Green Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Green cards are the lawful permanent citizenship documents for people outside of the United States. Since the color of the card is green, it’s called a green card. The card is officially named Form I(-551. Foreign people who want to live or work in the United States need to obtain a green card. Here are some facts about green cards:

- If you have obtained a temporary or conditional green card for getting married to a US citizen recently, your green card is valid for only two years. You need to file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services within 90 days of your card expiration. Otherwise, you may lose your status for permanent residence.

- Secondly, if you are physically disabled or less than 18 years old, you don’t need to sign on the green card. There will be “Signature Waived” mentioned on your green card.

- Since green cards expire in 10 years, you need to renew them. Otherwise, you may face serious consequences.

Understanding the process of obtaining a green card is difficult. So, it’s better to hire an experienced Immigration Lawyer Atlanta who can help you obtain, renew, and understand the regulations of green cards.

Now let’s talk about different types of green cards.
1) Family-based Green Cards
2) Employment-Based Green Cards
3) Humanitarian Green Cards
4) Longtime-Resident Green Cards
5) Other Green Cards

Understanding immigration laws is challenging; however, you will know about these green cards briefly.

Family members of current green card holders or US citizens can apply for green cards. Note that every family member or relative cannot apply for green cards. There are only a few family members who are eligible, including spouses, children, siblings, and a few other members. You should consult a qualified Immigration Lawyer Atlanta if you want to obtain family-based green cards.

In employment-based green cards, there are various categories. Based on the type of workers, some immigrant workers can also apply for green cards for their spouses and children. You can learn more about the subcategories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5) from a good employment-based Immigration Lawyer Atlanta.

People who are victimized in their own country due to their religion or race, or political opinion can apply for humanitarian green cards. However, they need to seek protection from the United States and live as refugees for at least one year in the US before applying for a green card.

People who have lived in the United States since January 1, 1972, can apply for a green card. There is a special process named ‘registry,’ for people who lived in the USA lawfully or unlawfully but never left the US since January 1, 1972. There are several criteria to be eligible for the permanent-resident green card.

Apart from these, there are also some other green cards available for special immigrants, including religious workers, media professionals, etc. It’s better to hire a reliable Immigration Lawyer Atlanta to know more about other green cards.

Hopefully, the above information has helped you to understand green cards. Even if you have got some valuable information about green cards and their types, you should hire an immigration attorney if you are applying for a green card. Consulting a reputable Immigration Lawyer Atlanta can tell you which green card is suitable for you, help you apply and obtain your green card.