A green card is an official document that proves that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It allows you to live and work in the US indefinitely, without having to renew your visa or worry about deportation. It also gives you access to various rights and benefits that are not available to non-residents.
Many people who want to live and work in the US dream of getting a green card, as it opens up many opportunities and advantages for them and their families. However, getting a green card is not easy, as it involves meeting certain eligibility criteria, going through a complex application process, and facing some potential drawbacks.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of having a green card, as well as the drawbacks, and how to apply for one. We will also provide some tips and advice on how to increase your chances of getting a green card and enjoying its benefits.
The Benefits of Having a Green Card
Having a green card comes with many benefits that can improve your quality of life, career prospects, education opportunities, travel options, family situation, and social security. Here are some of the main benefits of having a green card:
Permanent Residence Status
One of the most obvious and important benefits of having a green card is that it grants you permanent residence status in the US. This means that you have the right to live and work in the US indefinitely, without having to renew your visa or worry about deportation.
You also have the freedom to choose where you want to live and work in the US, as you are not tied to a specific employer or location. You can move across states, change jobs, or start your own business as you please.
Having permanent residence status also gives you more stability and security, as you do not have to worry about losing your status or being separated from your family due to immigration issues. You can also apply for various government services and programs that are only available to residents.
Employment Opportunities
Another major benefit of having a green card is that it gives you access to more jobs and career opportunities in the US. As a green card holder, you can work for any employer in any industry, without needing a work permit or sponsorship. You can also start your own business or invest in one, as you have the same rights and responsibilities as US citizens when it comes to taxes and regulations.
Having a green card also makes you more attractive and competitive in the job market, as employers prefer hiring workers who do not need visas or sponsorship. You can also negotiate better salaries and benefits, as you have more bargaining power and flexibility.
Additionally, having a green card allows you to pursue further education or training that can enhance your skills and qualifications. You can also join professional associations and unions that can help you network and advance your career.
Education Benefits
Having a green card also allows you to enjoy various education benefits that can help you achieve your academic goals and aspirations. As a green card holder, you can apply for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants for higher education in the US, which can reduce your tuition costs significantly.
You can also pay lower tuition fees as a resident, compared to non-residents who pay higher fees for out-of-state or international students. This can save you thousands of dollars per year and make college more affordable and accessible for you.
Moreover, having a green card enables you to attend any public or private school or college in the US, without any restrictions or limitations. You can choose the best institution that suits your needs and interests, regardless of its location or reputation.
Travel Benefits
Another benefit of having a green card is that it enables you to travel freely in and out of the US, without needing a visa or permission from the authorities. You can visit your home country or any other country in the world as often as you want, for as long as you want.
You also do not have to worry about losing your status or being denied entry if you leave the US for more than six months, as long as you obtain a re-entry permit before leaving. A re-entry permit is valid for up to two years and allows you to preserve your permanent residence status while travelling abroad.
Furthermore, having a green card makes it easier for you to obtain visas for other countries, as many countries have visa waiver agreements with the US or offer visa-free entry for US permanent residents. This can save you time and money when planning your trips overseas.
Family Benefits
Having a green card also allows you to enjoy various family-related benefits that can improve your personal and emotional well-being. As a green card holder, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings for permanent residence in the US, as long as they meet certain requirements such as age, marital status, health, and criminal background.
You can also enjoy other family-related benefits such as inheritance rights, health insurance coverage, spousal support, child support, custody rights, adoption rights, and divorce rights. These benefits can protect your interests and rights in case of death, illness, separation, or divorce.
Additionally, having a green card enables you to share your culture and heritage with your family members who join you in the US. You can celebrate your traditions, festivals, languages, cuisines, and religions with them and pass them on to your children. You can also expose them to the diversity and richness of American culture and society.
Social Benefits
Having a green card also entitles you to various social benefits that can support your financial and health needs. As a green card holder, you can participate in various social programs such as social security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, and retirement benefits.
Social security is a program that provides monthly payments to workers who retire, become disabled, or die. You can qualify for social security benefits if you have worked and paid taxes in the US for at least 10 years. You can also receive benefits as a spouse or dependent of a worker who qualifies.
Medicare is a program that provides health insurance to people who are 65 years or older, disabled, or have certain diseases. You can qualify for Medicare if you have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can also receive Medicare benefits as a spouse or dependent of a person who qualifies.
Unemployment insurance is a program that provides temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. You can qualify for unemployment insurance if you have worked and earned enough wages in the US within a certain period of time. You can also receive unemployment benefits if you are actively looking for work and meet other eligibility requirements.
Retirement benefits are programs that provide income and savings to workers who retire or stop working. You can qualify for retirement benefits if you have contributed to a retirement plan such as a 401(k), IRA, or pension plan. You can also receive retirement benefits from your employer or the government, depending on your situation.
These social benefits can help you cope with unexpected events, emergencies, or challenges that may arise in your life. They can also help you plan for your future and enjoy your golden years.
Citizenship Eligibility
One of the most significant benefits of having a green card is that it makes you eligible to apply for US citizenship after meeting certain requirements. US citizenship is the highest status that you can attain in the US, as it grants you full rights and privileges that are not available to non-citizens.
As a US citizen, you can vote in federal, state, and local elections, run for public office, serve on a jury, obtain a US passport, travel without restrictions, apply for federal jobs, receive federal grants and scholarships, and enjoy diplomatic protection abroad.
You can also sponsor more relatives for permanent residence in the US, such as grandparents, cousins, nieces, and nephews. You can also pass on your citizenship to your children, even if they are born outside the US.
To apply for US citizenship, you must meet certain requirements such as:
- Having a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a US citizen)
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having continuous residence and physical presence in the US
- Having good moral character and no serious criminal convictions
- Having basic knowledge of English and US history and government
- Taking an oath of allegiance to the US
The process of applying for US citizenship involves filing an application form, submitting supporting documents, paying fees, taking a biometrics appointment, attending an interview, passing a test, and attending a naturalization ceremony.
Applying for US citizenship is a personal choice that depends on your goals and preferences. However, many green card holders choose to become US citizens because of the many benefits and opportunities that it offers.
The Drawbacks of Having a Green Card
Having a green card also comes with some drawbacks that you should be aware of before applying for one. These drawbacks may affect your tax obligations, military service obligations, and permanent residence status. Here are some of the main drawbacks of having a green card:
Tax Obligations
One of the drawbacks of having a green card is that it makes you subject to US federal income tax on your worldwide income, regardless of where you live or work. This means that you have to report and pay taxes on all your income from any source, including foreign income such as wages, interest, dividends, capital gains, pensions, royalties, etc.
As a permanent resident, you are required to file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) every year by April 15th (or October 15th if you request an extension). Depending on where you live or work in the US, you may also need to file state and local tax returns. To reduce your tax liability, you can claim foreign tax credits or deductions for taxes paid to other countries. Additionally, under certain conditions, you may be able to exclude some foreign income from taxation. However, these rules are complex and may require professional advice.
Having a green card may also affect your tax obligations in your home country or other countries where you have income or assets. You may have to pay taxes to both countries or avoid double taxation by claiming tax treaties or agreements. You may also have to report your foreign bank accounts and assets to both countries under certain thresholds.
These tax obligations may be burdensome and costly for some green card holders who have substantial foreign income or assets. They may also create compliance and reporting issues that may result in penalties or audits. Therefore, you should consult a tax professional before applying for a green card or moving abroad.
Selective Service Registration
Another drawback of having a green card is that it requires you to register with the Selective Service System if you are a male between 18 and 25 years old. The Selective Service System is a government agency that maintains a database of potential conscripts for the US military in case of a national emergency.
Registering with the Selective Service System does not mean that you will be drafted into the military, as the US has not used the draft since 1973. However, it means that you may be drafted if the US Congress and the President authorize a draft in the future.
Registering with the Selective Service System is mandatory for all male green card holders who meet the age criteria. Failing to register may result in fines, imprisonment, or loss of benefits such as federal student loans, grants, scholarships, citizenship, or employment. You can register online, by mail, or at any post office.
Registering with the Selective Service System may be a drawback for some green card holders who do not want to serve in the US military or who have objections to war or violence. It may also create conflicts with their home country or other countries where they have citizenship or allegiance.
Abandonment Risk
Another drawback of having a green card is that it may be revoked if you leave the US for more than six months without obtaining a re-entry permit or if you commit certain crimes or violate immigration laws. This means that you may lose your permanent residence status and all its benefits if you are not careful.
Leaving the US for more than six months without a re-entry permit may raise questions about your intention to reside permanently in the US. You may be asked to prove that you did not abandon your residence by showing evidence such as your ties to the US, your reasons for leaving, your duration of stay abroad, and your plans to return.
Committing certain crimes or violating immigration laws may also result in the loss of your green card. These crimes include aggravated felonies, crimes of moral turpitude, drug offenses, terrorism offenses, fraud offenses, etc. These violations include failing to report changes of address, failing to file tax returns, voting illegally, etc.
Losing your green card may also result in deportation or removal from the US. You may also be barred from re-entering the US or applying for another green card in the future. Therefore, you should be careful about maintaining your residence and complying with the law while having a green card.
How to Apply for a Green Card
If you are interested in applying for a green card and enjoying its benefits, you need to know how to qualify and apply for one. There are different ways you can qualify for a green card such as through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, diversity lottery, asylum or refugee status, or special categories. Here are some of the main ways to apply for a green card:
Eligibility Criteria
The first step to apply for a green card is to determine your eligibility criteria based on your situation and category. You need to meet certain requirements such as:
- Having a sponsor who is a US citizen or permanent resident (for family sponsorship) or an employer who is willing to hire you (for employment sponsorship)
- Having a valid visa or status in the US (for adjustment of status) or being outside the US (for consular processing)
- Having no criminal record or immigration violations that may make you inadmissible
- Having enough financial resources or support to avoid becoming a public charge
- Having good health and passing a medical examination
- Having an approved immigrant petition (Form I-130 for family sponsorship or Form I-140 for employment sponsorship) or winning the diversity lottery (Form DS-260)
To check your eligibility for a green card, you can use online tools such as the Green Card Eligibility Tool or the Visa Bulletin. Additionally, consulting an immigration lawyer or an authorized representative for guidance and advice is also an option.
Application Process
The second step to apply for a green card is to follow the application process based on your situation and category. The application process involves several steps such as:
- Filing an immigrant petition (Form I-130 for family sponsorship or Form I-140 for employment sponsorship) with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying the filing fee
- Waiting for approval of your immigrant petition and availability of your visa number based on your preference category and priority date
- Filing an application for adjustment of status (Form I-485) with USCIS if you are already in the US and paying the filing fee
- Filing an application for consular processing (Form DS-260) with the National Visa Center (NVC) if you are outside the US and paying the filing fee
- Submitting supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, passport photos, police certificates, etc.
- Paying fees such as affidavit of support fee, immigrant visa fee, etc.
- Attending a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature
- Attending an interview at a USCIS office (for adjustment of status) or a US embassy or consulate (for consular processing) to answer questions about your application and eligibility
- Passing a test on English and US civics (for citizenship eligibility)
- Waiting for approval of your application and issuance of your green card
The application process may take several months or years depending on your category, country of origin, and processing times. You can check your application status online using tools such as the Case Status Online or the CEAC Status Check. You can also contact USCIS or NVC for updates and inquiries.
Tips and Advice
The third step to apply for a green card is to follow some tips and advice that can help you increase your chances of getting a green card and avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. Here are some tips and advice to consider:
- Hire an immigration lawyer or an authorized representative who can help you prepare your application, review your documents, represent you in the process, and advise you on your options and rights
- Prepare well for the interview by researching common questions, practicing your answers, dressing professionally, arriving on time, being polite and respectful, and bringing all the required documents
- Avoid scams and frauds by verifying the credentials and reputation of your lawyer or representative, paying fees only to official agencies or entities, not signing any documents that you do not understand or agree with, and reporting any suspicious activities or offers
- Check your application status regularly by using online tools or contacting USCIS or NVC, and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or evidence
- Maintain your residence and compliance with the law while waiting for your green card, and do not leave the US for more than six months without a re-entry permit
Applying for a green card can be a challenging and rewarding process that can change your life for the better. By following these steps and tips, you can make your application process smoother and faster, and achieve your dream of becoming a permanent resident of the US.
Conclusion
Having a green card is one of the best ways to live and work in the US legally and permanently. It offers many benefits such as permanent residence status, employment opportunities, education benefits, travel benefits, family benefits, social benefits, and citizenship eligibility. However, it also comes with some drawbacks such as tax obligations, selective service registration, and abandonment risk.
To apply for a green card, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria based on your situation and category. You also need to follow a complex application process that involves filing an immigrant petition, submitting supporting documents, paying fees, attending an interview, passing a test, and waiting for approval. You can also follow some tips and advice that can help you increase your chances of getting a green card and avoid common mistakes and pitfalls.
If you are interested in applying for a green card or learning more about it, you can visit the official website of USCIS at https://www.uscis.gov/green-card or contact an immigration lawyer or an authorized representative for guidance and assistance.
We hope this article has helped you understand what are the benefits of having a green card and how to apply for one. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about having a green card:
How long does it take to get a green card?
The time it takes to get a green card depends on several factors such as your category, country of origin, processing times, etc. It may take anywhere from a few months to several years. You can check the current processing times at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ or https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html.
How much does it cost to get a green card?
The cost of getting a green card varies depending on your category, method of application, etc. It may include fees such as filing fee, affidavit of support fee, immigrant visa fee, biometrics fee, medical examination fee, etc. You can check the current fees at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/our-fees or https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/collect-and-submit-forms-and-documents-to-the-nvc/step-6-pay-fees.html.
Can I travel with a green card?
Yes, you can travel with a green card in and out of the US without needing a visa or permission from the authorities. However, you should not leave the US for more than six months without obtaining a re-entry permit or you may risk losing your permanent residence status. You should also carry your green card with you at all times when travelling.
Can I work with a green card?
Yes, you can work with a green card for any employer in any industry, without needing a work permit or sponsorship. You can also start your own business or invest in one, as you have the same rights and responsibilities as US citizens when it comes to taxes and regulations. You should also update your social security card with your new status and name (if applicable).
Can I study with a green card?
Yes, you can study with a green card at any public or private school or college in the US, without any restrictions or limitations. You can also apply for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants for higher education in the US, as well as pay lower tuition fees as a resident. You should also update your school records with your new status and name (if applicable).
Can I sponsor my family members for a green card?
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings for permanent residence in the US, as long as they meet certain requirements such as age, marital status, health, and criminal background. You can file an immigrant petition (Form I-130) for each family member you want to sponsor and wait for their visa number to become available based on their preference category and priority date.
Can I apply for US citizenship with a green card?
Yes, you can apply for US citizenship with a green card after meeting certain requirements such as having a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a US citizen), being at least 18 years old, having continuous residence and physical presence in the US, having good moral character and no serious criminal convictions, having basic knowledge of English and US history and government, and taking an oath of allegiance to the US. You can file an application for naturalization (Form N-400) and follow the same steps as applying for a green card.
Can I lose my green card?
Yes, you can lose your green card if you leave the US for more than six months without obtaining a re-entry permit or if you commit certain crimes or violate immigration laws. You may also lose your green card if you voluntarily renounce it or become a citizen of another country. You may also be subject to deportation or removal proceedings if you are found to be inadmissible or deportable.
How can I renew my green card?
It is important to renew your green card every 10 years or before it expires to avoid any problems or delays with your status or benefits. To do so, you can file an application for renewal (Form I-90) with USCIS and pay the filing fee. Additionally, you will need to submit supporting documents such as your expired or expiring green card and passport photos.
How can I replace my green card?
If your green card is lost, stolen, damaged, mutilated, incorrect, or outdated, it is important to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any problems or delays with your status or benefits. To do so, you can file an application for replacement (Form I-90) with USCIS and pay the filing fee. Additionally, you will need to submit supporting documents such as your original or copy of your green card, passport photos, and a police report (if applicable).
