Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Family-Based Green Cards
- Employment-Based Green Cards
- Self-Petition Options
- Investment-Based Green Cards
- Other Green Card Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- About the Author
- Disclaimer
Introduction
Welcome to this blog where we will discuss 15 different ways to obtain a green card in the United States. Whether you are looking to reunite with your family, find employment opportunities, or self-petition, there are various paths available to help you achieve your goal. In this article, we will explore the different options, including family-based, employment-based, self-petition, investment-based, and other unique categories. Let's dive in!
Family-Based Green Cards
1. Green Card Through Marriage
If you are in a legitimate marriage with a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may apply for a green card based on your marriage. This option requires that your marriage is bona fide, meaning you genuinely intended to establish a life with your partner and not solely for immigration benefits.
2. Fiancée Visa
A fiancée visa allows your foreign fiancée to come to the United States, where you can get married and apply for a green card through a process called adjustment of status.
3. Parent, Child, or Sibling of a U.S. Citizen
If you are the parent of a U.S. citizen who is over 21 years old, a child of a U.S. citizen, a child of a permanent resident, or a sibling of a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a green card.
Employment-Based Green Cards
4. Employer-Sponsored Green Card
An employer-sponsored green card is available when a U.S. employer hires a foreign worker. The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to find a qualified U.S. worker for the position and offer the foreign worker a job at the prevailing wage.
5. EB2 and EB3 Preference Categories
The employer-sponsored green card falls under the EB2 and EB3 preference categories. EB2 is for more advanced positions requiring advanced degrees, while EB3 is for less skilled positions or unskilled labor.
Self-Petition Options
6. EB-1(a) Extraordinary Ability
If you have extraordinary ability in your field, such as in sciences, business, education, or athletics, you may be eligible to apply for a green card without a job offer or sponsorship.
7. EB-2 National Interest Waiver
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver allows individuals to apply for a green card if they can demonstrate that their work will benefit the United States as a whole. This option does not require a job offer or the need to show that a U.S. worker was unavailable.
Investment-Based Green Cards
8. EB-5 Investor Visa
The EB-5 investor visa allows individuals to invest a minimum amount of $900,000 and create jobs for U.S. workers. By making this investment and benefiting the U.S. economy, investors can qualify for a green card for themselves and their immediate family members.
Other Green Card Options
9. EB-1(b) Outstanding Professors and Researchers
Individuals who are outstanding professors or researchers can apply for a green card by coming to the United States to work in those positions. They must demonstrate their outstanding achievements through various criteria such as publications and citations.
10. EB-1(c) Multinational Managers or Executives
The EB-1(c) category allows individuals working for a foreign company as a manager or executive to transfer to a related U.S. company. This option requires at least one year of full-time employment with the foreign company.
11. Diversity Visa
The Diversity Visa, also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery, reserves a certain number of green cards for individuals from countries with low representation in the United States. Applicants enter a lottery, and if selected, can apply for a green card.
12. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Green Card
The VAWA green card is available to victims of abuse who were married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This option allows victims to apply for a green card without relying on their abusive spouse.
13. T Visa
The T visa is designed for victims of human trafficking who are present in the United States. This option provides protection and a pathway to a green card for individuals who have been subjected to human trafficking.
14. U Visa
The U visa is available for individuals who have suffered physical or mental abuse in the United States. This option offers protection and an opportunity to apply for a green card.
15. EB-4 Visa for Religious Workers
The EB-4 visa includes various subcategories, one of which is for certain religious workers. Individuals with a job offer to work for a religious entity may qualify for a green card under this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for a green card if I am already in the United States?
A: Yes, many of the green card options mentioned in this blog allow for adjustment of status if you are already in the United States. However, certain categories may require you to go through consular processing in your home country.
Q: How long does the green card application process take?
A: The processing time for a green card application can vary depending on the category and individual circumstances. It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer to get an estimate based on your specific situation.
Q: Can I work in the United States while my green card application is pending?
A: In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for employment authorization while your green card application is pending. This will allow you to legally work in the United States during the processing period.
Q: Are there any limits on the number of green cards available each year?
A: Yes, there are annual limits on the number of green cards available in certain categories. However, some categories, such as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, do not have numerical limits.
Conclusion
Obtaining a green card in the United States opens up a world of opportunities and provides long-term residency status. Whether you are looking to join your family, pursue employment, or self-petition, there are multiple pathways available. Understanding the different options and seeking guidance from an immigration lawyer can greatly increase your chances of success. Remember, knowledge is power, and with the right information, you can navigate the green card process with confidence.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is based on the video transcript and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified immigration lawyer.
DR MISBAH ULLAH KHAN OFFICIAL
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