3 ways to get a Green Card

By author | January 18, 2023 |

We prepared this content to show you 3 ways to get a Green Card! Keep reading and discover all you need to know about it!

For immigrants, a green card is a crucial step towards becoming a United States citizen. Also known as a Permanent Residence Card, holding a green card grants the legal right to live and work in the United States.

There are three primary routes for obtaining a green card: through family members, through an employer, or as a refugee/asylee. The process for obtaining a green card can take some time, but it is important to understand the requirements and requirements for each method.

Check Your Qualifications for a Green Card

U.S. immigration laws offer various options for obtaining a Green Card. The path that you should take will depend on your specific eligibility category. It is important to determine which category you fall under in order to understand the process and requirements for obtaining a Green Card. Check now 3 ways to get a Green Card!

Obtaining a Green Card Through Family

If you have a close relationship with a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, they can sponsor you for legal permanent residency through the family-based immigration process. This is the most popular and fastest path to obtaining a green card. U.S. citizens are able to sponsor the following immediate relatives:

  • Spouses;
  • Unmarried children under 21 years of age;
  • Parents of U.S. citizens over 21 years old;

In addition to the above immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, there are several preference categories for relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders, which include:

  • First Preference: Unmarried adult sons and daughters over 21 of U.S. citizens;
  • Second Preference (2A): Spouses of green card holders, and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents;
  • Second Preference (2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents;
  • Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of any age of U.S. citizens;
  • Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens;

The sponsoring relative must legally establish the relationship through the USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This application is then followed by Form I-485, Adjustment of Status (if the applicant is in the U.S.). In some cases, both applications can be completed together. If the sponsoring relative is a green card holder, the process is the same, but it will likely take longer.

If the relative is not currently in the United States, they will need to go through consular processing and their green card will be issued by the U.S. Department of State. Once they are issued a visa by

Obtaining a Green Card Through Employment

This green card category is broad and includes various opportunities through employment, investment, and specialized jobs.

Permanent Employment

An employer can sponsor an individual for a green card if they have received a job offer for permanent employment in the United States. The first step is for the employer to obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of State and submit USCIS Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for an Alien Worker. Permanent employment contracts are typically granted to highly skilled workers.

Investment

Individuals can obtain a green card through investment if they invest a substantial amount of money into U.S. businesses. Foreign nationals who invest at least $1,000,000 into a new business or $500,000 into a business in a targeted employment area can then apply for a green card. The business must create at least 10 permanent jobs within the United States. The form to be filled out is Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur.

Extraordinary Abilities

An extremely rare path to obtaining a green card is through having extraordinary abilities. This green card is known as an EB-1A visa. These applicants are considered among the best in their field. Examples of individuals who may qualify for this type

Obtaining a Green Card as a Refugee or Asylee

Immigrants who arrive in the United States as a refugee or asylee can apply for a green card one year after entering the country. This also applies to immediate family members of asylees. Here is what refugees and asylum seekers need to know:

  • Refugees must apply for a green card after being in the country for a year;
  • Asylees are not required to apply for green cards, but they can choose to do so if they wish;
  • Refugees or asylees typically do not need to file an immigrant petition such as an I-130 or I-140 with the USCIS if they meet the requirements to apply for a green card. They can file for I-485 adjustment of status directly;

It is important to note that the process for asylees is slightly different from that of refugees. Asylees do not have to go through the process of obtaining a green card, but they are allowed to if they wish to do so.

Now you already know 3 ways to get a Green Card, keep in mind Wizard Visa can help Green Card holders through the process of applying for U.S. citizenship.

We have a large experience in immigration services to prepare you for the process and help guide you along the way.

So, now it depends on you, take advantage of our experience, and let our team help you make your dream come true! Contact Us! We will help you plan for your future.

To learn more about immigration services read our blog and contact us to get more information. Wizard Visa offers the best service to help you become a US citizen!

Relate LInk: USCIS

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