American Green Card: The Complete Guide to Obtaining Permanent Residency

You have in your hands, in this special content, a complete and updated guide on how to obtain an American Green Card. But why might you need this benefit? How to start planning to get a permanent visa? As a Brazilian, can I get a Green Card by excelling in my profession? And how much does it cost?

Well, let's dive in. To find the best answers, just delve into this exclusive content we’ve prepared for you. You can navigate according to your specific questions, case by case - topic by topic.

What is the Green Card?

A "Green Card" is the nickname given to the Permanent Resident Card of the United States, an immigration document issued by the U.S. government to foreigners who have the right to live and work permanently in the country.

Having a Green Card grants many of the same rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens, such as the right to work legally, live permanently in the country, education for children, access to most social benefits, and the ability to apply for U.S. citizenship after a period of continuous residence.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a Green Card can be complex and time-consuming, and the requirements vary depending on the visa category or program under which a person is applying. Additionally, the status of permanent resident can be lost if certain conditions are not met or if there are violations of U.S. immigration laws.

How to get a Green Card as a Brazilian?

There are more than 100 types of visas available for people who want to live legally in the United States. What differentiates them is the context you are in. While artists and athletes are eligible for specific types of visas, entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals have other opportunities. One example is the EB2-NIW (Employment-Based Second Preference – National Interest Waiver), a category of immigrant visa in the United States available to professionals with advanced skills or exceptional academic degrees. Could you, with your profession, fit into this model?

Eligibility: There are specific requirements for applying for this type of visa. Advanced professionals must meet these criteria:

• Degree: Having a degree is essential to demonstrate that you have the qualifications needed for a job position in the U.S.;
• Experience: The more experience, the better. Having more than five years of proven experience as a professional is an excellent prerequisite for the visa;
• Professional Associations: Being associated with a professional entity such as CRM or OAB, for example, can help in obtaining the visa;
• Media: Having published articles, media coverage, awards, among other highlights;
• Dual Citizenship: Dual citizenship can also benefit the process of obtaining a Green Card in the U.S.;
• Recommendations: Having letters of recommendation can increase the chances of success in obtaining the visa.

What are my chances of getting a Green Card?

According to research released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in April 2023, 23,596 Brazilian citizens received Green Cards for permanent residence. This was a 28.5% increase compared to 2022. This growth continues to accelerate. More and more Brazilians are pursuing the "American Dream."

Why are so many Green Cards being issued?

There is a shortage of labor in the U.S., which inflates wages and encourages the hiring of immigrants. Not to mention the political and economic deterioration in Brazil over the past decade.

The "brain drain" to the U.S. is a trend that is here to stay. But what are the main benefits Brazilians seek when striving for a Green Card?

• Secure Residency: The Green Card grants the right to live permanently in the United States, allowing a Brazilian citizen to establish roots, build a life, and plan their future in a safe and fair country;
• Family Future: Thinking about the future of children who will be educated in English, attend the best schools, and be close to the top universities in the world;
• Social Benefits: Permanent residents of the U.S. have access to various social benefits such as medical assistance, public education, and social security programs;
• Stability: Having a Green Card provides security and stability in immigration status, eliminating the need to renew temporary visas or worry about expirations;
• Freedom: Green Card holders have the flexibility to travel outside the U.S. and return without needing a return visa, facilitating international travel;
• Family Reunification: A Brazilian citizen with a Green Card can sponsor family members to obtain permanent resident status in the U.S., allowing for family reunification;
• Culture: Living in the U.S. provides the opportunity to experience a diverse and enriching culture, as well as opportunities for cultural exchange.

What is the investment to get a Green Card?

So how much does it cost? It is essential to conduct a thorough diagnosis through a consultation with specialists. Each case includes a specific price.

But remember, we are talking about a planning process with several stages. This applies both to Brazilians seeking to live in the United States and to Brazilians who already live in the U.S., but on a student visa, for example, and are seeking this status adjustment.

What costs should be included in this list? We need to consider various parts of the process, such as business plan, resume translation, diploma revalidation, data analysis, etc.

Source: G1

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