United States permanent resident status is among of the most sought-after in the world, due to its numerous associated advantages. Acquiring a Green Card (officially called a Permanent Resident Card) is a life-changing achievement that will positively impact every aspect of your life. The following are some of the benefits you will enjoy as a Green Card holder.

You Can Work and Live Inside the US

With a Green Card, you have the right to work and live freely in the U.S. without having to constantly apply for a renewal to maintain your status and living a life in limbo. For instance, most nonimmigrants need an employer to sponsor their visas before they can be eligible to work in the U.S. In addition, they must remain with their sponsoring employer for the duration of their nonimmigrant period of authorized stay or transfer it to another employer which can be a difficult and lengthy process. Otherwise, they risk losing their status and right to work in the United States. On the other hand, as Green Card holder, you are free to work for any U.S. based organization of your choice.

You Can Sponsor Your Family Members for Their Green Card

The positive multiplier advantages of being a Green Card holder will also benefit your relatives significantly. As a Green Card holder you will be able to sponsor your family members to apply for their personal Green Card and give them the right to stay in the U.S. with you. The family member must be an immediate relative, such as a spouse, or unmarried child under 21 years old.

You Are On the Path to Become a U.S. Citizen

With your Green Card, you can apply for U.S. citizenship 3 or 5 years after being a permanent resident. If your Green Card was sponsored as a spouse of a U.S. citizen, after 3 years, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship. If you receive your Green Card through an employment-based immigrant visa, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years.

You Can Start Your Own Business in the U.S.

Another benefit of having a Green Card is that it gives you the freedom to become an entrepreneur or start your own business if you wish. The U.S. business climate encourages people with great ideas to start a business more than anywhere else. While a nonimmigrant may also start a business, their continued presence and running the business is still subject to a visa renewal application. As a Green Card holder, you have a secure permanent status to continue operating your business without fear of losing your status and business. Obtaining some licenses for trades and business is also easier and faster with a Green Card.

You Are Qualified For Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides economic security to retirees and people with physical disabilities and their families. About 1 in 4 American families depend on Social Security benefits. These benefits range from food care to health care. As a Green Card holder, you are entitled to these social security benefits through your permanent resident status.

It’s Easier to Travel in and outside the U.S.

One of the most significant benefits of having a Green Card is that it eases travel in and out of the U.S. compared to nonimmigrant visas. Many nonimmigrants, for instance, need to apply for Advanced Parole or acquire a reentry stamp at a U.S. Consulate abroad when they travel out of the country. Failure to do so will affect their chances of reentering the U.S. and maintaining their status in the United States. As a permanent resident, your Green Card encompasses all those permits and requirements. As long as it remains valid, you can travel out and reenter the U.S. unhindered.

You Can Qualify For Lower Tuition at Universities

Many universities in the U.S. charge higher fees for international and out-of-state students. In some states, international students pay as higher as 50% more. In contrasts, being a Green Card holder can save you a lot of money, as you get to enjoy much reduced fees.