Many citizens of countries worldwide have dreamed of migrating to the United States for various reasons. Some believe that the United States offers a bright future for them financially. Others wish to just be with their families who have been immigrants themselves. But in order to stay in the United States for an extended period of time (beyond the maximum six-month allowable stay of tourist visas or the number of years allowed by student visas), an aspiring US immigrant will need to get a green card. The green card will make one eligible to stay, live, and work in the US for as long as he or she wants.
Green card eligibility
To be eligible for a green card, a person has to initially have a valid visa to enter the United States. This may be by having an immigrant visa, a working visa, a student visa, or a tourist visa. An immigrant visa is granted to a person who has been petitioned by a close relative such as a mother, father, brother, or sister who has become a citizen of the US. Having an immigrant visa will allow a person to enter the US and stay continuously for a period of time.
Adjustment of status for aspiring green card holders
With a working visa, a person will be allowed to enter the US and work for a particular company. And while in the US, he or she may decide to apply for a green card that will be granted by virtue of his or her work history and length of stay. Another common situation is entering the US through a tourist visa, and while vacationing, one may find a job and be granted a working visa. After many years, one may decide to apply for a green card. Through a student visa, one is allowed to stay to study for a certain period of time. While doing so, there's the option of applying for a green card.
By whatever way an aspiring immigrant enters the US and justifies his or her extended stay there, what is important is that the entry and stay are legal. The stay and residence in the US must likewise be continuous and untainted. Only then can one apply for a green card and be granted an immigrant status.
