U.S. Green Card

Commonly referred to as a “green card”, it is proof that a person has been granted permanent residence of USA. A permanent resident is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. You can become a permanent resident several different ways. Most individuals are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States. Other individuals may become permanent residents through refugee or asylee status or other humanitarian programs. In some cases, you may be eligible to file for yourself. The steps to become a permanent resident are different for each person and will depend on if you are currently living inside or outside the United States.

Green Card Through Family

Many people become permanent residents through family members. The United States promotes family unity and allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for certain relatives to come and live permanently in the United States. You may be eligible to get a green card through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or through special categories.

Green Card Through a Job

Many people become permanent residents through a job or offer of employment. Some categories require a certification from the U.S. Department of Labor to show that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available in the geographic area where the immigrant is to be employed and that no American workers are displaced by foreign workers. In other cases, highly skilled workers, those with extraordinary ability in certain professions, and investors/entrepreneurs are given priority to immigrate through several immigrant categories. In all cases, the process involves several steps.

Green Card Through Refugee or Asylee Status

If you were admitted to the United States as a refugee or as a qualifying family member of an asylee, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence 1 year after your entry into the United States.

If you were granted asylum in the United States, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence 1 year after you were granted asylum status.

As a refugee, you are required by law to apply for permanent resident status 1 year after being admitted to the United States in refugee status.  As an asylee, you are not required to apply for permanent resident status after being granted asylum for 1 year, although it may be in your best interest to do so.

Green Card through Other Ways

Although most immigrants come to live permanently in the United States through a family member’s sponsorship, employment, or a job offer, there are many other ways to get permanent residence.
Source USCIS (www.uscis.gov)

Please contact us to schedule a consultation or for more details. At USA Visas we are always there to assist you.