Obtaining and renewing a green card
A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows its holder to live and work permanently in the United States. There are several options to obtain a green card and information is available about how to renew it.
Green cards
One of the most common paths to a green card is through a close family member. If the applicant has a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or holds a green card, they may be able to sponsor the applicant.
Usually, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are given priority. This includes a spouse, unmarried child under 21 years old or parents of an adult U.S. citizen.
U.S. employers may also sponsor an applicant. Employers may extend job offers to employees with extraordinary abilities, like researchers, executives and to people who have an advanced degree to work in the U.S.
People who have refugee or asylum status in the U.S. may also qualify for a green card. Refugees can apply one year after they arrive in the U.S. and for those who have been granted asylum, they can apply after one year as well. There are also other special programs that offer green cards.
Renewal process
Once a person obtains a green card, they can renew it. They must provide supporting documents including a copy of their current green card and passport, as well as any other requested information, and pay a filing fee. The applicant may also have to participate in an interview and a biometrics appointment to take their fingerprints and verify their identity.
After the renewal is approved, the applicant will receive a new green card in the mail.