USA Green Card FAQs
It is advised that you read and understand the following FAQs (frequently
asked questions) before attempting to obtain a US Green Card. For additional
information, please email us with questions.
What is a USA green card?
What does it give me?
Why do people call it a "green card"?
How can I obtain this 'Alien Registration Receipt Card'?
Is it difficult to get a US green card?
What are the steps involved in processing a green card?
What are some common mistakes that people make on their application?
What should I do if my green card is expiring?
What is a USA green card?
A green card is an
immigrant visa to live in the United States. To be exact, it
is an identification card for a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the U.S. who
doesn’t have American citizenship. Issued by the US Government, the green card
allows foreign nationals to take up any employment or to get self-employed. (see
Green Card page for more information)
What does it give me?
As a green card holder, you are entitled to a large number of benefits. You can
work in both the public and private sectors. You can begin a business or join
the US armed forces. You can qualify for lower education fees, social security
benefits, and health insurance profits.
Besides, you have the right to apply for green cards for other family members,
and the possibility to get US citizenship after 3 or 5 years. The duration of
time depends upon the type of entry permit (US visa) you hold. Another plus point
is that a green card does not affect your residency in another nation. You can
maintain your current citizenship (foreign residency) while entering and leaving
the United States freely.
Like every U.S. citizen over 18, the green card holders have the right to vote
in local and state elections. But, they are disqualified from voting in federal
elections.
Why do people call it a "green card"?
At one time the green card was “green,” which is how it derived its name. It has
undergone many alterations, and is now “pink!” This identity card contains the
foreign national’s photograph, signature, and fingerprint. The green card is
renewable after ten years. Visit
Green Card
Renewal page for further information regarding the renewal of green card
.
How can I obtain this 'Alien Registration Receipt Card'?
You can opt for the following routes to get your green card:
Is it difficult to get a US green card?
Currently, US immigration is controlled by very strict rules. So, it is not very
simple to have a request of immigration accepted. The bureaucratic procedure of
issuing a green card is a very long and costly process.
What are the steps involved in processing a green card?
For achieving US immigrant status, the applicant has to go through a three-step
procedure. The length of the whole procedure varies depending upon the country
of nationality and the type of application. The steps include:
- USCIS approves the immigrant petition by a qualified family member, an
employer, or in rare situation such as with an investor visa, the candidate.
- If the applicant is not an "immediate relative", he/she must obtain an
immigrant visa number from the State Department. This number might not be
instantly available, though the USCIS approves the immigrant petition. This is
because the immigration law limits the amount of permanent visa numbers per
year. There are also certain extra restrictions by country. So, most
immigrants need to wait for a long time before going to the next step of their
immigrant visa processing. But, an immigrant who is an immediate relative is
not subjected to the limited quotas of immigrant visas. Also, he/she may go
head to the next step immediately.
- When the immigrant visa number is obtained, the immigrant living in the
U.S. must apply with USCIS to adjust their present status to permanent
resident status. If the immigrant lives outside the U.S., he/she must apply
for an immigrant visa at the nearest ‘USA Consulate’ before being allowed to
come to the United States. Visit Green
Card Processing page, to know more about processing a green card.
What are some common mistakes that people make on their application?
- The wrong photograph size, format, resolution and color depth
- Incomplete and inaccurate application forms
What should I do if my green card is expiring?
Immigrants with an expiring green card will not lose their lawful resident
status in the U.S. However, they are required to renew their card to show proof
of their status, eligibility for employment, and to evade problems while
reentering the country. Renewal applicants will get temporary proof of their LPR
status when they go to their local INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service)
office. You can apply up to 6 months prior to the expiration date of the green
card.
