Individuals who are nonconditional Green Card holders for at least five years can apply for naturalization upon meeting the following requirements:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the place of residence, for at least three months prior to the application.
• Have continuous residence in the U.S. as a Green Card holder for at least five years immediately preceding the application.
• Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years (60 months) immediately preceding the application.
• Reside continuously within the U.S. from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization.
• Be able to read, write and speak English, and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Be of good moral character in keeping with the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law.

The Benefits of a Green Card/ USA Residence Permit

What Are the Benefits of a Green Card?

Firstly, A green card provides many advantages over a visa. Primarily, it allows the green card holder to permanently live and work in the United States, and after a number of years, become a U.S. citizen.

Benefits of a green card

You can apply for U.S. citizenship after three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen, or five years if not. (If you recently married a U.S. citizen and apply for a green card, you may have conditional permanent resident status.)

You cannot be deported to your country of origin. Green card holders maintain status as a permanent resident no matter what future changes may be made to U.S. immigration laws. A green card is not temporary, and can not be revoked with potential changes to immigration laws. A green card holder, however, can lose their residency by committing a crime, violating a law or doing something that can potentially result in deportation.

You do not have to renounce citizenship of your country of origin.

You are legally protected by the laws of the United States, your state of residence and your local jurisdiction. The same protections under the law that apply to U.S. citizens apply to those granted permanent residence.

You can sponsor other family members for a green card. Family members of permanent residents are given priority, but not as great a priority as family members of U.S. citizens. Eligible family members include spouses and unmarried children.

You can renew your green card/USA Residence Permit every 10 years.

You can travel to and from the United States more easily than other visa holders or new arrivals. Permanent residents can travel abroad and re-enter the United States with a valid green card, as long as they return within 12 months.

You can travel or live anywhere within the United States. State borders are no limitation, and there is no need to check in with civil or state government agencies.

You are eligible to receive federal benefits such as social security or education assistance. Permanent residents may apply for government-sponsored financial aid for education. Additionally, green card holders are entitled to in-state or resident tuition rates at certain colleges and universities. If a green card holder resides in the United States long enough, they may receive social security benefits.

You may apply for a wide variety of jobs. Green card holders experience greater job opportunities than those on a work visa. For instance, permanent residents can apply for jobs that involve security clearances and/or work for the government.

You can engage in the political process. In conclusion, Politics at all levels, from the local councilperson to the president, can influence life in the United States. Green card holders are eligible to make financial contributions or volunteer for the candidate of their choice in U.S. elections.