Are you an immigrant who is interested in living and working in the United States? If so, you will need to obtain a Green Card. In order for you to receive a Green Card, you must be “eligible” under one of the eight categories listed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must be eligible to obtain a Green Card through:
- Your family: You may be able to obtain a Green Card if you are married to a U.S. citizen, if you are an unwed child of a U.S. citizen who is under the age of 21, or if you are a parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21-years-of-age. You may also qualify under the “family-based preference categories.”
- Employment: There are many ways to apply for a Green Card as an immigrant worker. For example, you may apply if you have an extraordinary ability in business, education, or the arts or sciences. You may qualify if you have an advanced degree or an exceptional ability in an area, or if you are a skilled worker.
- As a special immigrant: This category is for religious workers and special immigrant juveniles who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent. You may also qualify if you’re an Afghanistan or Iraq national who meets certain requirements.
- As a refugee or asylee: You may qualify if you were granted asylum or refugee status at least one year ago.
- As a human trafficking or crime victim: If you are a human trafficking or crime victim and currently have a T or U nonimmigrant visa, you may qualify.
- As a victim of abuse, such as spousal abuse: Certain victims of battery or extreme cruelty may qualify under this category.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to obtain a Green Card through registry or through another category. For instance, Cuban natives and spouses and children of Cuban natives may qualify under the “other” category.
Related: Do I Need a U.S. Visa?
If you are interested in obtaining a Green Card for yourself or a loved one, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with a Plano immigration attorney.