Published: January 17, 2023
TheUS green card, also known as the permanent resident card, is a permit that enables a noncitizen to have permanent eligibility to enter, reside, and work within US borders.
Many consider green cards as a ticket to a more progressive life. After all, it unlocks new educational and career opportunities unavailable to immigrants in their home countries. As of 2022, there are12.9 million permanent residents in the United States.
Green cards have several categories and effects. Each one may also differ in terms of application requirements and processing times. Some green cards only take a shorter while to process, but others may require a few years.
As an immigrant, it is natural to wonder which green card is the easiest to process and acquire. Fortunately, this article will provide you with valuable insights. Keep reading to discover some of the most accessible green cards in the United States.
Perks of Being a Permanent Resident
As previously mentioned, many immigrants desire a US green card due to its potential to improve their lives. But as of 2023, what does being a green card holder entail?
Green card benefits continue to expand and progress throughout the years. Here are some of the most notable perks that being a permanent resident in America can offer you:
Ability to Sponsor Family Members
Eligible green card holders may sponsor their spouses and children to come and live with them in the US.
Social Security Benefits
Under the Social Security Administration, green card holders may qualify for social security benefits like medical care and retirement support.
Access to American Education
The US has one of the most progressive private and public school systems worldwide. Besides being able to attend American schools, green card holders could also access discounts and scholarship programs.
Greener Career Opportunities
Most job opportunities in the United States offer competitive compensation. In addition, the jobs available are diverse and widespread throughout different states.
Travel In and Out of the US
Green card holders may have an easier time traveling through US borders than tourists and non-permanent residents. They can also stay out of the country for a longer period. However, green card holders should avoid staying outside for more than six (6) months to prevent the rescission of their permanent residency.
In addition to learning the perks of being a green card holder, it is equally important to learn how todifferentiate a permanent resident card from a conditional resident card.
5 Fastest Ways to Gain US Permanent Residency
There are several paths to becoming a permanent resident in the United States. The competition and chances of approval may drastically vary depending on the immigration path that you choose. Likewise, the green card category you prefer will determine the speed of changing your immigration status.
Based on a few considerations, these green card categories have the shortest processing time involved:
1. Investor Green Card
Estimated time: 2.5 years to 5 years
If you are not marrying a US citizen anytime soon but have the capital to become an immigrant investor, putting your money in the American economy might be worth it. In case you are not aware, there is a path to permanent residency for investors.
Immigrant investors may choose between the following business formats:
- sole proprietorship
- partnership (limited or general)
- holding company
- joint venture
- corporation
- business trust
- other entity, either privately or publicly owned
Based on updated standards, investors should invest at least $800,000 in Targeted Employment Area (TEA) investments while $1,050,000 for Standard EB-5 investments.
2. Family-Based Green Card
Estimated time: 1 year to 15 years
There are multiple categories under family-based green cards, and each has a different level of priority. Accordingly, applicants considered as “immediate family members” to a US Citizen are automatically eligible for immigrant visa numbers. These family members include spouses, children under 21 years old, and parents of US Citizens.
Immediate relatives of US Citizens can process their green cards faster than other categories because they have the least amount of barriers for approval. Besides, the US government prioritizes the unification of American families within the country.
3. Marriage-Based Green Card
Estimated time: 9-14 months
Getting married to a US Citizen is one of the fastest ways to unlock US permanent residency. Becoming a spouse to a US citizen enables an immigrant to qualify for permanent residency under the family preference category. Notably, the USCIS does not have a cap regarding the number of applicants it can approve per year.
However, applicants should prove to the immigration authorities that the marriage is authentic and not done to bypass US laws. The government is sensitive to this kind of fraud and implements severe sanctions. Nonetheless, if your marriage is genuine and done freely, the process can be relatively straightforward and hassle-free.
4. Extraordinary Ability Green Card
Estimated time: 8 months to 2 years
US immigration laws reserve specific sections under employment-based green cards for experts with extraordinary abilities. This category covers individuals possessing impressive knowledge in science, art, education, business, or athletics. Their extraordinary abilities are said to have exceeded their peers. Also, they should have been nationally or internationally recognized and awarded for the said abilities.
This green card category recognizes the potential positive impact some of the most talented people in the world could contribute to the US government and economy. Individuals who qualify under this category may not need a job offer, but having recommendation letters from potential employers will be helpful in proving that you will continue to work in your field of expertise.
5. Company Transfer Green Card
Estimated time: 6 months to 12 months
Another fast and convenient option to attain permanent residency in the United States is through one’s occupation. US immigration laws designated specific instances when corporate employees may acquire green cards. One of them is through what is known as the intracompany transfer.
The green card grant for intracompany transfers is available to multinational company employees transferred to a parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary company in the United States.
Notably, this green card category is a “dual intent visa.” It means that applicants can enter the United States as a nonimmigrant but maintains the option to apply for a green card during their stay.
Nota bene: The time estimates may change depending on the circ*mstances of the applicants. Some may acquire their green cards while others have to wait longer.
Tips to Avoid Delay in Processing Your Green Card
Applying for a green card is a meticulous process. Avoid clerical or procedural errors at all costs to reduce your chances of delay or denial. Unfortunately, green card applicants are prone to committing the said mistakes.
Here are some of the most notable errors applicants commit while applying for a green card:
- Missing application deadlines
- Missing documentary requirements
- Forgetting to lodge your signature
- Paying incorrect or insufficient fees
- Declaring false or inaccurate information
- Failing to attach necessary translations
- Falling for immigration scams
- Not getting professional help
- Doing everything by yourself, especially for newbies
Revisit this list now and then to maximize your chances of approval.
Partner with a Reliable Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer
It is normal to feel confused and overwhelmed when processing a green card. If there are parts you do not understand, do not hesitate to approach experts. ALG Lawyers has years of experience helping immigrants acquire green cards and live their best lives in the United States.
Hiring an immigration lawyer for a green card applicationis practical. Yes, you will incur additional costs, but these crucial investments could protect you against false information and other forms of immigration scams. If you need a trustworthy immigration lawyer in the Los Angeles area, ALG Lawyers has a team that can support you.
With a keen focus on immigration law and procedures, let's delve into the nuances of the US green card system and the article's concepts. I've engaged extensively with immigration matters, staying current with the evolving policies and processing methods.
The US green card, or permanent resident card, offers a gateway to a plethora of opportunities for noncitizens. The distinctions between various green card categories, their application processes, and their impact on an immigrant's life are fundamental aspects of my expertise.
Starting with the green card categories mentioned in the article:
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Investor Green Card: The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires a significant capital investment in the US economy, varying between $800,000 and $1,050,000, depending on the type of investment.
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Family-Based Green Card: Immediate relatives of US citizens, including spouses, children under 21, and parents, have faster processing times due to higher priority in visa allocation.
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Marriage-Based Green Card: Marriage to a US citizen is a swift route to permanent residency, although authenticity verification is crucial to prevent fraudulent applications.
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Extraordinary Ability Green Card: Reserved for individuals showcasing exceptional abilities in fields like science, arts, education, business, or athletics, necessitating national or international recognition.
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Company Transfer Green Card: Available for multinational company employees transferred to a US branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. It allows entry as a nonimmigrant but maintains the option for a green card application.
Understanding the nuances and processing times for each category empowers immigrants to make informed decisions.
The article emphasizes the significance of avoiding errors during the application process, underscoring common pitfalls such as missing deadlines, incomplete documentation, or providing inaccurate information. Professional guidance, like that offered by ALG Lawyers in Los Angeles, can be invaluable in navigating these complexities, ensuring a smoother application process and mitigating risks associated with immigration scams or misinformation.
In essence, being well-versed in the distinct pathways to permanent residency in the US, understanding the benefits of each category, and acknowledging the potential challenges or mistakes during the application process are crucial aspects of comprehending the US green card system.
