Received 10 Year Green Card Instead Of 2 Year

Some individuals may wonder whether they should apply for the ten-year green card or stick with the two-year green card and wait until their ten-year green card comes around.

The ten-year green card application has only been available since March of 2015, so it’s still a newer option than the standard two-year green card application that many have come to know and love (including yours truly).

All that said, there’s a few important differences between the two solutions that you should be aware of, so here’s our view on the subject.

The Two Years Is a Waste

If you receive a ten-year green card, you can live and work in the United States for ten years without renewing your status.

On the other hand, a two-year green card requires that you renew your status every two years. In my opinion, the two years are a waste because you must go through renewing your status every two years, which can be a hassle.

Plus, if you have a ten-year green card, you can always renew it after ten years. When you get a two-year green card, there is no way to extend or renew it. It expires after two years unless you apply for an extension.

I recommend getting a ten-year green card instead of a two-year one because you don’t have to worry about renewing your status and risking forgetting the deadline.

You also have more time with your family here in the U.S., which is essential when living abroad and many Americans who want to visit their families on holidays.

Lastly, suppose you want to move back home at any point during these ten years. In that case, it’s straightforward since you need to wait until you’re eligible for citizenship again before applying.

Time to Celebrate!

You’ve finally done it. You’ve received your green card! Now the real work begins. But before, let us pause to recognize your accomplishment.

This document gives you the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It’s significant! And it opens up a plethora of opportunities for your future.

So what’s next?

If you received a ten-year green card, you’re in luck. A green card allows anyone to live and work in the United States for ten years before having to renew it.

Plus, if you ever want to become a U.S. citizens, having a ten-year green card makes that process easier.

If you earned a two-year green card, you will need to renew it every two years.

And Now, the Fun Part…

The next step is to start writing your business plan! This is where you’ll lay out your goals, strategies, and what you need to do to make your business a reality. 

Real Estate & Investments

A ten-year green card is the better option if you’re looking to invest in real estate or other long-term investments.

This is because it allows you to stay in the United States for more extended periods without renewing your status.

Additionally, a ten-year green card allows you to apply for citizenship after five years.

A 2-year green card will allow you to apply for citizenship after three years, but if you want to avoid going through the whole process again once your two-year green card expires, then getting a ten-year green card might be worth considering.

The Financial Benefits of Having a Ten-Year Visa

A ten-year visa entitles the holder to many financial benefits that a two-year visa does not.

For one, a ten-year visa allows the holder to apply for a Social Security number, allowing the holder to open a bank account and receive credit.

Additionally, a ten-year visa holder can apply for a driver’s license and professional and student licenses.

Finally, a ten-year visa allows holders to invest in property and start their own business.

A Change in Thinking Is Not Always Bad

It can be disconcerting to think that the U.S. the government has issued you a 10-year green card instead of the usual two-year one.

After all, doesn’t this mean they think you’re going to stay here for a more extended period; But a change in thinking is not always bad, and in this case, it could be pretty good for you.

A 10-year green card means you won’t have to worry about applying every few years to maintain your status.

You’ll be on a renewable temporary visa, which will give you plenty of time to find out if life in America is what you want.

If it isn’t, then the lack of restrictions will allow you the freedom to move back home and pursue other options with ease.

Will I Need to File Taxes with an H1B visa?

You must file taxes if you are a resident alien for tax purposes and have an H1B visa. You will not need to file taxes if you are a nonresident alien.

However, if you change your status to a resident alien, you must file taxes. The best way to determine your tax filing status is to consult a tax professional.

In general, H1B visa holders must file taxes if they are U.S. residents and meet the following requirements:

• They lived in the United States for more than 183 days during the current year or 183 days during the three previous years.  
• They received earned income from working in the United States that was more than $3,300 (or $5,400 for those who have a qualifying child)

Concluding Thoughts

In the end, there are pros and cons to the ten-year and two-year green cards. It depends on your specific situation as to which one is better for you.

If you think you must travel back to your home country frequently, then the ten-year green card may be a better option. However, if you think you can commit to staying in the U.S. for at least two years, then the two-year green card may be a better option.