THE WAY of Life in the USA (EN)

Every month on WOMENCANFLY.CO’s blog series, The Way, we introduce inspirational women who live abroad. This time, we meet Yuko Sadahira who lives in San Diego, America. In 2017, she moved to America with her husband. In the same year, the couple won green cards, and in 2019 they obtained permanent residence in the United States. We hear about Yuko’s marriage, moving to the States, getting permanent residency and how her life has changed in the last four years.

What is the American Green Card Lottery with a winning rate of 0.7%?

Yuko now lives in San Diego, the southernmost city of California. Her husband who is interested in foreign countries wanted to move there and they got married the same year they moved.

Immediately after coming to the States, they applied for the ‘Green Card Lottery’ and won it in one go! They decide to live permanently in the States and start a completely unexpected life. "The Green Card Lottery is held every year in the States for people to get permanent residency. If you win, you will be able to obtain an immigrant visa (commonly known as a green card) which is required for permanent residency." It’s said that about 50,000 people win every year but Yuko thought she wouldn’t as there is about a 1% chance of winning. Some people have been applying for more than ten years.

"I was really surprised when I found out that I won but after winning, the interviews and procedures took a long time." If you win, you will be interviewed in the order of the winning numbers.

"The interview asked us a lot about our marriage, where we met, how often we went on dates, and when we met each other's parents. I didn’t even remember anymore. If someone in your family gets permanent residence, the family will also get it, so you need to prove your marriage. The wedding photo book I brought just in case was surprisingly useful. "

There were many required documents, certificates, and procedures. Our win was confirmed in 2017, and it was in 2019 that our green card was actually acquired so it was a long two years.

Getting a green card has the following benefits:

• You can work, go to school, or start a business at any time