A green card is a colloquial name for the United States Permanent Resident Card. It is proof that a non-citizen cardholder is a permanent resident of the United States. This means that, for most purposes, this resident can live just as they would if they were a natural-born citizen.
However, the journey as an immigrant to obtaining a green card can be a long one. A green card can also be revoked in certain situations, for example, if a holder breaks the law or leaves the country for a long period of time. If you are an immigrant in the United States and you want to gain a free card, the following is an overview of those who may be eligible for a green card.
Family members of citizens and permanent residents
The majority of those who are able to obtain a green card are those who are relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. A person can qualify for a green card if they are married to a U.S. citizen, a parent of a U.S. citizen, or a child of a U.S. citizen if they are under 21 and unmarried. It’s also possible for more distant relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to obtain green cards.
Skilled workers
Those whose skills are needed in the U.S. may also be eligible for green cards. Professionals who are in high demand because of their advanced skills, talents and qualifications may be able to gain a green card so that they are able to live and work in the U.S.
Green card lotteries
In a bid to encourage ethnic diversity, green cards are offered to non-citizens from countries where few immigrate to the U.S.
It is also possible to gain a green card if you are an asylum seeker in the U.S. There are also other special cases that may be considered by courts. If you want to obtain a green card, make sure that you take early action to begin the journey.
