To enter, exit, work, and live in the United States legally, foreign nationals need a green card. This unique ID permits holders to live in the United States as permanent residents, and eventually, apply for US citizenship.
In this article, you will find out the official options to qualify for a US green card.
How Can I Qualify for a Green Card in the USA? – General Overview
To apply for an immigrant visa and obtain a US green card, the applicant must fulfill the specific characteristics required in a visa category. US Immigrant visa categories include:
- Immediate relatives of US citizens
- Family members of US citizens
- Family members of lawful permanent US residents
- Long-time US residents
- Preferred employees and workers
- People under refuge or asylum
- People raffled in the Annual Diversity Green Card Lottery
- Special immigrants
How Can I Qualify for a Green Card in the USA? – Family-Based Green Card
The category of family-based green cards encompasses immediate relatives of US citizens and family members of US citizens or lawful permanent residents. In this context, immediate relatives have the preference to qualifying for a US green card, including processing time.
This first sub-category includes spouses/fiancées of US citizens (including widows and same-sex spouses), unmarried children under 21, parents, stepchildren, stepparents, and adopted children.
On the other hand, a family member of US citizens or lawful permanent residents includes other family relationships, such as unmarried adults who have at least one US citizen parent, sisters, and brother of US citizens, etc.
Depending on the demand, wait time for visas in this category tends to be particularly long.
How Can I Qualify for a Green Card in the USA? – Long-time US residents
Immigration laws permit individuals living unlawfully in the United States for more than a decade to request permanent residence. Popularly known as the “ten-year green card,” it is often utilized as a defense in immigration court.
Nonetheless, obtaining this type of green card requires more than simply staying in US territory for more than ten years. In such cases, it is vital to consult an immigration attorney to assess whether there is a possibility to qualify.
How Can I Qualify for a Green Card in the USA? – Preferred Employees and Workers
Annually, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues more than 100,000 green cards to foreign individuals whose professional skills are needed in the US economy.
Most applicants will need a job offer to apply for an employment-based green card. In some cases, exceptionally skilled workers may be able to waive a job offer and apply directly with the USCIS.
The employment-based category includes green cards for managers and executives of multinational companies, as well as investors and entrepreneurs.
For example, the “employment fifth preference” category permits foreign investors to apply for a visa upon investing at least $1 million into a US business or $500,000 if the business is located in a TEA (Targeted Employment Area).
How Can I Qualify for a Green Card in the USA? – Exceptional Cases
Other types of green cards include those obtained through the Annual Diversity Green Card Lottery, which is available for countries that have sent the fewest immigrants to the United States in recent years.
There are also categories to encompass special immigrants, such as those who fear, or who have experienced, persecution in their home country based on race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a specific social group.
Do You Want to Qualify for a Green Card in the USA? – Work with Attorney Romy B. Jurado Today
If you want to obtain a US green card, waste no time with uncertainty. Do not transform your American dream into a nightmare – call Attorney Romy B. Jurado today at (305) 921-0976 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule a consultation.
