Perhaps you’ve been thinking up your American Dream for years, or maybe you’ve only recently learned about the myriad opportunities that the green card can possibly provide for you. Obtaining a green card is a complex process that involves much foresight, proper planning, and above all, patience. This post will address the major different ways* in which you can apply for the green card and attain lawful permanent residency in the United States.
Obtaining a green card through family
One of the most common ways to get a green card is through the sponsorship of a family member who is eitherwe a US citizen or a green card holder himself/herself.
Only the following family members are permitted to apply for a green card with the sponsorship of a US citizen:
Checkmarklegal spouses
Checkmarkunmarried children under the age of 21
Checkmarkparents of citizen petitioners over the age of 21
Family members of US citizens who fit within the following categories are also permitted to apply for the green card:
Checkmarkunmarried children 21 or older
Checkmarkmarried children of any age
Checkmarkimmediate siblings 21 or older
Only the following family members are permitted to apply for a green card with the sponsorship of a green card holder:
Checkmarklegal spouses
Checkmarkunmarried children
Individuals within the following special categories are also permitted to apply to the green card:
Checkmarkvictims of domestic abuse (children, spouses, parents) who have an immediate family member who is a US citizen/green card holder
Checkmarkwidow(er)s of US citizens
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fiancé(e)s and minor children of US citizens/green card holders – known as K Nonimmigrants
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spouses or children of lawful permanent residents – known as V Nonimmigrants
Checkmarkchildren of foreign diplomats in the US
Obtaining a green card through a job
Green card applicants can attempt to obtain a green card by means of their professional background and/or business dealings.
American investments:
An employer can petition for an employee to get a green card by obtaining a labor certification and then filing Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
American investments:
Foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and creators of American jobs (often with sizable assets in the United States) may apply for the green card.
Self-petition:
Skilled and educated “Aliens of Extraordinary Ability” who can prove to considerably contribute to the American workforce are permitted to apply for the green card, without the need of a labor certification.
Special jobs:
Those amongst the following list of professionals are permitted to apply for the green card with Form I-360, the Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant:
CheckmarkAfghan & Iraqi translators
CheckmarkBroadcast journalists
CheckmarkEmployees of international organizations
CheckmarkIraqis who have aided the US government
CheckmarkCivilian NATO employees (past and present) and their spouses, unmarried children, and widow(er)s – known as NATO-6 nonimmigrants
CheckmarkEmployees of the Panama Canal
CheckmarkPhysicians (apply under the Physician National Interest Waiver)
CheckmarkReligious workers
Obtaining a green card through refugee/asylum status
A foreign individual admitted to the US as (a) a refugee, (b) an asylee, or (c) a qualifying family member of an individual granted asylum may apply for a green card one year after entering the US/being granted asylum.
Refugees are required to apply for lawful permanent residence, while asylees are not (but are still eligible to do so).
Obtaining a green card through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program
The DV Lottery takes place only once annually, with application submission in October and the unveiling of results in May/June of the following year. Millions of hopefuls apply for the Lottery each year, with only 55,000 lucky winners.
The US Department of State’s online application has rigid instructions and guidelines, and the time window for input lasts just a mere 30 minutes. Many applicants are ruled out on account of improper formatting, missing information, and input oversight. In fact, up to 90% of GUSGC’s clients submit initially incorrect uploads that would disqualify them for eligibility.
The Global USA Green Card Organization takes pride in providing its clients with a user-friendly web application, outstanding customer service, and conducting business guided by complete transparency. While we remind potential clients that they can apply for free on the Department of State site on their own, GUSGC guarantees successful participation in the Lottery via focused attention and laser-sharp precision by our experienced Immigration Experts.