A green card holder gives the individual the right to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, and can be granted through several different procedures.
The steps to obtaining a green card vary depending on whether you currently live in the United States or are outside the U.S. The main categories for applying for a permanent residence card include:
- Green Card through family
- Green Card through an employer
- Green Card through Refugee or Asylee status
- Other ways including the Green Card Lottery, battered spouse or child, or person born to a foreign diplomat in the U.S., or widow(er) or a U.S. citizen.
Sponsoring a family member is one of the many ways that people obtain green cards and potentially become U.S. citizens. In order to apply, you must be the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, a member of a special category, or a family member of a green card holder. Speak to our attorneys at FL-ILC to learn more about your eligibility.
Becoming a permanent resident through an employer is an option that many explore if you fall under certain categories. If your employer completes a labor certification, they may able to sponsor you by filing Form I-140.There are also options for a green card through investment. To learn more about opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, visit the Investor and Business Visas page.
In some situations, you may be able to self-petition for a green card. This applies to certain professions such as:
- Afghan/Iraqi Translator
- Broadcaster
- International Organization Employee
- Iraqi Who Assisted the U.S. Government
- NATO-6 Nonimmigrant
- Panama Canal Employee
- Physician National Interest Waiver
- Religious Worker
All of these require a Form I-360, Petition for American, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and are described in Section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).