An Immigration Lawyer Educates Us On The Topic Of Green Cards
Thousands of people around the globe are ready to give up anything for the coveted green card status in the United States
. A green card or a legal permanent status can open a world of opportunities for any immigration. It is common for an immigrant to seek help from an Immigration lawyer in the process of filing for a green card as the immigration authorities receive thousands of applications every year and wrong or incomplete information can lead to the rejection of the application. It is common for immigrants to have various misconceptions about the application process. An Immigration lawyer talks more about the green card and its various requisites in the section below for the benefit of the immigrants.
What is the difference between a citizen and a green card holder?
A green card holder or a lawful permanent resident has the right to reside in the United States for an indefinite period along with a right of employment. However, a lawful citizen as more rights in comparison to a green card holder such s that of being employed in government jobs, right to vote and the freedom to travel to any part of the world. Green card holders on the other hand require a visa and may risk losing their status if they stay outside the United States for duration of more than six months.
How can an individual become a green card holder?
There are a specific number of green cards issued by the immigration authorities every year. An individual is deemed eligible for a green card if he/she fulfils various conditions. Spouses of the US citzen or unmarried children are granted green cards. This status is also given to those with considerable investment in the United States or the winners of visa lottery. Individuals who have resided in the United States for more than one year on an asylum status or as a refugee are also deemed eligible to apply for a legal permanent residents status. Those having a work visa and hired by US employers can also apply for a green card.
What is the process involved in filing for a green card?
The visa process of obtaining a green card usually requires around two to four steps. In cases of employers, it requires filing for a labor certification request in cases of foreign workers. The initial visa petition can be filed with the immigration authorities that can be either by Form I-140 (by employers), I-130 (by family members), or I-129F (by U.S. citizen fiancs). This step is usually followed by the waiting stage especially in those cases where the visa has annual limits. The last step usually involves filing the application with the USCIS.