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Did you know that in 2017 over 22.4 million people applied for a green card? One such way to apply for a green card in the United States is through a lottery system that grants 55,000 people green cards every year.
But what is a green card and what are the benefits of a green card? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about green cards and permanent residence in the US.
What Is a Green Card?
If you’ve ever wondered what does a green card do? We have the answers you need, a green card is a permit that allows immigrants to live and work in the US. The green card, or Lawful Permanent Resident Card as it is officially known, acts as an identification card.
Short-term visa options, such as the Visa Waiver Program allows visitors to stay in the US for up to 90 days without a visa. Other visas can grant permission to stay in the country for up to six months. However, if you want to stay and work in the United States for a prolonged period of time, you will need to secure a green card.
What Are the Types of Green Cards?
There are three main ways in which you can get a green card. The first is via your workplace. If you have skills that the US needs or have a job offer within an organization then you are more likely to be offered an employment green card.
The second way you can get a green card is through family reunions. For example, if you marry someone who is a US American or a green card holder then you may also be able to get a green card. Family reunion green cards also cover those who are related to a US American or green card holder, for example, a parent or adoptive parent.
The third way to get a green card is by winning the green card lottery. As mentioned, the green card lottery grants 55,000 green cards annually and is part of the United States Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.
What Are the Green Card Benefits?
So, why get a green card? Green cards come with a wealth of benefits. For example, with a green card, you can sponsor your relatives and help them get a green card so you can all live together.
Another benefit of getting a green card is that it might be able to decrease the cost of studying at college or schools in the United States. International students tend to pay more towards their tuition. However, those with green cards can save money on tuition and may be eligible for financial aid.
Green card holders can also claim the Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. These social security benefits include medical care assistance, childcare assistance, and food benefits.
Learn more about green card issuance and see whether you need the help of an immigration lawyer to secure permanent residence in the United States.
Apply for Your Green Card Now
As you can see living the American dream could be easier than you thought it was. Use our guide to find out what is a green card and why you should try and get one today.
If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure you check out some of our other news, life, and health and fitness articles.
