There are many different ways for people to lawfully enter and live in the United States. The most basic is a visa. Students and professionals can often obtain visas that allow them to work or study in the United States for a set amount of time.
Those who travel to the United States may develop lives here. They may have career opportunities and close social relationships. Once a visa is no longer eligible for renewal, an immigrant might want to remain in the United States indefinitely.
They can achieve this goal by applying for a green card or permanent resident card. A permanent resident card can potentially provide immigration options for the rest of someone’s life. However, a card does not last indefinitely. How long does a green card extend immigration opportunities to an individual?
There are two main types of green cards
To determine how quickly a green card might expire, the permanent resident must determine which type of green card they technically received. Those who qualify for green cards based on employment or and immediate family relationship with a citizen may receive a traditional green card.
It is valid for 10 years before the permanent resident has to renew the document. They submit paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They have to undergo a background check to validate whether they have had any recent criminal convictions. Provided that they still meet the necessary standards, they can renew their green card for another 10 years.
If an immigrant enters the country by virtue of marriage to a United States citizen, the document may remain in effect for less time. Those who enter the country with a K-1 visa to get married or who enter the United States to join a spouse here usually qualify for conditional green cards unless their marriage has already lasted for more than two years.
With a conditional green card, an immigrant must remain married for two years after qualifying for their green card. At that point, they can then apply to remove their conditional status. They are then eligible for a traditional green card that does not require that they remain married.
The timely filing of renewal paperwork is crucial for immigrants who hope to keep their permanent resident status indefinitely. Adjusting one’s status and renewing a green card are equally important steps for those who want to stay in the United States permanently. Immigrants who learn more about green card programs are less likely to make mistakes that put their residency in the country at risk.