For you to work in the United States or live permanently in the country immigration green card is needed. This is that document that ensures you’re no longer an “alien” and your status is “legal”, thus enabling you to work and live in the US, even if you’re from a foreign land. Generally, five years after attaining the immigration green card the individual can apply for permanent citizenship. Some people assume that being in the country for sometime every year is good enough to retain the immigration green card. This isn’t true; you must reside in the US for most part of the year. And if you have to be out of the country for any reason, it would be wise to inform the authorities. Better be safe than sorry when it comes to immigration green card and be well within the legal restrictions.

The Green Card Lottery is one of the few ways through which an individual stands a good chance of getting the green card without having to wait too long. Of course, the other factors such as the person’s country of origin or present residence and his or her professional experience need to be in favor. But this method is still a better bet as green card processing could otherwise take years. Also, this isn’t viable if you wish to get a green card immediately; you must apply as soon as you can since the lottery is held at least two years in advance. Even though the US grants only 50,000 visas to “aliens” every year, many people consider green card lottery to be one of their options.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services scrutinize all the documents in great detail. You must comply with each of the rules and regulations. The documents must all be in order. You could take the help of someone who has already been granted immigration green card, if need be. At the time of applying for immigration green card the person has to be aware of the socio-economic conditions and work culture of the country. The individual should have clarity as far as the reason for his or her coming into the US is concerned. A certain amount is charged as fee by the USCIS.

Most people after getting their immigration green card apply for permanent citizenship. Again, there are certain things that the individual should and could do to quicken the processing. There are classes and then a test that need to be cleared by the individual. This is aimed at helping the person know the US a little better. Permanent citizenship enables you to:  

• apply for a government job
• help your relatives immigrate to the US
• cast your vote in the US elections for the local bodies and thus help in the government formation process
• carry an American passport while travelling
• stand for an election
• stay on in the US without having to renew your immigration green card

Ever since the Homeland Security Act came into effect, moving into the United States has gotten tougher. The only way for people from foreign lands to stay and also work in the US is by the immigration green card. The “aliens” are treated as legal citizens. You have to gather all the information you can about the processing and then approach the USCIS for an application. Submit all the details and the relevant documents. You could enter the Green Card Lottery if you think that you have a better chance of beating the bureaucracy that is generally otherwise associated with the processing.