Green Card & Visa News

A United States Permanent Resident Card also known as a Green card is an identification document or the card attesting to the permanent resident status in the United States of America. Green card is an identification document for a LPR (lawful permanent resident) of U.S. who doesn’t have American citizenship. It is basically the confirmation that the card holder is legally permitted to stay and work in United States. This card was initially when started was known as ‘Alien Registration Receipt Card’ but nowadays it is known as ‘Permanent Resident Card’. This card is always kept by permanent resident along with him all the times for the possession. These cards were initially been issued by the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) which has been now absorbed into and also been replaced by USCIS (formally known BCIS).

The green card holds the foreign national’s photograph, signature and a fingerprint. This card also allows the holder to travel anywhere across the world and to return as long as primary residence in the U.S. is maintained. These cards can also be obtained through close family relations, employers etc. Visas are always available for the immediate family members of United Nations citizenship (spouse, parent and a minor child).

Green Card also refers to an immigration process of becoming a permanent resident, it serves as a proof of the holder that he or she is officially granted to reside and take employment in United States. One can apply for his or her green card after five years of his residency in the U.S. this period is also shortened to three years if Married to a U.S. citizen, or four years if permanent residency is received through asylum.  The process of obtaining a green card can be time consuming and complicated. Not all the foreign individuals are eligible to work in United States but if you are having the green card then no one can stop you working in U.S. Don’t create the impression that you are not living in the United States once you have obtained the green card. If you leave the United States for too long, you may lose your green card also.

Recent changes in the United States visa policy and procedures have increased the amount of time it can take to obtain a U.S. green card. Several steps have been taken by the immigration authorities to reduce delays and speed up green card processing. Mostly, the immigration authorities’ intention is to deliver the green card within one month from the time of application. Sometimes it may take less time and sometimes longer.