She waited five years to get her green card and reveals what her process was like: “Don't lie and don't lose faith.”

A migrant in the United States recounted the challenges she faced in obtaining permanent residency in that country, for which she waited five years , and sent a message of encouragement to foreigners facing this process: “If I could do it, you can too.”

Originally from Brazil, Pamella Cardenuto obtained a permanent residence card or green card , In the U.S. In May, he shared his step-by-step process on his social media profile and emphasized the importance of legal counsel. "It's essential," he said.

The journey began in 2015, when she moved to the US with her then-husband, Daniel, who was originally from Italy. After exploring the various options for obtaining legal status in that country, she decided to consult with specialists, whom she mentions in the video.

The experts recommended him to use the route of EB2 -NIW visa (employment-based with national interest exemption), for which she was eligible, according to their criteria. She would then begin petitioning for a green card .

The process for permanent residency began in August 2019, when he submitted his application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ). He said he paid a $5,000 fee.

While awaiting her ruling, she received a "combo card" in October of that year, which provides permission to work and legally reside in the U.S. This status extended to the rest of her family, which included her current ex-husband and her two children, one of whom was born in that country.

But in February 2021, U.S. authorities informed her that her application had been rejected . The reason they gave was that the applicant did not meet the ten years of experience requirement for the visa she initially obtained, as she was 89 days short at the time.

Cardenuto emphasized the decision he made regarding that denial, given that he chose to initiate a new process rather than appeal the one already denied . Thus, he initiated a new petition in August 2021.

It wasn't until January 2023 that she received approval for Form I-140 , Petition for Immigrant Worker . "This is 50% of the way to getting a green card," Pamella said.

But she still faced several obstacles to obtaining permanent residency, as the medical examinations required by immigration authorities were "lost," and she had to pay the fee of between US$200 and US$300 again. She finally received it in November 2023.

Pamella currently lives in Orlando, Florida , and works in a company's marketing department. Given her experience with immigration procedures in the U.S., she offered a series of recommendations for those embarking on the process. "Don't lie, pay your taxes, and never lose faith , as there is always a way out," she stated.

“Obtaining a green card in the United States is like navigating a fast-flowing, current-filled river. You need an expert guide who knows the safe routes. And even if the path presents obstacles, you'll have to paddle against the current, but other times you just have to be patient,” he concluded.