Navigating the complex American immigration system can be daunting, especially for people searching for ways to get a Green Card in the U.S. Otherwise known as a permanent residence card, a Green Card is often the first step for foreigners looking to achieve the American dream. With a Green Card, individuals from other countries are legally allowed to permanently live and work in the United States. A permanent residence card also opens up opportunities for U.S. citizenship, should an individual decide to pursue that route.
Here, we’ll explore 5 different ways to get a Green Card in the United States. We’ll also explain how working with an experienced immigration attorney can simplify the process and potentially offer a more favorable outcome.
Legal Ways to Get a Green Card In the United States
1. Get an employment-based Green Card.
Otherwise known as EB Green Cards, employment-based Green Cards are typically obtained through employment-based immigration channels. They are often used by people who have specific skills, education, or employment backgrounds that are sought after in the U.S.
For employment-based Green Cards, the employer usually starts the process by sponsoring a foreign individual for permanent residency. This typically includes getting a certification from the Department of Labor to show that there are no qualified and available workers for the position already in the United States. Once the labor certification is approved, the employer can file an immigrant petition on behalf of the employee with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Then, once the petition is approved, the foreign individual must have an interview at a U.S. consulate or USCIS office to determine final eligibility.
Types of EB Green Cards include:
- EB-1 Priority Workers
- EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
- EB-3 Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
- EB-4 Special Immigrants
- EB-5 Investors
2. Apply for a family-based Green Card.
The most common path to obtaining a Green Card in the U.S. is through family ties. A family-based or family-sponsored Green Card is a permanent residency visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States based on their familial relationships with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders).
A sponsoring U.S. citizen or Green Card holder usually starts the process by filing a petition with the USCIS. Once the petition is approved and a visa is available, the proposed immigrant can apply for an immigrant visa. To finish the process, they must complete an interview with USCIS or at a U.S. consulate to determine final eligibility for a family-based Green Card.
This type of Green Card includes two categories:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under age 21, parents of U.S. citizens over age 21)
- Family preference categories (unmarried sons and daughters of Green Card holders, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, siblings of adult U.S. citizens, etc.)
3. Win Green Card through the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Commonly referred to as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is a U.S. government program aimed at increasing immigrant population diversity in the United States. Through this program, a limited quantity of immigrant visas are awarded each year to people from countries that have typically had low rates of immigration to the U.S.
It’s important to note that participation in the Diversity Visa Lottery is free, and individuals should only submit entries through the official DV Lottery website to avoid scams or fraudulent schemes. Additionally, meeting the eligibility requirements and being selected in the lottery does not guarantee the issuance of a visa, as applicants must still undergo background checks and meet all other immigration requirements.
4. Obtain a Green Card through special programs.
Special programs offer alternative options for obtaining a Green Card in the United States under specific circumstances. These programs are designed to address humanitarian concerns, protect vulnerable populations, and acknowledge unique contributions or circumstances. These types of programs include:
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status: For children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
- Victims of Crime or Trafficking: Certain victims of qualifying crimes or human trafficking may be eligible for a Green Card through special programs like the U Visa or T Visa.
5. Get on the path to a Green Card with refugee or asylee status.
Refugee status is granted to people who are not in their home country and aren’t able to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees undergo a thorough vetting process, interviews, and background checks. Once approved for refugee status, individuals are resettled in the United States and receive assistance to integrate into society. After one year in the United States, refugees can apply for a Green Card.
Asylum is a form of protection granted to people who are already in the U.S. or arrive at a port of entry and meet the definition of a refugee. Asylum seekers must apply for asylum within one year of arrival in the United States. They undergo a rigorous application process, including interviews and hearings to determine the validity of their claims. If granted asylum, asylees can legally live and work in the U.S. and may apply for a Green Card after one year.
Explore Key Ways to Get a Green Card With the Help of an Experienced Immigration Attorney
Obtaining a Green Card in the U.S. can be complex. However, working with an experienced immigration attorney can make the process much easier. From the initial consultation to the final approval, our immigration lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
We start the process by determining your Green Card eligibility. Then, we advise you on potential options to obtain a Green Card based on your specific situation and help you gather supporting documents. Our expert immigration team will help you prepare and submit your Green Card application and provide assistance to conquer any challenges along the way.
Contact us today to learn how Laird Law can offer you peace of mind along your path to getting a Green Card and achieving permanent residency!
