What is the Green Card?
At Road to The American Dream, we help you obtain the long-awaited Green Card—the document that allows you to live and work legally in the United States on a permanent basis. This residency permit grants rights almost equivalent to those of a U.S. citizen and represents the first step toward a new life full of opportunities.
Discover the Green Card
The Green Card, also known as the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), is the official document that proves a person’s legal permanent resident status in the U.S.
Those who obtain it can live, work, and study without restrictions anywhere in the country.
There are different ways to obtain it: through employment, family sponsorship, investment, or by participating in the Green Card Lottery, an annual drawing with 55,000 available slots.
- Green Card Information
- The Green Card: easy immigration to the United States
- How was the Green Card born?
- What is the Green Card like?
- Advantages of the Green Card
- How can I get the Green Card?
- How much does the Green Card cost?
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How to apply for the Green Card?
- Apply for the Green Card through family
- Apply for the Green Card through employment
- Apply for the Green Card through investment
- Win a Green Card in the Green Card Lottery
- If I get the Green Card, do I have to emigrate?
- Green Card as identification
- What is the validity period of the Green Card?
- How to renew the Green Card?
- Become a US citizen with the Green Card
- Can I buy a Green Card?
- How to live in the United States without a Green Card?
Green Card Lottery
Take the opportunity to live in the United States and apply for the Green Card Lottery.
Green Card Information
The Green Card, officially known as the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), is a document issued by the United States Government that allows foreign citizens to live and work legally in the country indefinitely. This card certifies the holder as a legal permanent resident (LPR), granting them most of the rights that a U.S. citizen possesses, with the exception of voting and other political rights.
Obtaining a Green Card is the first step towards U.S. citizenship and represents a real opportunity for those looking to settle in the United States safely, legally, and permanently. The Green Card is valid for both individuals who already reside in the U.S. and those who wish to immigrate from abroad.
Don't miss the opportunity to obtain the Green Card.
The Green Card: easier immigration to the United States
Unlike temporary visas, which impose time limitations and work conditions, the Green Card allows for stable and non-expiring immigration to the United States. This card not only guarantees the right to reside in the country but also to work for any company, start businesses, and access social services. The Green Card removes many immigration barriers, becoming the most direct and desired way to settle in the U.S. permanently.
While other permits require constant renewal or are subject to specific circumstances, the Green Card represents a long-term solution for those who wish to make the American dream a reality. That is why it has become the primary goal of millions of applicants worldwide each year.
How was the Green Card born?
The history of the Green Card dates back to 1940, with the enactment of the “Alien Registration Act,” which required all foreigners in the United States to register. From there, the government began issuing registration cards that, over time, evolved in design and functions. The first card was known as the “Alien Registration Receipt Card” and was green in color, which gave rise to its popular name.
In 2003, the former INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) was replaced by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), which currently manages the issuance of Green Cards.
In 2010, the green color was restored to the official design, and in 2023, new security measures such as holograms and anti-fraud codes were incorporated.
What does the Green Card look like?
The modern Green Card is a secure and durable plastic card, featuring a design that includes cutting-edge technology to prevent fraud. On the front, it displays the full name of the holder, USCIS number, country of birth, date of birth, date of issuance, visa category (for example, DV1 or CR1), and a recent photograph. It also shows a hologram and the status of “Permanent Resident.” On the back, there is a barcode, another image of the holder, and a machine-readable code similar to that of a passport. This sophisticated design facilitates verification by authorities and protects the holder against identity theft and document forgery.
How can I get a Green Card?
The Green Card Lottery, officially known as Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery), is an initiative of the United States government that grants 55,000 permanent resident cards each year to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
Participation is free, but the process requires an accurate application, with no errors or omissions. Many applicants are excluded due to technical details or incorrect photographs. Winning the lottery not only gives you the Green Card but also the opportunity to live, work, and study in the U.S. without restrictions.
At Road to The American Dream, we take care of reviewing and submitting your application correctly so that you do not miss this valuable opportunity due to an avoidable mistake.
The advantages of the Green Card
Obtaining a Green Card opens the door to a full and stable life in the United States. It allows you to reside and work indefinitely throughout the country, without the need for additional visas. As a permanent resident, you will have access to public assistance, educational benefits, health insurance like Medicare, and better job opportunities. Additionally, you can start your own business, study at universities at reduced prices, and sponsor direct family members to also obtain residency.
Unlike other temporary permits, the Green Card offers you total freedom to enter and exit the country, as long as you maintain your status. It is also the first step towards U.S. citizenship. In summary, it is the safest option to settle in the U.S. and build your future with stability and real rights.
How can I obtain the Green Card?
There are several ways to obtain a Green Card, depending on your personal or professional situation. The main methods are: through family ties with U.S. citizens or residents, through a qualified job offer, by making an economic investment in U.S. companies, or by participating in the Green Card Lottery.
Each method has specific requirements, different timelines, and varying levels of legal complexity. For example, family reunification is the most common method, but it can involve long waits if the relationship is not immediate. The employment-based route is demanding and requires sponsorship from an employer. In contrast, the Green Card Lottery is an option open to most people and does not require family relationships or high economic resources. At Road to The American Dream, we help you choose the right path and manage each step of the process.
How much does the Green Card cost?
The cost of obtaining a Green Card depends on the path you take. The most economical option is participation in the Green Card Lottery, where only basic fees are paid if you are selected. For family or employment-based applications, costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000, including official USCIS fees, mandatory medical exams, biometric services, sworn translations, and possible legal advice.
In the case of the Green Card through investment (EB-5), a minimum investment of $800,000 is required, plus management and representation fees. It is also important to consider possible travel, consular interviews, and additional documentation. At Road to The American Dream we offer tailored support plans for each pathway and budget, with SMART or VIP options that even cover the activation trip to the U.S., avoiding financial surprises and managing the process securely.
How do you apply for the Green Card?
The Green Card application process varies depending on the access route, but it always involves thorough preparation. The first step is to identify the right path: family, employment, investment, or lottery. From there, you will need to gather the required documentation, such as proof of identity, criminal background checks, medical exams, specific photographs, and official forms (such as the I-130 or I-485).
In most cases, you will need to attend a consular interview or an appointment with USCIS if you are already in the U.S. It is essential not to make mistakes on the forms or deadlines, as any error could result in the rejection of the application. At Road to The American Dream, we accompany our clients every step of the way, review the documentation, and submit the forms correctly to increase the chances of success.
Apply for a Family-Based Green Card
Family reunification is one of the most common ways to obtain a Green Card. It is aimed at spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Immediate relatives (spouse, children under 21, and parents) have priority and are not subject to annual quotas, making their application faster. Other family connections such as siblings or adult children do have waiting lists that can extend for years. The process includes the relative’s petition (form I-130), case approval by USCIS, and consular interview or adjustment of status. Although it is a secure pathway, it requires patience, solid documentation, and, in many cases, proof of the family relationship. At Road to The American Dream, we help prepare the entire process with guarantees.
Apply for an Employment-Based Green Card
The employment Green Card is granted to qualified workers who have a job offer from a company in the U.S. There are several categories (EB-1 to EB-3) depending on the professional profile: extraordinary abilities, researchers, professionals with advanced degrees, or specialized workers. To start the process, the employer must demonstrate that there are no available U.S. workers for the position (PERM labor certification), which can take months. After that, the I-140 and I-485 forms are submitted, and an interview with USCIS is attended. Although it is a long and technical process, it is a very valuable option for specific professional profiles. At Road to The American Dream, we help you identify real opportunities and coordinate the process with your future employer.
Apply for an Investment-Based Green Card
The Green Card for investment, known as the EB-5 visa, allows you to obtain permanent residency if you invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business. The current minimum is $800,000 in rural areas or areas with high unemployment, or $1,050,000 in other areas. The goal is to promote economic development and job creation. The process begins with Form I-526 and culminates in the issuance of a conditional Green Card for 2 years.
If all requirements are met (jobs created, investment maintained, approved documentation), you can apply for permanent residency through Form I-829. At Road to The American Dream, we provide legal advice and connect you with EB-5 projects approved by the government, minimizing risks and facilitating the process.
Don't miss the opportunity to obtain the Green Card.
How much does the Green Card cost?
The cost of obtaining a Green Card depends on the path you take. The most economical option is participation in the Green Card Lottery, where you only pay basic fees if selected. For family or employment applications, costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000, including official USCIS fees, mandatory medical exams, biometric services, sworn translations, and possible legal advice.
In the case of the Green Card through investment (EB-5), a minimum investment of $800,000 is required, plus management and representation fees. It is also important to consider possible travel, consular interviews, and additional documentation. At Road to The American Dream we offer tailored support plans for each pathway and budget, with SMART or VIP options that even cover the activation trip to the U.S., avoiding financial surprises and managing the process securely.
Winning a Green Card in the Green Card Lottery
The Green Card Lottery (DV Lottery) is an annual initiative by the U.S. Government that grants 55,000 residency cards to citizens of countries with low immigration rates to the United States. It is the most accessible route for those who do not have employment, family, or financial resources to invest. To participate, you must meet minimum nationality and education requirements and submit an electronic application during the official period (generally between October and November).
The drawing is conducted through computer means, and if you are selected, you will be able to process permanent residency with a high probability of success. However, errors in the application or in the photograph automatically disqualify the applicant. That’s why at Road to The American Dream we offer a complete service for secure participation, professional review, and correct submission of your application, so you can achieve your American dream without worries.
Do Green Card holders have to emigrate?
Yes, the purpose of the Green Card is for the holder to move their primary residence to the United States. Although it is not mandatory to move immediately after obtaining it, one cannot maintain the Green Card indefinitely if residing outside the country for long periods. If you are outside the U.S. for more than 12 consecutive months without special permission, you may lose your status.
Therefore, it is advisable to plan the move in advance and start establishing your life in the U.S. gradually. In the first few years, it is common to travel between countries, but in the long term, it is expected that the primary residence will be in U.S. territory to retain all associated rights.
Green Card as identification
Yes, the purpose of the Green Card is for the holder to move their primary residence to the United States. Although it is not mandatory to move immediately after obtaining it, the Green Card cannot be maintained indefinitely if one resides outside the country for long periods. If you are outside the U.S. for more than 12 consecutive months without special permission, you may lose your status.
Therefore, it is advisable to plan the move in advance and start establishing your life in the U.S. gradually. In the first few years, it is common to travel between countries, but in the long term, it is expected that the primary residence will be in U.S. territory to retain all associated rights.
What is the validity period of the Green Card?
The legal permanent residency granted by the Green Card is indefinite, but the physical document has a validity of 10 years. This means that, although you do not lose your status, you must renew the card before its expiration to stay compliant with the regulations.
For holders of conditional Green Cards (due to recent marriage or investment), the validity is only 2 years, and a special petition is required to convert it to permanent. It is essential to pay attention to the expiration date and prepare the renewal in advance to avoid fines or documentation issues.
Green Card Renewal
Renewing the Green Card is an administrative process that is carried out by submitting the I-90 form to USCIS. It is recommended to start the process about 6 months before the card expires. Once requested, you will receive a receipt (I-797) that acts as temporary proof of your legal status until you receive the new Green Card.
If your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you should also use this same procedure. Keeping your Green Card updated is essential to maintain your rights as a resident, avoid penalties, and carry out everyday procedures in the U.S. without complications.
Becoming a U.S. citizen with a Green Card
After several years as a permanent resident, you can apply for U.S. citizenship through a naturalization process. The usual timeframe is 5 years, although if you are married to a U.S. citizen, the time is reduced to 3 years. To start the application, you must meet certain requirements: having physically lived in the U.S. for most of the time, mastering the English language, passing a civics test, and demonstrating good moral character. Obtaining citizenship grants you the right to vote, access to more public benefits, and the possibility of having a U.S. passport. The Green Card is the first step towards that goal.
Can I buy a Green Card?
You cannot buy a Green Card directly, but there is a legal pathway through the EB-5 Investor Program. It involves investing a significant amount (starting from $800,000) in a business that creates jobs in the United States. This type of visa allows you to obtain a conditional Green Card, which can become permanent after two years if all requirements are met. Although it is a valid option, it is reserved for individuals with high purchasing power. At Road to The American Dream, we can help you explore this pathway and assess if you meet the requirements for an investment-based Green Card.
Living in the United States without a Green Card
It is possible to reside in the U.S. without a Green Card through temporary visas (for students, work, or tourism), but these alternatives are limited in time and rights. Without a Green Card, you cannot work freely, access public assistance, or establish a long-term life in the country. Additionally, temporary visas require constant renewal and can be canceled at any time. Only the Green Card offers you stability, permanence, and freedom of movement within the country. That is why it is the most recommended option for those who wish to live in the United States permanently and securely.
