Can A Non-citizen Open A Bank Account In The U.s.?

If you are living and working in the U.S. as an immigrant, you’ve probably wondered if you’re able to open a bank account to keep your money safe. The short answer is yes; you can open a bank account as a green card holder.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

A Green Card, officially referred to as a Permanent Residence Card, allows the holder to live and work permanently in the United States of America.

Learn about the many different strategies available for getting a Green Card in the United States, including winning your way through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, popularly known as the Green Card Program.

Most individuals reading this write-up already know that there are several benefits of being a Green Card holder. The most obvious of them all is that the card will allow you to live in the United States permanently. However, that says nothing about the wide array of privileges the card can allow you to enjoy. The section below talks about the advantages of obtaining a Green Card.

Indeed, there are many other benefits of owning a Green Card. However, the ones discussed in this article are enough for individuals looking for some encouraging facts before beginning the application process.

When individuals contemplate immigrating to the United States, their first thought usually sways towards a green card. While this may be the ultimate goal, there are other options available that would allow you to work in the United States until a green card is issued. Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are granted when an individual has a pending Immigration Petition for Permanent Residence or I-485. The card permits non-citizens to legally work in the United States for a U.S. employer. In this post, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between EAD cards and green cards as well as the timeline and process.

The United States green card is one of the most popular permanent resident permits and opens several doors for social and economic opportunities to people from all over the world. As a foreign national with permanent residency in the United States, you should know that there are numerous U.S. green card visa-free countries to which you can easily travel. In fact, you are free to travel outside the United States to your home country and other countries of your choice with the privilege of visiting those countries without a visa. In this article, we’ll cover:

Onal Gallant and Partners PC is a law office specializing in Real Estate Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate and Business Law, Immigration Law, and the US Visa Processes. We deliver reliable advice in a large variety of subjects ranging from forming a corporation, and buying a house in the US to trademark registration and Green Card applications (e.g., EB3 Visa or DV Lottery). With exceptional knowledge and insight into immigration law, our experienced lawyers at Onal Gallant and Partners PC are ready to help and respond to all of your inquiries.

The information and opinions provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only and may not constitute the most up-to-date legal information.

The standard type of identification number that banks ask for is your social security number, but it is possible to open a bank account without SSN and instead use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). These can be issued regardless of your immigration status and typically are received about six weeks after applying for them with the IRS. To confirm that the bank you want to open your account with will accept an ITIN number instead of a Social Security Number, it’s best to contact them directly and ask.
As a lawful permanent resident (or green card holder), you are eligible to receive a Social Security Number. Other types of immigrants that are eligible to receive social security numbers are individuals who have been granted asylum, individuals who have gone through the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens, and certain visa holders who came to the U.S. through employment-based immigration channels. You can visit a social security office to request a social security number. If you are a green card holder but don’t have a Social Security Number, you can also use a driver’s license, green card, or unexpired passport as a form of identification to open a bank account.

First please check if your country has qualified to take part in the Green Card Lottery thus giving you the opportunity to get a Green card for USA and apply for one of the 50.000 Green Cards issued each year to countries from all over the world.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

A Green Card allows you to legally work and reside in the United States. If you are a lucky winner, it will not only be you personally, who will be issued with a Green Card, Green Cards will also be issued to your spouse and your children under the ages of 21 (if any)

So what is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a Permanent Residence Visa for the U.S.A.

The green card lottery is officially called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery (popularly known as the Green Card Lottery).

Don´t miss your chances to win a green card apply online today and be one of the next lottery winners.

6 Benefits of obtaining a permanent residency

1. Green card holders are able to sponsor relatives and help them get a green card of their own. Qualifying family members are those who are immediate relatives; a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 years of age. Even if someone isn’t an immediate relative, there are some cases where green card holders are able to sponsor them under the Family Preference category.

2. Green card holders pay much less for college, university, and vocational school tuition. If they are able to prove their residency, they can claim “in-state” status during the application process. This gives them plenty of savings compared to being an “out of state” student. Green card holders are also eligible to apply for financial aid and reduce the financial burden of education even more.

3. The permanent residency status that comes with having a Green Card means that someone doesn’t need to continue reapplying to keep their status. Instead of renewing every year, they renew every ten years through Form I-551. Just complete the form and submit it to the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. Green cards are generally renewed around six months before they are set to expire.

5. Travelling in-and-out of the United States is much easier for a Green Card holder. It’s important to note that anyone with a green card who intends to stay out of the United States for over six months runs the risk of having their card revoked as it calls their intent to live in the United States into question. Green Card holders who stay out of the country for over a year are considered to have abandoned having the United States as their permanent home. It can be difficult to prove otherwise and it will likely involve having to attend an immigration hearing to convince a judge that you didn’t intend to abandon your status in the United States.

6. When a Green Card holder works for over ten years in the United States before retiring, they are eligible to receive US Social Security benefits.

Green Card holders “also known as permanent residents” are people given the authority to live and work in the United States permanently. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides proof of this status through a permanent resident card called a green card.

Green Cards earned their nickname because they were colored green between 1946 and 1964. They were made green again in 2010, but the Green Card nickname persisted, even as the cards were colored blue, yellow, and pink.

Today, regardless of their name, permanent U.S. residents aged 18 or older are required always to carry their U.S. Green Card. If you do manage to win the

Green Card Lottery, the Green Card you get lasts ten years and must be renewed. Green Cards can be renewed online, and it’s simple to do after those ten years have passed. Conditional permanent residents, those who have earned their Green Card through investment or marriage, must renew their Green Card after two years.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

A Green Card is a Permanent Residence Visa of The United States

Get Your Green Card Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa DV Lottery

The Immigrant Visa Diversity Lottery “also known as the DV Lottery” allots up to 50,000 immigrant visas ready to be handed out on a lottery basis each year.

Eligibility Requirements

The Green Card Lottery, as some people call it, makes a select number of immigrant visas (50,000) available each year for those who meet the eligibility requirements. Those requirements include:

You must be a citizen of a foreign nation that has a low rate of immigration to the United States. The U.S. State Department publish updated lists of eligible and ineligible countries each year, as it changes on a yearly basis. Be sure to check the latest list to verify you are born in one of the
qualifying countries.

You must have either graduated from high school, the equivalent thereof for your country, or have minimum two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience

How to Participate in the Green Card Lottery

Applications to the lottery are open year round, when using a professional immigration service to help with the application.

The good news is that the application to the Government Approved Lottery is completely free. Please keep in mind the U.S. Green Card Office will charge an application fee for assisting you and your family completing the application and preparing your visa interview, which takes place at the U.S.

Embassy upon one’s winning the lottery.

We give you the best chance of winning the Green Card Lottery.

Family-Based Green Cards

Family sponsorship is among the most common methods for foreign nationals to enter the United States. Green Card holders and American citizens can sponsor certain members of their family for legal status within the United States. The U.S. citizen or Green Card holder sponsoring their relatives must prove that they can financially support the beneficiary.

U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can file immigrant petitions on behalf of their wives, husbands, and unmarried children to gain legal entry for them into United States. U.S. citizens enjoy being able to sponsor wider categories of relatives than Green Card holders. US Citizens can sponsor parents, brothers, sisters, and married children. US Citizens must be over age 21 to sponsor parents, brothers, and sisters.

However, there are still limits to whom a legal citizen is allowed to sponsor. They are not allowed to sponsor aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, their in-laws, or their cousins—only close relatives and next of kin.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

Employment-Based Green Cards

Foreign nationals may be able to get a Green Card to stay in the United States if they receive an offer of permanent employment from an employer within the United States and if that employer is willing to sponsor them for a Green Card. Those with higher education and ability are more likely to receive an employment-based Green Card for entry into the United States.

Investment-Based Green Cards

Foreign nationals can gain a Green Card for the United States by creating jobs in the country through investing between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in commercial enterprises. The investment must benefit the U.S. economy, and the national in question must have created at least ten full-time jobs for American citizens.

Refugee/Asylum

People who are granted asylum or refugee status within the United States are eligible for a Green Card if they meet requirements. They can file an application for an adjustment of status and receive permanent resident status within the U.S. The system might sound daunting, but we are here to help.

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Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

As a result of being a permanent resident of the country, a Green Card holder can also enjoy the above-mentioned social security benefits. For example, people with these cards can enjoy retirement benefits after working in the country for just ten years. However, you must know that there are some limitations regarding the kinds of social security benefits Green Card owners can enjoy. They usually don’t have access to all the benefits that US citizens get.

Who Qualifies for a Green Card?

You can become a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) by applying for an employment-based immigrant visa or a family-based immigrant visa. There are various types of immigrant visas under these two categories:

Family-Based Green Card: To be eligible for a family-based green card, you must have a qualifying familial relationship with a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who will sponsor your green card application. There are two categories of relatives for the family-based green card, which are the immediate relative and family preferences.

Employment-Based Green Card: To qualify for this category, you will need to meet certain criteria depending on the specific visa you are applying for out of the available employment-based green cards. There are many types of immigrant visas and most of them require having a job offer from a U.S.-based employer who will sponsor your green card application. You may also sponsor yourself in some cases, provided you meet the requirements.

Similar to employment-based visas is the investor green card, known as the EB-5. This category requires you to invest a minimum of $900,000 or $1.8 million in a business enterprise in the U.S. Another related immigrant visa is the EB-4, employment-based green card, also known as the special immigrant visa. Those that may qualify for the EB-4 visa include religious workers, broadcasters, special immigrant juveniles, certain physicians, armed forces members, and international employees of the United States government abroad.

University Fees Will Become Significantly Lower

One of the main reasons why immigration attorneys insist that overseas students should apply for a Green Card is that obtaining the card decreases university fees significantly. Most vocational schools, colleges, and universities in the US tend to charge international and out-of-state students heftier sums as tuition fees. You’ll even find states where the annual tuition fees are more than 50% higher. If you have a Green Card, you will become an in-state resident, which will make your college fees much lower.

What’s more, as a Green Card holder, you will also be able to apply for federal financial aid to continue with your education. This can reduce your tuition expenses by a big margin.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

EAD vs H1B Work Restrictions

There are many ways to obtain a green card and there is often a debate as to which route is a better choice–EAD or H-1B visa. Below is a chart showing the differences between EAD and H-1B work options.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

As you can see, employment authorization cards have a host of advantages when it comes to qualifications and flexibility. However, the H-1B allows holders to work for a total of six years after extension while EADs are typically issued for a validity period of one or two years. So either option may be best for your situation depending on your employment and qualifications.

EAD Processing Time 2023

Currently, processing times are hovering around 3-7 months depending on the service center processing your application. H4 EAD time is around 4-8 months for the Texas, Vermont, California and Nebraska service centers. Processing time for I-485 EADs through the National benefits center is about 2-6 months. This year, the fastest processing time for an EAD (between H-4 EAD, L-2 EAD, J2, asylum EAD, and F-1 OPT EAD at the Potomac service center was 1 year 9 months while the slowest case approval was 2 years and 1 month (H-4 EAD/L-2 EAD/J2/ other category). The fastest approval time for the Texas service center was 1 year 7 months while the slowest was 3 years, 6 months (asylum based). The fastest approval processing time at the National Benefits Center was 1 year, 7 months while the slowest was 2 years, 4 months. The fastest approval time for the Nebraska service center was 1 year, 7 months, while the slowest was 3 years, 7 months (based on asylum). The fastest approval time for the Vermont service center was 1 year, 7 months, while the slowest was 2 years, 74months (based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant). The fastest approval time for the California service center was 1 year, 9 months, while the slowest was 3 years (I-485 pending EAD).

From the time that your EAD is approved and the status shows ‘card sent for printing’ you can expect to receive it within 5-7 days.

What is the Difference Between an EAD Card vs Green Card?

A Green Card Serves Multiple Purposes

A green card gives you both lawful permanent resident status and the legal right to work in the U.S. With your green card, you do not need any other document to prove your eligibility to work since that is an inherent benefit of the green card or citizenship.

On the other hand, an EAD is not a stand-alone document on its own. You cannot just come to the United States solely for the purpose of applying for an EAD. It must be tied to an underlying status, to which the EAD will be issued. This may be via a work visa or other means.

Opportunity to Travel Internationally

Another advantage that green card holders possess is the ability to travel freely in and out of the country. If you travel abroad during your stay in the U.S., you will need to provide certain documents to validate your eligibility to reenter the country. With your green card, you will be granted re-entry. You cannot achieve this with just an EAD. To travel in and out of the U.S. as an EAD holder, you must file for a travel document with the I-131 form.

As a green card holder, you have the legal ability to sponsor your immediate foreign relatives to also become permanent residents (green card holders) in the U.S. An EAD, on the other hand, does not grant you this privilege. To file immigrant petitions for family members, you must be a green card holder or U.S. citizen.

Permanent Over Temporary

Validity is another major difference between an EAD and a green card. A permanent green card is typically issued with a ten-year validity period. However, because it is a permanent status, you can always renew it and continue working and living in the U.S. for as long as you’d like.

I contrast, an EAD is issued based on your underlying status in the U.S. If the underlying status ends, your right to work in the U.S. also comes to an end. For example, you may apply for a work permit because you have a pending work visa application. However, if the application is denied, your work permit will become invalid.

Qualification for Citizenship

The United States citizenship law allows foreign nationals to become U.S. citizens through naturalization. Citizenship status gives you the highest privileges in the United States that other statuses don’t enjoy. For instance, you can vote and run for a public office during elections. However, citizenship is only attainable for foreign nationals who have already attained lawful permanent resident status. You cannot become a citizen on the basis of being an EAD holder.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

Compared to a green card, an employment authorization card (or work permit) is much more limited in what you can do, although it is available to a wide range of nonimmigrant categories as well as those waiting for pending applications with USCIS. What’s more, unlike green cards, EAD cards can range in their validity period depending on the status of the card holder.

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

For instance, an individual who is in the U.S. on a fiance/K1 visa may likely apply for an employment authorization card that lasts only 90 days. It’s also worth noting that green cards granted to lawful conditional residents are only valid for a period of two years. In these instances, if the proper steps are not taken to adjust the status to permanent residency, the status has a finite lifespan.

However, once those conditions are lifted and permanent residency is granted. Your green card typically has a validity period of ten years.

Green Card vs. US Citizenship?

The Green Card allows the holder to live and work permanently in the United States without being subject to immigration restrictions. While permanent residence in the United States means that the person has the right to reside in the United States indefinitely, it does not grant US Citizenship.

Green Card holders have many of the same rights as US Citizens but do not have the right to vote. Green Cards are not transferrable and are not automatically extended to children born outside of the U.S. You also cannot have a U.S. passport and must renew the Green Card every 10 years.

How to Get a Green Card in the USA?

Living permanently in the United States as a non-citizen requires you to have a green card which can be acquired in a few different ways, including:

A Green Card application must be completed and submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After USCIS approves your application, you will be scheduled for an interview at a consulate or embassy. Your eligibility for an immigrant visa will be determined by a consular officer during this interview.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Green Card?

Green card holders are legally allowed to live and work in the United States and are protected by U.S. immigration law. There are many benefits to having a Green Card, including eligibility for certain government benefits and protection from deportation. Green card holders also have the option to apply for U.S. citizenship after living in the country for a certain period.

What are the Different Ways to Get a Green Card in the USA?

The application process for each of the methods outlined below can vary, but they all require the submission of various forms and supporting documents. In some cases, such as with the Diversity Visa Program, there is also an interview process.

Foreign nationals can get an investment-based Green Card if they have a job offer from a U.S. employer. The employer must prove that the foreign national’s skills are needed in the United States and that they will be paid a wage that is at least the prevailing wage for their occupation in the area of intended employment.

The ‘investor visa’ is one of the most sought-after visas for overseas investors — and there are several categories that each offer flexibility in terms of qualification requirements, capital requirements, and, of course, visa type.

The EB-5 visa is for investors that wish to live and work in the US permanently after investing in a new commercial enterprise. The amount does not need to be in a single investment but can be split between multiple investments.

Marriage-Based Green Cards

Green Cards through marriage are some of the most heavily scrutinized applications, which is why it is critical to get everything right. The process starts with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This application establishes a qualifying relationship between your spouse and you, while also requesting the U.S. government reserve an immigrant visa for your spouse.

Marriage-based green cards are privileged in that the government does not apply any numerical limits on the number of relatives who can get a green card each year.

Company Transfer Green Card

An Intra-company Transferee L-1 Visa enables foreign companies to transfer specialized employees, executives, or managers to the U.S. as long as their employment will continue at an affiliated branch. If a branch does not exist, then it must be created.

Other requirements are that the business must have been conducting business in the U.S. for at least one year. This strategy for getting a green card in the U.S is preferable, as there is no requirement for labor certification.

Study Your Way to a Green Card

International students studying in the U.S. have F-1 visa status. The major downside to a study-based green card is that it is only valid while the student is enrolled in school. Part of the application process requires the student to prove they will return to their home country once they have their qualification.

Naturally, many USA students wonder how they can go about extending their time in the U.S. by going from an F-1 visa to a green card.

Students who are studying towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree are entitled to a work permit referred to as Optional Practical Training.

Once the year of training is complete, students can request their employer apply for an H1B work visa and a labor certification from the Department of Labor, which is a declaration stating there is no one else willing or qualified to take the job.

When the applicant successfully jumps through all these hoops, they can apply for a green card through the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Unfortunately, getting a green card this way is a long and arduous process, but may be one of your only options if you don’t have funds but have rare skills to offer.

Achievement-Based Green Card

Getting a green card through accomplished achievements is the fastest way for athletes, artists, and scholars to get a green card in the U.S. without an employer sponsor.

Every case is unique, and not all will qualify. People who have extraordinary skills but do not qualify can still apply for a temporary Extraordinary Ability O-1 Visa

Work Your Way Toward a Green Card

If you are skilled in a specialty occupation, you may be able to get a green card if your employer is willing to sponsor you. A work-based green card uses the H1B application described above for students, which means it’s a long and complex procedure.

It’s also limited in how many people can apply per year. Exceptions to this rule include applicants whose work is related to a college, a college-affiliated non-profit, or a U.S. government research organization.

You may be eligible for an EB-2 extraordinary worker green card based on a national interest waiver if you have an advanced academic degree or approved labor certification in a shortage occupation where no U.S. workers meet the requirements. Getting a green card through an EB-2 is highly desirable as there are fewer applicants, so the wait time is shorter.

The Diversity Visa Program also known as The Green Card Program

Every year, the Diversity Visa Program gives entrants the chance to win a Green Card and is one of the best ways to gain permanent residence in the United States.

Anyone born in any of the eligible countries can participate in the Green Card Lottery, providing they meet the requirements, including:

It sounds easy, but there is still a significant bureaucratic hurdle, including stringent photo requirements and the complicated DS-260 online form that is required to be submitted before the Visa interview in the American embassy if your application is selected for further processing.

One of the best ways to ensure you are not disqualified is to use the value-added Green Card Program submission service from the US Green Card Office that guarantees an application is not disqualified because of errors. These services are not available when using the free government service, so don’t risk your chance of getting a Green Card by doing it yourself. Find out how to apply for a Green Card in the United States through the professional immigration service provided by US Green Card Office.

Applying for a Taxpayer Identification Number

The Internal Revenue Service assigns Taxpayer ID numbers to foreign nationals living and paying taxes in the United States. You can apply for this number at the same time that you file federal taxes with the IRS. To submit your Taxpayer ID number application, you will need to provide:

Note: For all of these documents, you must submit an original document or a certified copy. A certified copy is one that is signed by an authorized person who has seen the original document and will vouch that it is accurate and honest.
Additional forms of proof of identity and foreign status can be seen below. Be aware that an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is different from an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is used to identify a business entity.

Source of the list above.

Documents Needed to Reenter the United States

In general, after a brief or temporary trip abroad, you will need to present your valid, unexpired green card (I-551) upon your arrival from the foreign country. At the port of entry, your green card and other means of identity—such as your passport or foreign national I.D.—will be reviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to determine if you can reenter the U.S. This requirement is applicable regardless of where the U.S green card holder traveled to a visa-free country or not.

What Happens If I Lose My Green Card While I am Abroad?

It is not impossible for your green card or reentry permit to get lost or destroyed while you away. If this happens, you will need to file a Form, I-31A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation). Without having your green card, reentry permit, or I-131A, you will find it difficult to find an airline or any other transportation carrier back to the U.S. Allowing a traveler without proper documentation aboard a transportation carrier may lead to sanction on the company.

Documents Needed to Travel Outside the United States

To travel to a foreign country, you will need to present your passport and your green card. You may also need some additional documents depending on the country you are traveling to. This is because some foreign countries have their own entry and exit requirements which must be respected by every visitor.

They Need to Renew Their Visas Less Frequently

Most US residency permits require annual or biannual renewal. However, if you own a Green Card, you’ll need to renew it only after every ten years. To ensure that you get the renewed card on time, you must fill out and submit the renewal form (Form I-90) six months before your Green Card’s expiry date.

There are a series of other advantages of being a Green Card holder. For instance, the card will give you the right to engage in the country’s politics as a volunteer and by donating to various political campaigns. You should speak to your immigration lawyer to know more about the advantages of having a Green Card.

Understanding the U. Green Card

The U.S. green card is the popular name for the official lawful permanent resident card (or I-551) issued to certain eligible foreign nationals by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There are two major immigration statuses for noncitizens in the U.S. — immigrant status and nonimmigrant status.

Those with green cards are considered to have immigrant status, an immigration term that implies the eligibility to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. The term “nonimmigrants,” on the other hand, refers to those who are in the U.S. on a temporary visa and are required to return to their home country on or before the expiration of their status. You can become a green card holder through employmentfamily ties to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, as well as a few other means.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Travel

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about visa-free travel for green card holders.

Can you travel with a green card/permanent resident card?

You are eligible to travel outside of the U.S. as a green card holder/permanent resident. U.S. permanent residents are allowed to travel anywhere in the world, depending on their ability to enter the country of their destination. However, as a green card holder, there are a number of visa-free countries that do not require any additional paperwork for entry. The proof of your U.S. green card will be enough to grant entry.

Can you fly with a green card?

What are U.S. green card travel benefits?

There are several travel benefits to having a green card. Firstly, you can easily leave, enter, and re-enter the U.S. You will not be subject to denial of entry unless you violate the U.S. or international laws. Secondly, you are eligible to travel to many visa-free countries with your U.S. green card. To visit those countries, you will not need any additional paperwork or visas for entry. Your U.S. green card will be enough.

A Green Card Holder Can Travel Overseas Without Any Difficulty

Individuals with a student visa or temporary visa often face problems when traveling to a foreign land from the US. With a Green Card in your pocket, traveling overseas would become much easier for you. The country’s immigration services must admit all Green Card owners as the card is the proof of their status of permanent residence.

Opening a Bank Account Without a SSN

If you’re not eligible to receive a Social Security Number, then you may be wondering what options you have left to open a bank account. The good news is there’s another way to provide a bank with an identification number, and that’s with a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It’s best, however, to use a bank that has a physical branch if you choose this route because online banks may only have the ability to verify your identity with a Social Security Number.

Where Can I Travel With My Green Card?

According to the USCIS, a lawful permanent resident is free to travel outside the U.S., and brief or temporary travel usually does not affect your status. This freedom is for both lawful permanent residents and conditional green card holders. However, your travel arrangements must be made according to the travel regulations for your status. This includes having necessary documents that will allow you to travel outside and reenter the U.S. Although there are many U.S. green card visa-free countries you can travel to, the travel period in itself can have a negative impact on your residency status, depending on your immigration restrictions.

Green Card Holders Can Stay Anywhere in the US

If you have a Green Card, you’ll be able to settle down in any part of the United States depending on your preferences. This is major good news considering the diversity and size of the country. Of course, individuals with employment Green Cards need to live near their workplace. However, those with family Green Cards don’t need to abide by any restrictions regarding where they choose to stay.

This helps people to find neighborhoods that have more people of similar backgrounds (same nationality, same religion, speaking the same language, etc.).

What Does Green Card Abandonment Mean?

Green card abandonment is a situation whereby a permanent resident gives up on his or her green card either intentionally or unintentionally. Staying outside the United States for too long is one of the acts that can be considered as having the intent of green card abandonment.

After returning from a journey abroad, the CBP officer will base their assessment of your reentry eligibility on a number of criteria. This includes whether or not you maintained family and community ties, filed U.S. income taxes as a resident, and maintained U.S. employment while you were abroad.

They may also check to determine whether you maintained a U.S. mailing address, a valid U.S. driver’s license, a U.S. bank account, run a U.S. business, or own property in the United States. Maintaining any or some of these criteria will help in proving that your absence was indeed temporary and you had no intention of abandoning your permanent resident status.

What If I Want to Stay Longer Than One Year?

Whether you are a permanent or conditional green card holder, having a re-entry permit allows you to apply for admission to the U.S after returning from abroad without having to obtain a returning visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy. However, keep in mind that the permit will be issued with an expiration date, which means you can only use it to apply for admission on or before the expiration.

Expiration of Re-entry Permit

This is why it is not advisable to stay longer than the expiration of your re-entry visa. However, just like a re-entry permit, a returning resident visa will also not automatically grant you admission after your journey. The purpose of these documents is to help prove your case at the port of entry.

What Happens If My SB-1 Application is Denied?

If, for any reason, the immigration officials deny your returning visa application, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S. unless you acquire another valid visa. The common reason for is failing to demonstrate strong ties to the United States while you were away. In this case, your only option is to reapply for another immigrant visa, which can be under the same category you had previously or you can explore other available options.

How VisaNation Law Group Can Help

While you are allowed to travel the world as a lawful permanent resident, it is important to take precautions on circumstances that could make you lose your green card or affect your eligibility for citizenship in the future. Whether you are already a green card holder or in the process of acquiring it, you need to know how to make the most of your status. This is why you should work with experienced green card immigration attorneys.

VisaNation Law Group has a team of highly experienced green card attorneys with extensive knowledge of the immigration rules for permanent residents, especially travel regulations. For a professional guide on your travel documentation, including a re-entry permit, or returning visa application, you can always count on them. Additionally, if your application for any of these has been denied, they can help you regain entry to the U.S. You can contact and book an appointment with VisaNation Law Group today by filling out this consultation form.

Disadvantages of a Green Card

One of the main drawbacks of a green card is the processing time. Each year, a limited amount of employment and family-based green cards are issued. Because the immigrant petitions usually exceed this limit, a backlog has built up for several green card preference levels. Depending on which category of green card you have applied for, you may find yourself waiting a very long time.

For instance, as of this post, the current wait time for an EB-3 green card for residents of mainland China is eleven years. It is even worse for family-based visas. For an F4 green card for residents of the Philippines is over twenty years.

This is because citizens of China and the Philippines have filed more petitions than there were available visas, causing certain categories to become over-prescribed. When that happens, the USCIS goes by a first-come, first-serve basis. The sooner you file your petition, the sooner a visa number will become available.

Because many people cannot wait that long to begin working, nonimmigrant work visas and EAD cards are two possible methods of obtaining employment in the interim.

Reasons to Open a Bank Account in the United States

There are many reasons it could benefit you to open a bank account in the United States. The first being safety. When you deposit your money into a bank account, you have peace of mind that it won’t be stolen in a home burglary or lost in a catastrophic event like a fire or flood since the bank insures your funds. It’s also unsafe to keep large sums of money on your persons because it makes you a target of attack. Another reason it’s wise to open a bank account is that it establishes financial history, which can later be used to show goodwill in applying for loans, getting credit cards, buying a home, etc. If you have children, some states also allow you to open a college savings plan (529 plan) that has tax benefits. What’s more, having a bank account allows you to pay bills using online transfer tools and also cash checks.

EAD to Green Card Processing Time

While processing time to receive an EAD may vary depending on the service center by regulation, the USCIS is allowed up to 90 days to process your EAD application. Be aware that having a pending EAD does not authorize you to work; the EAD card must actually be approved.

What is the Process if My EAD Has Expired?

If your EAD card is expired or is about to expire, you are likely wondering how to renew your employment authorization. You will not be able to renew your EAD more than 120 days before it expires.

If it has already expired, then you can file a renewal by submitting an Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765. Alternatively, if you need a replacement EAD because it contains incorrect information (not the fault of USCIS) or it has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to submit a new I-765 and filing fee plus the EAD card containing the error.

Where Can I Travel With a Green Card and Without a Visa?

With your green card, you can travel to a number of countries without a visa. The United States has an agreement known as a “good neighbor policy” with Canada and Mexico. With this policy, as a green card holder, you don’t need to obtain a visa before traveling to any of these two countries. You will, however, need to present your passport to enter those countries.

Apart from the countries under the good neighbor policy, you can also travel to some other countries for the purpose of tourism without a visa. Those countries include Albania, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Kosovo, Malaysia, Montenegro, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Serbia, Singapore, Sint Maarten, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United Arab Emirates also grant visa waivers to U.S. green card holders.

Some of these countries have some restrictions for nationals of certain countries. Additionally, countries change their immigration laws from time to time. Therefore, before traveling to any of the countries or territories above, as a green card holder, it is recommended that you first check the requirements on their immigration website to be sure that a visa waiver is available to you.

Below you will find a map that outlines where visa-free countries for U.S. green card holders:

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

Can DACA Recipients Open a Bank Account?

If you are the recipient of the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals Program (DACA), then you can open a bank account with a Taxpayer Identification number along with proof of address and other forms of identification. Review the section above to learn how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
BB&T Bank is one financial institution that welcomes DACA recipients with open arms. With BB&T, you can:

Does Travel Outside the U. Affect the Naturalization Process?

If you dream of becoming a U.S. citizen someday, you might want to take extra precautions when it comes to your stay outside the United States. According to the USCIS, “absences from the U.S. of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization.”

This application will help you preserve your status if you have to stay abroad for a period of one year or longer. The eligibility for the N-470 must be based on a very genuine, such as employment purposes for the U.S. government, a recognized U.S. firm, a mission, or denomination that has a bona fide organization in the U.S., and other

Similarities Between a Green Card and EAD

Similarly, an EAD is typically issued with a validity period that mirrors the validity period of your nonimmigrant status. You can apply to renew it provided you still have an underlying status.

Both the green card holder and EAD holder can be deported from the United States. Though a green card is considered permanent resident status, it is only permanent and valid for as long as you maintain the regulations and guidelines surrounding your green card status. If a green card holder is judged to have committed a deportable offense, he or she will be deported. Grounds for deportation include drug-related or sex crimes, terrorism, fraud, and other related offenses. The same thing applies to an EAD holder on a nonimmigrant status. Only those with U.S. citizenship are fully protected from deportation.

H4 EAD Rule

New legislation has been enacted for H4 holders who will be eligible for the benefits of employment authorization. In order to qualify, however, you must meet the necessary criteria. The first being that the principal H-1B worker has to have an approved I-140 OR have been approved for H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act.

H4 EAD Timeline

The EAD timeline will differ slightly depending on your immigration status. Consult your immigration attorney about the most up-to-date steps for your situation.

Opening A Bank Account As A Green Card Holder

While the requirements from bank to bank may differ, typically, you need a few things in order to open a bank account:

The banks need this information, by law, so they know exactly who their customers and their identity is verified by an official source.

How Long Can I Stay Outside the United States?

As a green card holder, you can travel and stay outside the United States for a period of six months without losing your permanent resident status. While your status grants you the freedom to travel in and out of the U.S., it is mandatory that you maintain legal status at all times, which includes establishing and maintaining a continuous physical presence. It is important to remember that traveling to visa-free countries for U.S. green card holders does not annul this requirement.

Employment Authorization Card Frequently Asked Questions

What does EAD mean?

This stands for Employment Authorization Document and it’s legal proof that you have the right to work in the United States. See other forms of documents eligible to prove work status lower down the page.

Does the 180-day automatic extension apply for employment authorization cards with a pending I-485?

You are entitled to the 180-day automatic extension for the EAD card category. Basically, what that means is you are permitted to work for up to 180 days while your EAD application is pending from your current EAD card expiring.

What does EAD category C09P mean?

EAD C09P is the designation in the code of regulations for the ability to work for those with a pending application for AOS. Since you are applying for an employment authorization document and advance parole simultaneously, the card you get is called a C09P EAD (sometimes nicknamed combo card.) This card is valid for one year.

What does it mean if my status says ‘new card being produced’?

That means your EAD is approved! Congratulations! You do need to wait until you receive your card in the mail before you can begin working though so sit tight! You should get it about 5-7 days after status says ‘card sent for printing’.

Can I opt for premium processing for my EAD application?

Premium processing is not an option for EAD applications. Check the criteria for EAD expediting and discuss this option with your immigration attorney. USCIS will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.

How Can I Get a Green Card as an H-4 Visa Holder?

You have a number of options available to you. First, your H-1B spouse can get their green card and then sponsor you for an F2A green card. If your spouse becomes a citizen, they can sponsor you for a marriage-based green card (this is going to be the fastest method in terms of processing time.) Another option is to have your employer sponsor you for an EB-1, EB-2 or EB-3 visa. Lastly, you can self-petition using the EB-1A or EB-2 green card with a National Interest Waiver.

What can I do if my EAD processing time is taking a long time?

If your application is still processing and it has taken longer than the average processing time at the service center you are able to make a service request with USCIS for them to look at your case.

How long do I need to wait to receive my Social Security Number after my EAD is approved?

What will USCIS accept as a United States employment authorization document aside from an EAD card?

Who Qualifies for Employment Authorization?

To start with, there are two types of EADs. One is green card-based EAD while the other is not tied to a green card.

Green Card-Based EAD

To allow applicants to have a legal avenue to work and earn a living while waiting for their green cards, the USCIS can issue them an EAD, which serves as temporary authorization to work. An EAD issued for this purpose will automatically expire the moment the applicant receives their green card. Both the green card and EAD applications can be submitted to the USCIS at the same time. While your green card processing may take years, a properly-filed EAD application is processed within 60 to 90 days.

Category One: You must have employment authorization that will result from your pending nonimmigrant status.

Category Two: You must have the authorization to work for a specific employer due to your nonimmigrant status.

It is important to note that just because you fall into one of these categories does not automatically make you eligible for an EAD card. Because each situation comes with different regulations, it is important to work with your immigration attorney to learn if you qualify.

UPDATE: This temporary rule is just that – temporary. As of October 27th, 2023, the automatic extension of the employment authorization and EAD validity will go back to the 180-day period for eligible applicants who file Form I-765 renewal applications. This extension is for applicants who filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

A Green Card Holder Can Sponsor His/Her Close Relatives

Once you obtain the Green Card, you’ll become eligible to sponsor your immediate family members for living in the US. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the term “immediate family member” refers to spouses and children under 21 (must be unmarried).

Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

If you want to sponsor other family members like your parents or siblings, you’ll need to become a citizen of the country.

EAD vs Green Card Recap

If your goals are just to work in the United States for a period of time and not necessarily establish it as your permanent residence, then it may be best to just apply for an EAD and bypass the green card application process altogether. Again, the EAD vs Green card debate is one best handled by an immigration attorney who can review the specifics of your case.

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