Many Brazilians dream of immigrating to the United States. 2022 was a record year for Brazilians in America: more than 23,000 Brazilians obtained their respective Green Cards. But what exactly does it mean to have a Green Card?
Is a green card citizenship?
A Green Card is not American citizenship, but it is the right to reside and work in the United States, which is granted by the American government to eligible candidates in their respective American visa categories.
It's important to note that there are different categories of American visas, and not all visas are permanent. For example, a student visa has a pre-established end date, and if that student wants to remain in American territory, they will need to apply for an extension of their visa or try to get approved for a different visa category at US immigration.
Not every visa gets you American citizenship!
Non-permanent visas
Student visas, religious visas and visas for occasional workers are examples of visas that do not give the holder the right to obtain a green card naturally. These are non-permanent visas and are used when the American government gives permission for a certain period of time for the foreigner to live and/or study in American territory.
It is very common for foreigners to try to obtain a study visa or a temporary visa and try to remain in the United States after the expiry date of this visa, illegally - and this can certainly lead to their deportation from the USA and their consequent banishment from any American territory for life.
Green Card for permanent workers
The famous Green Card is granted to those who are eligible for permanent visas, and its holder has the right to reside and work permanently in the United States.
In other words, unless the holder of a permanent green card does something that brings them into disrepute with the US government, citizenship is the natural path for this person if they continue to reside permanently in the United States and do not break any US laws.
How soon can I become an American citizen?
You will be eligible for US citizenship at least five years after obtaining your dream green card for permanent residents (such as the EB-1 and EB-2 categories).
And how do I get a green card?
Many professions are on the rise in America - and you can get your Green Card using your CV and professional experience. This is possible thanks to the existence of EB-1 and EB-2 visas.
EB-1 and EB-2 visas
Created through the Immigration Act of 1990, the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories allow skilled workers from all over the world to immigrate to the United States. These visa categories were specially designed to encourage the migration of skilled workers to the United States in order to develop the country, and do not require a prior job offer on US territory.
Professionals such as doctors, dentists, psychologists, airplane pilotsprogrammersengineersentrepreneurs and nurses are realizing the American dream in 2023.
EB-1 visas are intended for internationally recognized professionals in their field, so most professionals are eligible for the EB-2 NIW visa category.
EB-2 NIW Visa: Requirements
If you have a bachelor's degree, more than five years of professional experience and exceptional or extraordinary skills in your field, you may be eligible for a Green Card!
And, if you are approved for a Green Card under this visa category, your spouse and children under the age of 21 will also be granted their respective Green Cards.
All this without you needing a previous job offer in the United States.
Am I eligible for a green card?
Want to know if you're eligible for a Green Card?
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