What is permanent resident?
Permanent residence refers to a person's legal resident status in a country or territory where they are not a citizen but have the right to live indefinitely. This is usually for a long time; a permanent resident is someone who has this legal status.
Top advantages of having United States PR
1 There are no employment restrictions for permanent residents.
Green card holders in the United States are free to work for anyone and wherever they want. Permanent residents can work for start-ups and smaller businesses, and they can work anywhere in the United States because they are not constrained by visa restrictions. When changing employment, they don’t need to acquire sponsorship from an employer, and they can even start their own firms. This makes the EB-5 visa an especially appealing option for professionals who are currently on an L1 or H-1B visa because it allows them to enhance their careers. These benefits, of course, also apply to the children of EB-5 immigrants who are eligible for permanent residency.
2 Permanent residents' children are eligible to attend public schools in the United States.
When the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives the family’s I-526 petition, one of the aspects of the EB-5 programme that makes it so appealing is that EB-5 investors can acquire visas for their unmarried children under the age of 21. This helps investors to provide a better future for their children, not only through increased work prospects, but also through free access to high-quality education.
3 Green Card holders get access to cutting-edge health-care services in the United States.
According to a Newsweek research from 2020, the United States has four of the world’s top ten hospitals: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Medical institutions in the United States are known for their cutting-edge research and innovation, which is good news for immigrants from countries where medical services are less developed.
4 Permanent Residents Have Unrestricted Domestic and International Travel
The United States is diverse, not only in terms of people, but also in terms of climate, geography, and lifestyle alternatives. Permanent residents can live and work wherever they wish, whether on the beaches of California and Hawaii, in the mountains of Colorado, or in the rush and bustle of New York. They also have the freedom to go anywhere in the United States.
5 Additional Assistance Following Retirement
Permanent residents of the United States are eligible for additional assistance after they retire. Green card holders who have retired can access pensions earned both abroad and in the United States. They may also be eligible for Medicare and other government assistance programme.
6 Ability to Sponsor Family Members
Green card holders can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children for their own permanent residency, helping keep families together as they build a life in the United States.
7 Immigrants from politically or economically unstable countries can find a safe haven in the United States
Political instability and economic uncertainty are commonplace for many people around the world, and they cope with government corruption, infrastructural issues, a lack of access to education and health care, economic volatility, and other issues on a daily basis. Because of its economic stability, democratic administration, and well-developed infrastructure, the United States provides a safe haven. While permanent residency comes with some travel restrictions, green card holders can apply for citizenship after five years and spend as much time as they like between the two countries.
Procedure of applying permanent resident visa
The Subclass 189 Visa takes around 8-9 months to process. After submitting a completed application, the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa, which is also one of the most popular points-tested visas, can take up to 8 months to award direct permanent resident grants.
Green Card Application Process
1. Confirm your Green Card category
A Green Card is required to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and the category you qualify under determines the process you'll follow.
2. Process both on the inside and outside:
If you meet the criteria for a Green Card in any of the categories listed above, the first thing you should do is figure out which method to use. There is 'adjustment of status,' which must be done while in the United States, and 'consular processing,' which is for candidates who live outside of the United States.
3. Immigrant petition:
Someone must file an immigrant petition on your behalf, which is referred to as sponsoring. Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to accomplish it on your own in some circumstances.
4. Green Card application with USCIS:
If your immigrant petition is approved by USCIS and a visa is available in your category, you must either apply for a visa with the US Department of State or a Green Card application with USCIS. Form I-485, including with all accompanying documentation and fees, must be filed.
5. Biometric session
After that, you'll need to show up for your biometric session to produce your fingerprints, photographs, and signature.
6. Interview:
After reviewing your application, USCIS will contact you to schedule an interview.
7. Decision:
Once USCIS reaches a decision, your Green Card is issued and remains valid for ten years, after which it can be renewed.
How Long Can You Stay?
A Green Card grants permanent residence with no expiry on your right to stay, though the physical card itself is renewed every ten years. After five years as a permanent resident (three years in some spouse-sponsored cases), you become eligible to apply for US citizenship.
Pruners International is a leading provider of US immigration and visa consultation services. Our experts have processed thousands of US visa applications, and bring that experience to guide you through the process. Among the services we provide are:
- Complete visa application assistance
- Assist with gathering supporting documents
- Visa Interview Preparation – if necessary
- Updates and Consulate Follow-Up
Speak with a Pruners expert to learn more about your options.
Call Us +91 73300 00841