What does a green card mean?
The GreenCard system is an international insurance system that operates in 48 countries, so traveling around these countries by car without GreenCard insurance is strictly prohibited. If the absence of a green insurance card is discovered at the border, the car owner will immediately, at the border, have to purchase an insurance policy at a cost much higher than at home and pay a fine for its absence, and then return home, or buy local insurance, which can be completely impractical.
The policyholder compensates for the repair of damaged vehicles, instead of the person at fault who has a green card.
By concluding a green card insurance contract, the car owner can move freely abroad, while he gains the opportunity to:
- travel freely abroad from your home country,
- in the event of an emergency in a foreign country, quickly solve the problem with insurance compensation funds for the restoration of the car, guided by the legislation of the host country,
- for the second time do not purchase insurance from local insurers.
When the car has left the country, it will be impossible to purchase a green card for a car with Russian license plates.
Methods of obtaining
There are several ways to obtain a US green card. The most accessible ones are through family, work or investments.
Family reunification
First of all, the closest relatives of a US citizen can apply for a green card:
- spouse;
- a child under 21 years of age who does not have his own family;
- adult father and mother.
Other relatives also have a chance to receive a green card, but in accordance with their priority :
| Priority in queue | Applicant |
| 1 (F1) | Adult unmarried daughters and sons |
| 2 (F2A) | Spouses and unmarried minor children of immigrants living in the United States on a green card |
| 2 (F2B) | Adult unmarried daughters and sons of immigrants living in the United States on a green card |
| 3 (F3) | Adult married daughters and sons of citizens |
| 4 (F4) | Brothers and sisters of citizens |
To reunite a family, an American submits an I-130 petition to USCIS and pays a fee.
In it, he indicates the degree of relationship, conditions and address where the immigrant will live in the States while his application for a green card is being considered.
The number of green cards is limited. Priority is the rules by which an applicant gets a place in the waiting line. The opportunity to apply for adjustment of status is published in the USCIS monthly newsletter.
Marriage
An American may file a Petition for Alien Fiancée (Form I-129F) for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa.
According to it, the future spouse enters the States and, within 90 days, marries the US citizen who invited him.
Immediately thereafter, the new alien spouse may request an adjustment of status (Form I-485) and pay the fee. To avoid fraud, he is given a conditional card, valid for 2 years .
For more information about this method of moving to the USA, see the interview with an American immigration lawyer:
Labor immigration
There are several ways to obtain a US green card for a citizen of the Russian Federation through employment according to priority:
| Priority in queue | Applicant |
| 1 (EB-1) | Migrants with extraordinary abilities (Nobel laureates, Olympiad winners, Oscar or Pulitzer Prize winners, etc.) |
| Holders of higher scientific degrees, professors and researchers with at least 3 years of experience in a particular field | |
| Top managers of international corporations | |
| 2 (EB-2) | Holders of academic degrees or exceptional abilities |
| 3 (EB-3) | Other skilled and unskilled workers |
| 4 (EB-4) | Employees of religious organizations, journalists, translators of Afghan and Iraqi languages |
In general, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS and pays the fee. If the employee is in the United States, he or she will complete the I-485 Adjustment of Status Application.
Obtaining political asylum or refugee status
A green card to America in 2021 is available to those who are persecuted in their home country for social, racial reasons, political, religious and spiritual beliefs.
To do this, they must obtain refugee status or political asylum in the United States:
- First, the foreigner submits an I-589 petition to the American consulate and presents evidence of persecution: photos, videos, voice recordings, letters, medical certificates, police documents.
- An interview is scheduled. If the circumstances are confirmed, the foreigner is assigned refugee status and travel to the United States is organized.
In the States, a refugee is fully supported by the state. He is given housing, work, psychological, legal and medical assistance.
Under these conditions, a foreigner has the right to stay in the United States for up to a year.
After one year, the alien must file an I-485 petition (registration and change of status) with USCIS. The circumstances are rechecked, and if nothing has changed, within a year he receives a green card and becomes a permanent resident.
Immigrant Investor Program
For those who want to obtain a green card in the United States through investment, there is the EB-5 program.
The foreigner invests in companies that are on the list and creates or maintains at least 10 jobs for qualified American employees.
After that, he sends forms I-526 and I-485 to USCIS and pays the fee.
From November 21, 2021, the required investment amounts increased to $1.8 million and 900 thousand. dollars in target areas with above-average unemployment rates. USCIS controls the funds and tracks the results.
Business immigration
To obtain a green card (in addition to participating in the investor program), an entrepreneur can buy an existing business in America, purchase a stake, or open a startup.
After that, he submits petitions I-526 and I-485 to USCIS and pays the fee.
Since the investment is not under the control of the immigration service, the business immigrant first receives a conditional visa for 2 years . At this time, USCIS checks it for possible fraud.
Diversification lottery
Residents of regions with low migration levels (less than 50 thousand people over the last 5 years) can win a green card in the lottery. Its goal is to support and expand the cultural and national diversity of the country.
The number of winning numbers is limited to 55,000. Registration takes place every fall for the drawing scheduled in 2 years.
Applicants must meet other criteria under US immigration law, so not everyone who wins ends up moving to the States .
Read the following article for details of participation in the diversification lottery.
Who and how concludes agreements under the green card system
There is one Green Card representative office in the country, which enters into contracts with insurance companies. The guarantee for compliance with all rights and obligations in relation to this insurance is carried out by RSA. In Russia, currently, only 10 large insurers have the authority to issue a green card.
To purchase a card, you need to contact the policyholder’s office and have only two documents with you:
- identification document,
- vehicle registration certificate issued at the place of registration.
IMPORTANT !!! You should know! A green card must be issued for all vehicles, even those that are not subject to MTPL insurance in Russia, such as trailers for trucks, cars, and mopeds with an engine capacity of less than 50 cubic meters. see and snowmobiles.
The insurance policy is not filled out by hand to avoid cases of fraud.
The amount of the insurance premium does not depend on the number of people driving the car. The insurance itself identifies the policyholder, the company that entered into the insurance contract, and not the car owner.
The positive aspect of obtaining insurance at the offices of insurers is reliability and the lowest amount of insurance premium. The downside is that it takes a lot of time.
ATTENTION !!! You can apply for an insurance policy on the insurer's website online. There are no negative aspects, since you can check the license for such insurance and the reliability of the insurance on the website of the RSA insurers, and simply by checking the policy by calling the policyholder. The policy is also paid online, and home delivery greatly simplifies the process.
The shortest period for which insurance is carried out is 15 days. The biggest one is one year. You cannot extend your insurance; you can only purchase new insurance. If at this time the car owner is abroad, you can only ask one of your acquaintances or friends for help. Purchase insurance 30 days before the scheduled trip.
Green Card USA: purpose and receipt of the document
Green Card USA is a foreigner’s registration card, a kind of visa that gives a resident the right to temporarily reside and work in America. This document gives the citizen the official status of a legal immigrant. The green card has been called since 1950. It was during that period of time that it was produced in this shade. The wording has remained a household name to this day.
Today, foreigners are issued two types of green cards. An unconditional pass with unlimited validity is the cherished dream of potential immigrants. As well as a temporary card with a fixed validity period. As soon as the period of such a certificate expires, the owner is obliged to take care of issuing a permanent document or returning him to his homeland.
The US green card is an opportunity to obtain citizenship of the country of hamburgers in the future. Based on certain requirements, the card holder has the right to obtain American citizenship after 5 years.
The US government is quite loyal to submitters of such petitions. It does not require the resident to renounce his or her citizenship. The practice of dual citizenship in the American state is widespread.
Green document and its advantages
Green Card USA is a certificate that allows a person to work legally. And also have a legal place of residence in a state of great opportunity. Having a pass guarantees the owner the opportunity to:
– live anywhere in the USA; – organize a business or become a shareholder; – buy real estate and movable property; – study in public and private institutions; – serve in the US Army; – obtain an American driver’s license; – initiate the issuance of an American green card to other members of your family; – move freely throughout the state; – reduce tax deductions; – receive health insurance benefits.
Applying for a green card is not only about rights, but also about some responsibilities. The holder must comply with the laws of the foreign country in which he resides. Otherwise, the green pass will be cancelled.
The resident must, upon request, provide documents for verification to the US Department of State and other authorized bodies. Inform USCIS representatives about your movements within the state. Pay taxes correctly. Register with the military (this point applies to men under 26 years of age).
How to get a Green Card in the USA?
A common question among those wishing to settle abroad. How to get the coveted immigration pass to the world of great opportunities? There are several ways in which thousands of Russians leave the country every year. Immigration with a green card is possible for the following purposes:
– reunite the family; – marry an American; – get a job on call from a foreign employer; – obtain political asylum; – invest in the development of the US economy; – participate in a special diversification lottery.
The most unusual way to get a green pass is the Diversity Visa-Lottery. Each participant has a chance to win a Green Card. The American government, or rather the US State Department, initiates the draw. The project is based on the desire of government officials to improve the cultural and ethnic education of the country.
How to win a US Green Card?
A person who meets certain criteria can take part in the lottery and submit an application. For these purposes, a person must visit the official website www.dvlottery.state.gov. Participation requires registration on the portal.
Registration means submitting an application form. The form is filled out electronically on the official website. The main requirement is that the application form must be filled out completely and correctly. Partially completed documents are not allowed for the lottery.
The steps to officially participate in the US green card lottery are as follows:
– submission of the application form for participation; – checking the results of the draw; – if you win – preparatory work for subsequent stages (negative – result – waiting for the next annual lottery); – collecting a package of basic documentation and passing a medical commission; – interview at the American Embassy; – waiting for the verdict of the American visa commissioners and the cherished immigration with Greencard.
A US Green Card won by chance brings joy not only to the owner, but also to his entire family. A Russian citizen who has received a green pass thanks to the lottery has the opportunity to automatically obtain a residence and work permit in a foreign country for his entire family. Your wife and children don’t even need to fill out a form and win on their own.
Do you want to know how much it will cost to apply for a green card? Absolutely nothing. The green visa document is raffled off completely free of charge. A draw is an automatic action. It is impossible to falsify data and results. Therefore, you should not believe scammers who promise a person 100% for a reasonable fee.
Green card to America, how to fill out the application form?
Information on filling out the form to win a Green Card in the USA contains several points. The basis is English. This is the main tool when filling out an application for participation in the lottery. In the original, it would be good to have basic knowledge of a foreign language. However, if they are missing, you can always use Google Translate.
Getting a chance to win is strictly time regulated. The participation form takes exactly one hour to fill out. An incomplete form will not be saved. Data is entered in Latin. All items must be completed. It is advisable to provide reliable information.
Violation of the program rules means exclusion of the applicant from the drawing. The lottery is held once a year. Submitting a second application during the same registration period will result in the cancellation of both applications.
To participate in the Diversity Visa-Lottery, the applicant will need a foreign passport, photos of all family members, postal details, knowledge of the spelling of street names and settlements in Latin.
Attention!
There are no small details in the process of applying for a US visa - even a small nuance can become a reason for refusal.
It is important to avoid distortion of information about the applicant!
Otherwise, the process of obtaining a visa to the United States risks taking a long time, questions will arise, or the applicant will be denied a visa altogether.
With our US visa center, you can quickly and quickly obtain a visa, eliminating possible shortcomings
Our managers will advise you on typical questions asked at the US Embassy, possible answers that will cause approval and convince the consulate representatives of the adequacy of the purposes of your trip.
The standard period for obtaining a foreign passport at the place of residence is 1 month, at the place of actual stay - up to 4 months.
What to do in the event of an accident
If an insured event occurs, you should immediately:
- Notify the policyholder using the telephone number recorded on the policy or through the information center of the Russian Society of Insurers. Notify your local office by calling your insurance company.
- Together with other participants in the accident, fill out the damage notice as correctly and clearly as possible.
- Sometimes, if the damage to the vehicle is minimal, and if the police do not go to the scene of the accident, you should fill out a notice and, having reached the nearest police station, certify it with a stamp.
- Contact the office of an international insurance company, or a national insurance agency that exists in the country.
You should not give the original green card to the insurance company; without the card, you cannot prove its existence. Stock up on several copies, because one of them must be presented to the party involved in the accident, and he, accordingly, must present his card and provide you with a copy to submit documents to the local GreenCard insurance office.
Green card: what is it and how does it differ from citizenship?
With an identification card (Permanent Resident Card), a foreigner receives the status of a permanent resident of the United States. He is one step away from citizenship.
This status is similar to a Russian residence permit . It allows you to freely and legally stay in America, move, and work.
The identification card is often called a green card because of the green color of the plastic document.
The green card received its modern form in 2010. Its highest level of security is created using holographic stamps, an electronic microchip, an engraved fingerprint pattern, special ink, and a radio frequency beacon for location tracking.
On the front side there is a digital photo of the owner, his data, expiration date, and the number of the Immigration Service department. On the back there is an identification code and contacts for returning a lost document.
What opportunities does it provide?
What does a US green card give to its holders:
- the right to freely choose a place of residence and travel throughout the United States;
- work;
- obtain a driver's license;
- own real estate;
- receive education in public schools;
- serve in the army (certain types of troops);
- receive social security benefits, old age and disability benefits, benefits under the Medicare medical program;
- exit and enter the United States with a green card without a visa;
- submit a petition for an immigrant visa for your spouse and unmarried minor children (the age of majority in the United States is 21);
- After a certain time, apply for citizenship.
These opportunities are a privilege, not a right, for green card holders.
Authorities can revoke a foreigner's permanent resident status if, for example, he commits a crime or leaves the United States for more than a year without explanation.
Obligations and restrictions to the United States
The following responsibilities come with obtaining a green card:
- comply with federal and local laws;
- pay taxes;
- inform USCIS about your move, participate in the social and cultural life of the community;
- register with the army conscription service (for men 18–26 years old);
- carry your green card with you and present it upon request to USCIS or police officers (for everyone over 18 years of age).
Immigrants with permanent resident status must maintain “good moral character.” This means restrictions on alcoholic beverages and gambling.
Evasion of alimony payments, prostitution, manifestations of religious, political and other intolerance towards anyone will also become an obstacle to extending one’s status or acquiring citizenship.
Tariff for purchasing a green card
Established by the Russian Bureau of the International Representation of the Green Card, in agreement with the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. The policyholder himself is responsible for regulating the cost of insurance, which is a distinctive feature from compulsory motor liability insurance, the cost of which is set by the state.
The amount of the insurance premium for purchasing a green card may depend on:
- categories of vehicles leaving the country,
- duration of stay in other countries
- where the car travels, on the territory of a neighboring state, or throughout Europe.
The tariff for travel to the neighboring countries of Belarus, Moldova, Lithuania or Azerbaijan is much lower than the tariff for European countries. The cost of insurance for a year is much more expensive than insurance for 15 days. Passenger cars are cheaper to insure than trucks or special vehicles.
Cost of a Green Card to Finland, Europe and the CIS
Information on the size of insurance rates for international civil liability insurance of vehicle owners “Green Card” for the territory covered by “All countries of the system.” The cost depends on the insurance period and car category:
| Tariffs in rubles valid from 11/15/2020 | ||||||
| Passenger cars (vehicles of category “B”) | Trailers for cars | Motorcycles, scooters (vehicles of category “A”) | Buses (vehicles of category “D”) | Cargo. cars, tractors (vehicles of category “C”) | Trailer for cargo. car, tractor | |
| 15 days | 3220 | 960 | 1610 | 9220 | 5370 | 1080 |
| 1 month | 6150 | 1840 | 3070 | 16530 | 10260 | 2060 |
| 2 months | 11410 | 3410 | 5710 | 27430 | 19050 | 3820 |
| 3 months | 16090 | 4810 | 8050 | 38330 | 26860 | 5380 |
| 4 months | 19900 | 5950 | 9950 | 49230 | 33210 | 6660 |
| 5 months | 21650 | 6480 | 10830 | 60130 | 36140 | 7240 |
| 6 months | 23410 | 7000 | 11710 | 71030 | 39070 | 7830 |
| 7 months | 24580 | 7350 | 12300 | 81930 | 41020 | 8220 |
| 8 months | 25750 | 7700 | 12880 | 92830 | 42980 | 8610 |
| 9 months | 26920 | 8050 | 13470 | 103730 | 44930 | 9000 |
| 10 months | 27800 | 8310 | 13910 | 114630 | 46400 | 9300 |
| 11 months | 28380 | 8490 | 14200 | 125520 | 47370 | 9490 |
| 12 months | 29260 | 8750 | 14640 | 136430 | 48840 | 9790 |
Apply online (~ 5 min.)
Apply for a policy by phone
Apply in the office
What determines the amount of car insurance?
The amount for which a car owner insures his vehicle is not limited by anyone. But, the compensation payment of funds for the restoration of the damaged car depends on the maximum amount established by the state in whose territory the accident occurred. If the amount of your green card insurance is greater than that established in a given state, the payment corresponds to the maximum insurance compensation of the country, and the difference can be received upon returning to your home.
Cost of the Green Card “Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Azerbaijan”
Amounts of insurance rates for international civil liability insurance of vehicle owners “Green Card” for the territory of coverage “The Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the Republic of Azerbaijan”
| Tariffs in rubles valid from 11/15/2020 | ||||||
| Passenger cars (vehicles of category “B”) | Trailers for cars | Motorcycles, scooters (vehicles of category “A”) | Buses (vehicles of category “D”) | Cargo. cars, tractors (vehicles of category “C”) | Trailer for cargo. car, tractor | |
| 15 days | 1100 | 330 | 540 | 2290 | 1870 | 370 |
| 1 month | 1470 | 440 | 720 | 4110 | 2490 | 500 |
| 2 months | 2200 | 660 | 1080 | 6820 | 3740 | 750 |
| 3 months | 2930 | 880 | 1450 | 9530 | 4980 | 1000 |
| 4 months | 3660 | 1090 | 1810 | 12240 | 6230 | 1240 |
| 5 months | 4400 | 1310 | 2170 | 14950 | 7470 | 1490 |
| 6 months | 5130 | 1530 | 2530 | 17660 | 8720 | 1740 |
| 7 months | 5490 | 1640 | 2710 | 20370 | 9340 | 1870 |
| 8 months | 5860 | 1750 | 2890 | 23080 | 9960 | 1990 |
| 9 months | 6230 | 1860 | 3070 | 25790 | 10580 | 2110 |
| 10 months | 6590 | 1970 | 3250 | 28500 | 11210 | 2240 |
| 11 months | 6960 | 2080 | 3430 | 31210 | 11830 | 2360 |
| 12 months | 7330 | 2190 | 3610 | 33930 | 12450 | 2490 |
Apply online (~ 5 min.)
Apply for a policy by phone
Apply in the office
What to do in case of an accident in Finland
Memo for motorists: By car in Finland By truck in Finland
This is important to know. In case of an accident in Finland, please read it carefully!
- Turn on your warning lights and post warning signs in front of the accident site.
- Report the accident to the traffic police (For Finland and EU countries, the single emergency number is 112).
- If there are victims: Call an ambulance (for Finland and EU countries - similar to point 1);
- Before the ambulance crew arrives, provide all possible assistance to the victims.
You can find out more information at the RSA information center by phone.
Finnish Center for Motor Insurers
Address: Finland, Helsinki, Itämerenkatu 11-13 General telephone: + 358 40 450 45 20 Specialist in Russia +358 40 450 4683 Website: https://www.lvk.fi/ru/ Email
Drivers from Green Card countries have the Notice form in their native language. Please use their application form and refer to this guide.
Preferably using a ballpoint pen, fill out either the blue or yellow part of the Accident Notice (For example, a French driver can fill out his part of the application form in French, leaving the part of the Accident Notice blank, which you will fill out in Latin. You will understand the meaning of the questions by checking with your memo).
Do not forget:
- clearly mark (in paragraph 10) the location of the initial impact;
- place a cross (X) in each corresponding square on your side (step 12) and set the total number of squares marked with a cross.
- draw a diagram of the accident (point 13), indicating all the declared information.
When you are satisfied that the facts are accurate, sign this Notice yourself and obtain the signature of the other driver (point 15).
Get yourself a copy of the completed accident notification form.
Send it by any means that provides proof of delivery to your insurer within 15 days of the accident.
