GREENCARD

• Ways of getting Greencard.
• Advantages of Greencard.
• Obligations of Greencard
• How can we help?
• Our Fees

Ways of Getting Greencard:

There are two main ways of procuring a US greencard (i.e. permanent resident status) viz;

• Employment based(Employer Sponsored) Greencard.
• Family based Greencard.

Employment Based Greencard:

Employment Based(EB) greencards can be split into five categories. Some of these categories require labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL).

Category	Description
EB1	For Priority Workers - Labor certification is required.
EB3	For skilled workers, professionals & other workers - Labor Certification is required.
EB4	For certain special immigrants - Labor certification is NOT required.
EB5	For investors - Labor Certification is NOT required.

Family Based Greencard :

An alien can get a family based greencard through sponsorship by a close relative staying in the US if such relative is a permanent resident (i.e. greencardholder) or a US citizen (USC).

A USC may sponsor the following relatives so long as the relationship can be established:

• Spouse;
• Married or unmarried son or daughter;
• Parent or sibling, if the sponsor is 21 years or above.

A greencardholder may sponsor the following relatives so long as the relationship can be established :

• Spouse;
• Married or unmarried son or daughter;

Advantages of Greencard:

There are several advantages to acquisition of a greencard :

• The greencardholder may enter and/or leave the US at will.
• The greencardholder is eligible to apply for government-sponsored financial educational aid.
• The greencardholder may work for any employer in the US (unless the company hires only US citizens).
• The greencardholder may start his/her own business.
• The greencardholder is entitled to welfare if unable to procure employment.
• The greencardholder may sponsor his/her spouse and unmarried children for permanent status.
• Greencardholders who have worked for at least ten years are eligible to receive social security benefits upon retirement.
• The greencardholder may enter and/or leave the US at will.

Obligations of Greencard.

Greencardholders, however, are also required to meet certain obligations, such as :

• Greencardholders must reside in the US for at least 182 days per year.
• They must not vote.
• A greencardholder who is a male over 17 years but under 26 years must register with the Selective Service. Failure to do so, may lead to criminal prosecution and deportation upon conviction.
• Greencardholders must pay their taxes and report any change of address to the USCIS within 10 days.
• Greencardholders must have their permanent resident children register with the USCIS within 10 days of turning 14.
• Greencard can be revoked for several reasons including but not limited to illegal acts, abandonment of permanent residence, drug use etc

How can we help :

• Provide you an estimate of costs involved (i.e. filing fees, attorney fees & costs);
• Provide you with a checklist of documents required for applying for the greencard;
• File the application for Labor Certification (PERM), if applicable;
• Prepare the petition for the greencard along with all necessary attachments & supplements;
• Co-ordinate correspondence with government agencies;
• Advise you on an on-going basis of the progress of your case;
• Assist you in preparing for the greencard interview;
• Provide you a copy of all papers filed;