How to get US Green Card / American Green Card

Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s blog, I will provide a comprehensive guide to obtaining a US Greencard, covering 15 different ways to secure your green card. Whether you are looking into family based green cards, employment based options, self petition methods, investment based green cards, or other less commonly known avenues, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the green card application process.

Green Card Through Marriage

One of the most common ways to obtain a green card is through marriage to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. The marriage must be legitimate and entered into with the intention of establishing a life together. If you are married to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can apply for a green card based on that marriage. It is important to ensure that the marriage was not entered into solely for immigration benefits.

Other Family-Based Options

In addition to marriage-based green cards, there are other family-based options available. These include applying as a parent of a US citizen, a child of a US citizen or permanent resident, or a sibling of a US citizen. Each of these relationships may potentially qualify for a green card. It’s important to note that the relationships must be legitimate, and the intention must be to establish a life together in the United States.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-based green cards offer another route to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. One of the main options in this category is the employer-sponsored green card. This is when a US employer hires a foreign worker and sponsors them for a green card. The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to hire a US worker for the position, and the foreign worker must be paid at least the same amount as a similarly situated US worker. The two visa categories that fall under the employer-sponsored green card are the eb-2 and the eb-3 preference categories, each with its own set of criteria and job qualifications.

Another employment-based option is the EB-5 investor visa, which allows individuals to invest in the United States, create jobs for US workers, and based on making a large investment, qualify for a green card for themselves and their family members.

Additionally, there are self-petition options such as the EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver for those whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

Employer-Sponsored Green Card

An employer-sponsored green card is when a US employer hires a foreign worker and sponsors them for a green card. The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to hire a US worker for the position, and the foreign worker must be paid at least the same amount as a similarly situated US worker. This involves two visa categories: the eb-2 and the eb-3 preference categories, each with its own set of criteria and job qualifications.

Another employment-based option is the EB-5 investor visa, which allows individuals to invest in the United States, create jobs for US workers, and based on making a large investment, qualify for a green card for themselves and their family members.

Additionally, there are self-petition options such as the EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver for those whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

EB-2 and EB-3 Preference Categories

The EB-2 and EB-3 preference categories are two specific visa categories under the employer-sponsored green card option. The EB-2 is generally for more sophisticated positions and advanced degree positions, while the EB-3 is for less advanced positions like unskilled labor or other certain types of positions. The job duties and the job title will determine whether the person qualifies under eb-2 or eb-3.

Self-Petition Options

Self-petition options allow individuals to apply for a green card without needing a sponsor. Two options for self-petition include the EB-1A for extraordinary ability and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. These options provide a pathway to a green card based on an individual’s unique qualifications and contributions to the United States.

EB-1A for Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1A is a special green card for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. This category is designed for those who are at the top of their profession, whether in the sciences, business, education, arts, or athletics. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate their extraordinary ability through awards, high compensation, publications, and other forms of recognition in their field. The EB-1A allows individuals to apply for a green card without the need for a job offer, sponsorship, or marriage, making it an attractive option for highly skilled individuals.

EB-2 National Interest Waiver

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver is a self-petition option that allows individuals to apply for a green card without needing a sponsor. This option is specifically for individuals whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States. An applicant must demonstrate that whatever they are going to be doing in the United States is in the national interest. They must also show that they are in a position to achieve success in their pursuit in the United States. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver does not require a job offer or the need for any company to show that they tried to hire a U.S. worker and were unable to do so.

Investment-Based Green Cards

Investment-Based Green Cards offer a route to obtaining permanent residency in the United States for individuals who are willing to invest in the country and create jobs for US workers. One of the main investment-based green card options is the EB-5 Investor Visa. This visa allows individuals to invest in the United States and, based on making a large investment and creating jobs for US workers, qualify for a green card for themselves and their family members. The minimum investment amount for the EB-5 visa is currently $900,000. Another option within the investment-based green card category is the EB-4 visa, which includes subcategories such as religious workers. The EB-4 visa is available for those with a job offer to work for a religious entity, among other criteria.

EB-5 Investor Visa

The EB-5 Investor Visa is a special green card option for investors. It allows individuals to invest in the United States, create jobs for US workers, and based on making a large investment, qualify for a green card for themselves and their family members. The minimum investment amount for the EB-5 visa is currently $900,000. This visa category is a great option for individuals who are willing to invest in the country and contribute to the US economy.

Diversity Visa Lottery and VAWA

The Diversity Visa Lottery is a special green card option for individuals from countries that have a low representation in the United States. The US government reserves a certain number of green cards for individuals from these countries, and they can enter a special lottery to apply for a green card if selected. This allows the United States to maintain a diverse population representing a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

Another green card option is the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA is available to both men and women who have suffered abuse from a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, to whom they were married. It is also available to children of abusive citizens or permanent residents, as well as parents of an abusive US citizen. VAWA allows victims of abuse to apply for a green card without relying on their abuser to petition for them.

T Visa, U Visa, and EB-4 Visa

The T Visa is designed for victims of human trafficking, providing them with a pathway to obtain a green card. This visa category is specifically for individuals who have been subjected to human trafficking and are in need of protection in the United States.

Similarly, the U Visa is available for individuals who have suffered physical or mental abuse in the United States. This visa aims to protect and provide legal status to victims of crime who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

The EB-4 visa is available for certain religious workers. This visa category includes subcategories for religious workers, allowing individuals with a job offer to work for a religious entity to apply for a green card. The EB-4 visa encompasses a variety of religious workers and aims to provide them with a pathway to permanent residency in the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are various ways to obtain a US Greencard, including family-based options, employment-based options, self-petition methods, investment-based green cards, and other lesser-known avenues. Each path has its own set of criteria, requirements, and benefits, making it essential to understand the eligibility and application process for each option. It’s important to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to assess your unique situation and determine the best approach for securing your green card. With knowledge and the right guidance, you can navigate the green card application process and take the necessary steps towards obtaining permanent residency in the United States.

FAQs

Q: Can I apply for a green card through marriage if my spouse is a lawful permanent resident?
A: Yes, you can apply for a green card based on your marriage to a lawful permanent resident. However, the process and eligibility requirements may differ from those of a marriage to a US citizen. It’s important to consult with an immigration lawyer to understand the specific steps and criteria for this option.

Q: What is the minimum investment amount for the EB-5 investor visa?
A: The current minimum investment amount for the EB-5 visa is $900,000. This investment must create jobs for US workers and contribute to the US economy in order to qualify for a green card.

Q: Can I apply for a green card through the Diversity Visa Lottery if my country has a high representation in the United States?
A: No, the Diversity Visa Lottery is specifically reserved for individuals from countries with low representation in the United States. If your country has a high representation, you may not be eligible to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Q: What is the EB-1A green card for individuals with extraordinary ability?
A: The EB-1A is a special green card category for individuals who have extraordinary ability in their field, such as sciences, business, education, arts, or athletics. Applicants must demonstrate their extraordinary ability through awards, high compensation, publications, and other forms of recognition in their field to qualify for this category.

Q: What is the T Visa for victims of human trafficking?
A: The T Visa is a special green card option for individuals who have been subjected to human trafficking and are in need of protection in the United States. This visa category provides a pathway to obtain a green card for victims of human trafficking.