For people interested in or already have green cards, there are many common questions. Green cards, also called permanent resident status, allow foreign born individuals to live and work in the United States legally. As of 2010 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows individuals with green cards to stay in the country for approximately 10 years.
How Can I Obtain a Green Card?
People are usually granted green cards when U.S. citizens or permanent residents sponsor them. The sponsors petition the USCIS by completing the Petition for Alien Relative, or Form I-130, to start the process. Sponsorship can occur through family members such as unmarried adult children and spouses and employers. However, there are other ways to obtain green cards. This options include being victims of trafficking, diversity immigrant visa program and through the military.
A Green Card is Valid for 10 Years, Why is Mine Only Good for 2 Years?
When people receive green cards for two years, they are considered conditional. There are two types of conditional green cards. Spouses married less than two years at the time they were granted permanent resident status, are considered conditional. The USCIS wants to make sure the spouses weren’t married to evade other immigration laws. Approximately 90 days before the conditional green card expires, the spouses must file Form I-751 also called Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence. The other category of conditional green card residents are entrepreneurs. Individuals are allowed to be in country for two years to conduct business. Although the green card can be extended for six months, it can’t be removed. Thus, entrepreneurs can’t become legal permanent residents.
Can I Enter the Military to Obtain a Green Card?
No, foreign born people interested in permanent resident status can’t obtain green cards through military service. However, they can become naturalized citizens through military service. And bypass the green card process. The timeframe for obtaining citizenship vary according to whether the country is at peace or in a period of hostility. When the country is at war, people can obtain citizenship on the first day of service.
Seek Legal Counsel
Anyone interested in obtain a green card should contact an immigration attorney. The attorney can guide anyone through the permanent resident process such as preparing them for interviews with USCIS officers.
