If you're in the United States on a student or work VISA, now's the time to apply for a US green card. You might think that your VISA status gives you all the benefits you need, but that's not the case. A green card can give you access to benefits that you might not have considered. Before you pass up the opportunity to apply for a green card, read the list provided below. You'll find four important reasons to utilize green card services right away.
Family Access to Green Card
If you're in the US on VISA status and you have your family with you, it's time to apply for a US green card. When you receive your green card, your spouse and children will automatically receive their green cards as well. However, they do need to attend the immigration interview with you. That means your family will receive the same rights as you once the green cards are approved.
Shortcut to US Citizenship
If you're in the United States on a work or student VISA and you hope to become a US citizen at some point, you need to apply for a green card. When you're in the US on a VISA, it can take quite a while for you to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Those with non-immigrant status work VISAs aren't eligible for US citizenship. However, when you apply for green card status, you can apply for US citizenship after being in the United States for at least three years.
No Delayed Entry to the US
If you want to live in the United States, but you still have family in another country, you need to apply for a green card. Without a green card, you may face delays each time you reenter the United States. If your paperwork isn't correct, you could be denied access to the United States altogether. Luckily, you won't have that problem when you have your green card. You'll be able to travel back and forth between the two countries without the reentry hassles.
Lower College Costs
If you're in the United States on a student VISA, you owe it to yourself to apply for a green card. You might not know this, but you'll pay quite a bit more for your education when you're in the US on a student VISA. However, once you have your green card, you'll pay reduced fees for all of your college costs. Not only that, but once you have your green card, you'll have access to US jobs, which means you'll be able to work while you're going to college.