The Affordable care act, popularly known as Obamacare makes it mandatory for all US residents including Green card holders to have health insurance. New Green Card holders are not immediately eligible for Obamacare, other domestic health insurance or Medicare. In this interim period till they get domestic health insurance coverage, it is important to secure proper immigrant health insurance coverage particularly for seniors over 65 years. The plans listed here are popular health insurance for Green card holders.
To qualify for Green Card in the USA there are different eligibility criteria. Some of the important categories of immigration process that can grant Green Card for foreigners are listed here.
Immigrant Category Eligibility:On a preference system a foreigner who want to become a permanent resident through his/her qualified family member with a job or employment or a special category will be classified. However, the immediate relatives of US Citizens are given highest immigration priority for permanent residence and there could only a few exceptions.
Family Based Immigration:The immediate relatives of American citizens who need not have to wait for visa to become available. Relatives who can get permanent residence quickly are:
Parents of a U.S. citizen.
Spouses of a U.S. citizen.
Unmarried children under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen.
Please note: Only 21 years old US citizens can applying for their parents.Other family members have to wait for a visa to become available to apply for permanent residency.
First Preference: Unmarried, adult (21 years or older) sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
Second Preference A: Spouses of permanent residents and the unmarried children (under 21 years)) of permanent residents.
Second Preference B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of permanent residents.
Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.
Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.
Job or Employment Based:In this category, the immigration based on a job may help to apply for permanent residence when immigration number becomes available. Following is the order of preferences.
First Preference: Priority Workers, including aliens with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
Second Preference: Members of professions holding an advanced degree or persons of exceptional ability (including individuals seeking a National Interest Waiver).
Third Preference: Skilled Workers, professionals and other qualified workers.
Fourth Preference: Certain special immigrants including those in religious vocations.
Fifth Preference: Employment creation immigrants (investors or entrepreneurs).
Refugee or Asylum Based Status:Refugees in the USA or qualifying spouse or a child of a refugee have to apply for Green Card 1 year after the entry. In case of an asylum and a qualifying spouse or a child of asylee you may apply after 1 year of the grant of asylum status. As per the US law, the refugees have to apply for Green Card 1 year after being admitted to the USA in refugee status.
Other Ways to Qualify:Some of the other ways to get green card will be if you are a Amerasian Child of a U.S. Citizen, American Indian born in Canada, Armed Forces Member, Cuban Native or Citizen, Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, Haitian Refugee, Help HAITI Act of 2010, Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act...
Several benefits and few restrictions for Green Card Holders in America. Some of them are:
Green Card Holders in the USA can enter or leave America according to their wish without denial by the immigration officials at the port of entry. You have to keep track of entry and exit dates and should carry Green Card with you while traveling.
The Green Card has a lifetime validity, but a given Green Card will need renewal usually every 10 years.
There will be no worry for Green Card Holders regarding the employment sponsorship in America. Many jobs in the US has security clearance and only US citizens and Green Card holders can clear it easily.
If you are a Green Card holder and want to start a business then you will be allowed to start your own business, company or corporation.
You can apply for financial aid for education which will be sponsored by the government.
Those who have worked for a minimum of 10 years (40 quarters) in the USA have social security guaranteed for Green Card holders.
Except for the right of voting, Green Card holders can enjoy all legal rights as US citizens.
You can buy life or health insurance in America if you are a Green Card holder.
You can buy or sell property, cars, weapons... as any other American citizens can do so in the USA.
The US Green Card, also known as Permanent Resident Card is one of the most important document for immigrants in America. This document was formerly known as the Alien Registration Card. An immigrant is authorized to live and work in America on a permanent basis with a Green Card permit. The Green Permit is a process of becoming a permanent resident of United States and a proof of lawful permanent resident (LPR). The Green Card Holders will be officially granted rights to utilize immigration benefits in America. Pre-existing Condition Coverage
Who is eligible to get Green Card in the US?
You will be eligible to seek Green Card in the US if you fall under one of these categories.
