In the United States, there are various immigration streams through which a person can get a Green Card. The U.S. is a superpower and highly developed country with a million growth opportunities, so everyone dreams of living there. A green card grants you a lawful permit to live and work permanently in the country.
The Green Card opens the gate to success for you, especially if you are a resident of a developing country. United States issues million of Green cards to the resident of other countries each year. For every individual, the criteria may vary greatly depending on their qualification to a particular immigration stream.
In this article, we will cover all the categories of Green cards. You can select any of the following categories that best suit your eligibility.
What is a Green Card?
A green card or simply a permanent resident card allows a foreign citizen to live and work permanently in the United States. If you are eligible for a position in the company, holding a green card gives you the opportunity to work in any company in the U.S. It also allows you to attain United States citizenship after spending a specified period in the country.
The USCIS issues the green card to the individual who qualifies for any category of green card. There are set criteria for different categories of permanent resident cards, and you will only be eligible for the card if you meet the requirement.
Among all the varied types the easiest way to qualify for this card is the employment-based EB-2 method.
Types of Green Cards in the United States
Family-Sponsored Green Card
Individual whose close relative is a U.S. citizen is eligible for a family-based category of green card. United States citizens can sponsor certain family members for a Green Card, including spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21, and married children of any age. Lawful permanent residents can also sponsor certain family members, but the process may take longer due to annual visa limits.
Extended family members like cousins or uncles are not eligible for this category. They can qualify for a family-sponsored green card if their close relative is also a permanent U.S. resident.
Employment-Based Green Card
If you are a professional, have exceptional ability, or are a higher degree holder, you can qualify for an employment-based green card.
There are five employment-based preference categories, each with specific eligibility criteria and annual numerical limits. These categories include priority workers, professionals with advanced degrees, skilled workers, certain special immigrants, and investors who create jobs in the U.S.
The three categories of an Employment-based Visa plan are:
EB-1
To qualify for the EB-1 category, applicants must demonstrate exceptional achievements, recognized expertise, or leadership roles in their respective fields. They do not require a specific job offer, and the labor certification process (PERM) is typically waived.
EB-2
Individuals should have an advanced degree or exceptional ability to qualify for Eb2 now a green card. Advanced degree professionals must possess at least a master’s degree or equivalent. Those with exceptional ability must demonstrate expertise significantly above the average in their area of expertise. A job offer and labor certification are required for EB-2 applicants.
EB-3
This category of EB visa includes skilled or unskilled workers with two or less than two years of experience, respectively, and professionals. Job offers and labor certifications are generally required for EB-3 applicants.
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program
You may get a green card through Diversity Visa Lottery Program also known as Green Card Lottery. As the name suggests, foreigners with the historic low rates of immigration to the United States are selected for the lottery. The USCIS randomly selects 50,000 people each year, but the individual must be educated and have work experience.
Refugee or Asylee Green Card
You can seek protection from the United States government and ask them to issue a green card if you are assassinated in your country due to race, nationality, or religion. In this case, the USCIS issues a refugee or asylee green card or lawful permit to live as a permanent resident of the United States.
By living abroad, you can apply for a refugee green card. While you can apply for an asylee if you are in the U.S. and you have a fear of persecution if you return to your home country.
Human Trafficking and Crime Victims Green Card
The T and U visa program is designed for individuals who are the victim of human trafficking and other crime victim. This is designed to offer protection against crime abuse, and human trafficking. Lawful or Undocumented residents of the U.S. can apply for a T visa if the individual is a human trafficking victim. After receiving the visa, he must assist law enforcement in investigating and finding the criminals.
Wrapping up
Individuals seeking a lawful permit to reside permanently in the United States can apply for a green card. There are various categories of green cards. For instance, family sponsorship, employment-based opportunities, diversity visa lottery, or humanitarian programs. Each category serves a specific purpose to accommodate different immigration needs. The eligibility criteria for all the different types of green cards may vary, and the easiest way to get them is through the EB program.