8 Ways to Get a U.S. Green Card

Obtaining a U.S. green card is a dream for many who seek to live and work permanently in the United States. The green card offers lawful permanent resident status, which comes with a host of rights and opportunities. Here are eight pathways to secure your green card.

1. Family-Based Immigration

One of the most common ways to get a green card is through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Immediate relatives, such as spouses, children under 21, and parents, often enjoy a quicker process. Other family members may qualify under family preference categories, but these typically have longer waiting periods.

2. Employment-Based Immigration

The U.S. offers employment-based green cards to individuals with specialized skills, exceptional talents, or employer sponsorship. The EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories cater to various professionals, from multinational executives to skilled workers. If you have an H1B visa, you may eventually be eligible for an employment-based green card through this route.

3. Diversity Visa Lottery

Every year, the U.S. runs a Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, which allocates 55,000 green cards to applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. This is a luck-based program but a viable option for many hopeful immigrants.

4. Refugee or Asylum Status

If you are fleeing persecution in your home country due to race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may qualify for asylum or refugee status. Once granted, you can apply for a green card after one year of residing in the U.S.

5. Investment-Based Green Card (EB-5)

The EB-5 visa allows foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing a minimum of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area) in a U.S. business that creates at least ten full-time jobs. This program is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the U.S. economy while gaining permanent residency.

6. Special Immigrant Categories

There are several special categories for obtaining a green card, including religious workers, certain international organization employees, and Afghan or Iraqi translators or interpreters who worked for the U.S. government.

7. U Visa for Crime Victims

If you are a victim of a qualifying crime and have cooperated with law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime, you may be eligible for a U visa, which can lead to a green card after three years.

8. Cancellation of Removal

If you are facing deportation, you may qualify for cancellation of removal if you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least ten years, have good moral character, and your removal would cause exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member.

Conclusion

There are numerous pathways to obtaining a U.S. green card, each with its specific requirements. Whether you’re pursuing an employment-based green card through an H1B visa or seeking family sponsorship, it’s essential to understand the process and choose the best route for your situation. For professional guidance, consider consulting a U.S. immigration attorney at Lunel Law. As one of the best immigration lawyers in Atlanta, Lunel Law provides expert advice on U.S. immigration matters and helps you navigate the complexities of the system.For more information, contact Lunel Law, your trusted immigration lawyer in Atlanta.