Securing a green card can be one of the most difficult things for someone looking to move to the US, yet it is vital for anyone hoping to get a job and be able to support their family after the move. The majority of green cards are given to those who have an association with the US (i.e. with family in the US or who have been offered a job there). There are also a large range of other circumstances in which someone can be granted a green card, but these can be lengthy processes.
What Is A Green Card?
Essentially, a green card is a permit allowing a non-US citizen to live and work permanently in the US. It is a vital document for anyone looking to move to the USA for the foreseeable future. If you want to remain in the US a visa is not enough.
Who Can Get A US Green Card?
There are 11 different ways of getting a green card. For most expats, it’s only the first couple that will be of interest, but it’s worth checking all of the options if you are sure about moving to the US.
- Family-based immigration
- Employment-based immigration
- Green card lottery
- Investors
- Adoption (children under 16 who are adopted by US citizens or green card holders)
- Registry (foreign nationals who have lived in the US since January 1st 1972)
- Private Bill (individuals who Congress believe have humanitarian reasons for staying permanently in the country)
- Diplomats (diplomats unable to return to their home country for fear of persecution)
- Asylum (foreign nationals unable to return to their home country for fear of persecution)
- Refugees
- Special immigrants (consult the United States Citizenship and Immigration Bureau for a full list of these)
How Do I Get A US Green Card?
Every applicant will need to submit a number of forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Bureau, the type of forms needed to be filled out will all depend on the type of application someone takes.
The first step towards getting your green card is to submit the application. As there are so many different forms relating to the differing status of the applicant this can prove to be a very difficult process. This can be made a lot easier by knowing someone who is familiar to the application process who can help you with your application and lessen any confusion that may be caused. Green cards can be granted to those who have been offered a job in the US or have family already living in the country, with many other reasons included. Making finding the right application form one of the hardest parts of the process.
Once the right application has been found the rest of the process is rather straightforward, you just need to ensure you fill out the form correctly and honestly and send it off to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Bureau and then wait for them to inform you if the application has been accepted. Be aware that even if you are accepted the situation in the country can change from when the application was made, and this may affect your initial application. For more information on the criteria it is a good idea to contact a third-party firm or an official, if they are willing to discuss the matter with individuals.
There is no doubt that a green card is one of the most important (if not THE most important) parts of your move to the US, and it can also be one of the most challenging for those looking to move and make a living in the country. Being completely honest and being able to talk to someone who is familiar with the application could really help you in ensuring you get the green card you want.
For more information on moving to the US visit their Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
