How to Get a U.S. “Green Card” – Am I Eligible?

Have you ever heard of the term “Green Card”? A “Green Card” is a term regularly used interchangeably with a Legal Permanent Resident Card and essentially allows a non-U.S. Citizen to be a Permanent Resident of the United States. Many foreign nationals choose to obtain a Green Card because it permits them to live and work in the United States of America legally. It also means you can apply to become a U.S. Citizen after three or five years.
Every year the U.S. government issues more than one million Green Cards. Most of them are given to family members of U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders. However, there are many other ways to obtain a Green Card. Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these categories and if you could qualify for one of them.

 

A Family Green Card

The most common way to get a Green Card is through a family member who is already a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder. You may qualify for this type of Green Card if you are the spouse of a U.S. Citizen, an unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. Citizen, or the parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old, or the sibling of a U.S. Citizen. Fiancés, widows(ers), and victims of abuse or battery from their U.S. Citizen spouses or adult children can apply for a Green Card through this tract.

Certain family members of Green Card holders can also be eligible to get their Green Cards. Green Card holders can petition for their spouses and unmarried children.

In some cases, an applicant’s spouse and children can also be included in their case and qualify for a Green Card.

 

An Employment Green Card

Getting your Green Card through employment is the second most popular way to obtain a Green Card. You may qualify for this tract for multiple reasons, such as you have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, being an outstanding professor or researcher, or being a multinational manager or executive who meets specific criteria. Also, if you are a physician who agrees to work full-time in clinical practice in a designated underserved area for a set period, you can qualify for this type of Green Card. Finally, if you are eligible as an “Immigrant Investor,” you can apply for a Green Card through this tract.

 

A Special Immigrant Green Card

This type of Green Card is available to immigrants who are religious workers. This juvenile needs protection from the court, an Afghan or Iraqi employed by the U.S. government, an international broadcaster, or an employee or family member of an international organization.

 

A Refugee or Asylum Green Card

You may be eligible for this Green Card if you were awarded asylum or were accepted as a refugee at least one year ago.

 

A Human Trafficking or Crime Green Card

Applicants who were victims of certain crimes or human trafficking may be eligible for this type of Green Card.

 

A Victim of Abuse Green Card

You could qualify for this type of Green Card if you can prove that you are an abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident. You could also qualify if you are an abused spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen.

 

An “Other Categories” Green Card

This type of Green Card has numerous different criteria to qualify. For instance, if you’re fortunate enough to be chosen in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which is essentially a lottery, you may be able to earn a Green Card. We would of course recommend that you speak with a qualified immigration lawyer if you are unsure about any of the criteria for a specific category and think you may be eligible.

At James Immigration Law, we specialize solely in U.S. immigration matters. Unlike larger law firms that practice multiple areas of law, we focus on keeping families together and getting the best possible outcome for our clients. If you believe you may qualify for a Green Card and want to speak to an experienced attorney, contact us today to go over your case.