WHO GETS A GREEN CARD?

The American dream is perhaps the desire of a large part of the population. This is because the country known as the world's largest economy attracts more and more investors, has low inflation, and offers a great quality of life. This is the perfect recipe for those who wish to live in a stable economy.

And if you dream of visiting the famous Fifth Avenue, read this text to the end to find out how to get your green card.

What is the Green Card?

It is a permanent residence card in the United States, the US Permanent Card, and is granted to immigrants who wish to live and work in the United States.

It is very important for you to know that all visas are temporary, such as the work visa, which has the same duration as the contracted period, and the student visa, which also has the same duration as the course and does not allow for work. Therefore, if you want to live in the United States, the Green Card is the way to go!

A green card holder has the same rights as a natural born citizen of the United States, and can work, study, have access to health care, and all the other benefits of a native.

With the Green Card in hand you don't have to worry about going back to Brazil, but once you get the document you cannot leave the United States for more than a year.

What is the difference between a Green Card and American Citizenship?

With a Green Card you can live as an American, but you cannot vote or run for public office. In addition, you must renew this document every ten years and you cannot be absent from the United States for more than 12 consecutive months.

With U.S. citizenship you can have all the rights of an American, such as voting and running for office. Furthermore, citizenship has no expiration date.

To obtain citizenship, the first step is to get a green card, because normally American citizenship is granted to foreigners who are already permanent residents.

How can I get a green card?

You can apply for a Geen Card if:

• is engaged or married to a U.S. citizen;
• is related to an American citizen;
• is the widower of an American citizen;
• in case of work;
• will invest in the United States.

Fiancé or spouse of an American

This is the simplest way to get a green card. But beware, forging a marriage in order to get a green card is considered a very serious crime and easily detected by the American authorities.

If you are engaged you have the right to stay in the United States for up to 90 days. After the marriage you can apply for the document by filling out an I-130 form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

You will receive a conditional green card, which is valid for two years. After this period a new interview is scheduled by the USCIS to grant the document, which, remember, is valid for ten years.

Family relationship with a U.S. citizen

As with the case in the marital union, those who have relatives with U.S. citizenship can apply for a permanent visa by filling out form I-130, available on the U.S. immigration department's website.

This applies to children of any age, spouses, parents, blood siblings and even adoptive siblings. It is worth noting that the visa application is only valid for unmarried children.

Widowers

In this case the application must be made by filling out Form I-360.

With the help of an employer

One way to get a permanent visa is to be hired by an American employer. Then the company can claim to the U.S. government that you are an indispensable employee because of your education or skills, turning your work visa into a green card.

Indispensable worker or a person of extraordinary ability:

Outstanding Ability

The person must be outstanding in his or her field, demonstrating awards or outstanding knowledge. In this case an offer of employment is not even required to apply. To apply you must fill out Form I-140.

Professor and/or researcher

In the academic field it is necessary to have three years or more experience in the home country and the applicant must have a job offer to teach or do research in a Higher Education Institution. To apply, the employer must fill out form I-140.

Multinational manager or executive

The person who works or worked for a multinational company for 12 months or more in the last three years may apply for the visa, but it is necessary that the employment outside the United States was in a managerial or executive position. The application for a green card in this case must be made through Form I-140 completed by the employer.

Investor

The country has ideal conditions for investing. With a strong economy, the United States has several incentive programs for investors seeking to inject more and more money into the economy. Your investment is therefore very welcome in the United States.

To invest in the United States you can open a business there using a capital between US$ 500 thousand and US$ 1 million, depending on the region you choose.

Brazilians with Italian citizenship need to invest at least US$ 100,000 dollars to get a green card.

The immigrant investor can apply for a permanent visa by filling out Form I-526.

As you can see, investing in the United States is a great way to get a green card, but you can start by opening a small business there.

A CR Accounting & Consulting is an expert on the American legislation and gives you all the orientation on how to open your business and how to invest in the United States. Request a quote and live the American dream!