A U.S. citizen can apply for permanent residence for his/her parents, spouse, unmarried children, adult siblings, and also for his/her fiancé(e). This category also includes widows and widowers of U.S. citizens.
Similarly, Green Card holders can apply for permanent residency for their spouse and unmarried children. However, relatives such as cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents cannot apply.
This modality benefits certain foreign workers, doctors and investors with work visas ranging from EB-1 to EB-3, depending on their qualifications.
One of the most popular ways to obtain a Green Card is through the Diversity Visa Lottery. Every year, the United States offers citizens from countries with low immigration rates the opportunity to obtain a Green Card.
The list of countries eligible to participate in the lottery is reviewed annually, and some countries may be included or excluded each year.
This category applies to religious workers, special immigrant minors, Afghan or Iraqi translators who have worked for the U.S. government, journalists, and members of international organizations.
If you entered the U.S. as a refugee or asylum seeker, you can apply for a Green Card one year after receiving permanent resident status.
People who have been victims of specific crimes, who have suffered physical or mental abuse and have a nonimmigrant visa can apply for permanent residence.
If you have capital, you can opt for a Green Card through investment. This is an opportunity to reside in the United States and open your business, without having to wait long periods.
When opting for a Green Card as an investor, you do not need to:
To obtain permanent residency in the United States, known as a Green Card, you must meet seven fundamental requirements:
Following these requirements carefully is essential to increase your chances of successfully obtaining permanent residency.
Below, we list the requirements you must meet to obtain a Green Card and secure your residency in the United States. See the details:
These requirements are essential to maintaining permanent resident status in the United States.
Here are the main steps to get a Green Card in the United States:
The process of obtaining a Green Card through family ties involves some costs. For those residing in the United States, the approximate cost is US$1,560, while for those residing abroad, the cost is around US$1,200.
It is important to remember that these values do not include the costs of the mandatory medical examination, which may vary depending on the professional or health institution chosen to perform the procedure.