In order to stay at work, live for a long time and enjoy special benefits in the US, foreign citizens must own a green card. The green card is like "passing tickets", opening the long -term settlement in the flag. So what is American green card? What benefits are there around this card? Invite you to find out in the article below.
What is Permanent Resident Card?
The Permanent Resident Card is a card used to confirm the permanent residence status of foreigners in the United States. People with green cards will be considered by the government as a citizen of their country. And benefit the same benefits as true American citizens.
What Information is Typically Found on a U.S. Green Card?
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Gender
- Green Card Expiration Date
- A-Number: An 8- or 9-digit identification number, or USCIS# (a 9-digit number). This is assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to uniquely identify each individual, similar to a Social Security Number.
Owning a Green Card grants you the full rights of a lawful permanent resident, except for voting rights, which are reserved for U.S. citizens. There are two types of Green Cards: the 2-year Green Card and the 10-year Green Card.
A 2-year or 10-year Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is issued to immigrants as proof of their legal permanent residency in the U.S. Permanent residents enjoy many of the same benefits as U.S. citizens, including the right to work legally in the country.
2-Year U.S. Green Card
According to U.S. immigration laws, this type of Green Card is valid for only two years and is typically issued to individuals immigrating to the U.S. under the EB-5 investment program or through spousal sponsorship. The Green Card holder must meet two key conditions:
- Maintain a valid marital relationship with the sponsoring spouse (who is a U.S. citizen).
- Not remain outside the U.S. for more than six months per year.
After two years, the Green Card holder must meet specific conditions (depending on the immigration category) and ensure they do not stay outside the U.S. for more than six months per year to qualify for a 10-year Green Card.
If a Green Card holder needs to leave the U.S. for more than one year but less than two years due to business or other reasons, they will need a Re-Entry Permit to return without jeopardizing their residency status.
10-Year U.S. Green Card
Holders of the 10-year Green Card (permanent Green Card) may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet all the necessary requirements.
Once the 2-year Green Card expires, individuals who have complied with all U.S. legal requirements may be granted permanent residency through the 10-year Green Card.
If the Green Card holder has not yet passed the U.S. naturalization exam (required to become a U.S. citizen), they must renew their 10-year Green Card upon expiration while ensuring that they do not stay outside the U.S. for more than six months per year.
What Are the Benefits of Having a U.S. Green Card?
Owning a U.S. Green Card provides numerous advantages, including:
- Freedom of travel: You can enter and exit the U.S. freely and enjoy visa-free travel to over 150 countries and territories. You can also live anywhere in the U.S. without restrictions.
- Easy re-entry: When you present your Green Card at the border, the immigration system automatically recognizes you, reducing the risk of entry denial.
- Career opportunities: You can apply for jobs at any company that matches your qualifications and even start your own business, just like U.S. citizens. Retirement benefits are also available.
- Property ownership: You can buy houses, vehicles, or any type of real estate if you meet the financial requirements.
- Family sponsorship: You can sponsor family members for immigration once you have obtained your Green Card.
- Education benefits: Green Card holders receive free tuition for primary and secondary education and pay only one-third of the tuition fees compared to international students for higher education. Your children will also receive the same educational benefits.
Common Ways to Obtain a U.S. Green Card
Although U.S. immigration policies have become stricter in recent years, this has not significantly impacted the number of applications for U.S. permanent residency and Green Cards each year.
1. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is one of the fastest and safest pathways to obtaining a U.S. Green Card for investors. Launched by the U.S. government in 1990, this program helps boost employment in various regions. Each year, 10,000 visas are issued under this program.
Under the Regional Center investment model, investors can receive their capital back in cash or company shares while earning annual returns.
2. Family or Employment-Based Immigration
If you do not choose the EB-5 path, you can still apply for a Green Card through family-based or employment-based immigration.
- Family Sponsorship: Green Cards may be granted based on family relationships with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- Employment-Based Immigration: You may qualify for a Green Card through a U.S. job offer or if you already have a job in the U.S.
However, visa quotas for these categories are limited, and the application process is highly competitive.
Green Card Eligibility for Investors
EB-5 Program
There are two investment options under the EB-5 Green Card program:
- Investing $1,800,000 USD, which must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers (either directly or indirectly).
- Investing $900,000 USD, which must also create 10 jobs. However, this lower investment is only allowed in targeted areas, including regions with unemployment rates at least 150% higher than the national average or rural areas with lower population density.
EB-3 Program
To qualify for a Green Card under the EB-3 category, applicants must meet three main criteria:
- Skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, or other unskilled workers in eligible job sectors.
- A valid job offer or sponsorship from a U.S. employer that matches the applicant’s qualifications.
- Proper documentation proving qualifications, such as:
- A U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree.
- Professional certifications or licenses.
- Proof of work experience, such as employment records or recommendation letters.
The required documents vary by applicant category, and specific requirements depend on the job position and qualifications.
