Each year, the United States government issues more than one million Green Cards. Most were awarded to family members of United States citizens and current Green Card holders, followed by workers from other countries seeking work in the United States as the next largest group of recipients.
But there are many other categories of Green Cards. This field guide provides a basic overview of the most common types and who can apply.
Below you will find 5 benefits that you will receive once you get your Green Card.
1. You can sponsor close relatives
If you hold a US Green Card , it gives you the opportunity to sponsor your immediate family members and gives them the ability to live in the United States with you. “Direct family members” are defined by U.S. Immigration as unmarried children under 21 years of age, parents, and spouses. Check out our glossary for more definitions related to immigration.
It is also possible to sponsor extended family members through the Preferred Family category. That will make it easier for them to accept residency status on their own.
2. Pay less university fees
Many colleges, universities, and vocational schools in the United States charge higher tuition fees for both overseas and international students. There are countries where the number can be more than 50% more per year. With a Green Card, you are considered a resident of the state and can save money on tuition.
As a permanent legal resident, you are also entitled to apply for – and receive – federal financial assistance for your education. You may also qualify for significant financial assistance from the government to pay for your studies, which can reduce – if not eliminate – tuition fees.
3. Easier travel to and from the United States
One of the best benefits of having a Green Card is that it makes traveling to and from the United States much easier than having a temporary visa or student visa. The US Immigration Service is required to accept all Green Card holders as the card is a symbol of their legal status in the country. This is one of the many problems that come with having an expired green card, which is one of the reasons why it is so important to renew your green card well in advance of the expiration date.
Please note that you may experience additional problems if you stay abroad for a period of six months or more. US Immigration will then have the right to question whether you really plan to make the United States your permanent residence. They may even choose to revoke your Green Card.
4. Be eligible to receive social security benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA), which is primarily funded through payroll taxes, offers economic security to retirees and people with disabilities, as well as their families. About 1 in 4 American families depend on social security benefits.
These benefits range from food and child care assistance to medical care assistance.
Green Card holders can qualify for this social security benefit through their permanent resident status. For example, green card holders who have more than ten years of work experience can claim retirement benefits after working in the United States for ten years.
5. Better career opportunities in America
Another advantage of having a Green Card is access to better career opportunities. While the average immigrant needs to be sponsored for their work visa by the company they work for, a permanent resident Green Card is legally free to work for almost any company in the United States. They can also set up their own company or become entrepreneurs if they wish.
For more information on green cards, you may consider consulting and consulting assistance for green card program plans from immigration specialists.
For free consultation and assessment please visit usgreencardoffice.com