Everything You Need to Know About Green Card Eligibility and Procedures
This comprehensive guide explains everything about Green Card eligibility, application procedures, renewal processes, and crucial legal requirements. Learn how to apply, renew, and maintain your permanent resident status with clear and detailed information, ensuring you stay compliant and informed about your rights and responsibilities as a Green Card holder.
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Understanding Green Card: Essential Information
Overview of the Green Card System
The Green Card is a commonly used term for lawful permanent residency in a country. It grants individuals the legal right to reside and work permanently within the nation. Acquiring a Green Card involves a three-step immigration process. If you are 18 or older and hold permanent resident status, carrying your Green Card at all times is mandatory. Failure to do so can result in detention for up to 30 days and a fine of $100. Additionally, non-compliance with certain conditions can lead to removal from the country.
The Green Card previously known as the Alien Registration Card, is named for its distinctive green hue, which has become symbolic. This document confirms an individual's lawful permanent resident status in the country. It also serves as proof of legal immigration, granting rights such as residence and employment.
Who Qualifies to Apply for a Green Card?
Family-based Green Card applications
Employment-based Green Card applications
Special immigrant categories
Refugees and Asylees (resided in the country for at least one year)
Victims of crimes or human trafficking with specific visas
Individuals applying through registry (residing since January 1, 1972)
Other eligibility categories
Application Process for a Green Card
Eligible applicants must complete the Green Card application form and an immigration petition.
Many applicants must file an immigration petition themselves; others require a sponsor or petitioner.
Common Petitions for Green Card
Family relationship petitions
Employment-based petitions
Refugee or asylee relative petitions
Special immigrant petitions
Entrepreneur petitions
Nonimmigrant status petitions
Renewal Guidelines for Green Cards
Cards issued between January 1977 and August 1989 do not require renewal, as they lack expiration dates.
Permanent residents with 10-year cards must renew before expiration by submitting Form I-90 online or by mail.
Conditional residents possess a 2-year card that cannot be renewed; they must file to remove conditions within 90 days of the expiry date.
Failure to remove conditions results in loss of permanent residency status.
