15 Ways to Get Your Green Card to the U.S.

15 ways to get your green card

 

There are many different ways that someone can get their green card to become a permanent resident of the United States (a green card holder).

 

In this article, I will discuss 15 ways to get your green card.

 

If, after reading this article, you have questions feel free to call us at +1-818-741-1117 or you may schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.

 

Family Based Green Card Categories

 

There are multiple ways for someone to qualify for a green card based on their relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

 

1. Marriage-Based Green Card 

 

If you are in a legitimate (bona-fide) marriage with a US Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), you may potentially be eligible to apply for a green card. A legitimate marriage should be one that is bona fide or true. That means the marriage should not have been entered into purely for immigration benefits.

 

2. K1 Fiance Visa

 

The K1 Fiance Visa is a special type of visa that allows the fiance of a U.S. citizen to come to the United States. Once the fiancee is in the United States, if the couple gets married within 90 days, the fiancee can apply for their green card through a process called an adjustment of status.

 

3. Parent of a U.S. Citizen that is at Least 21 Years Old

 

If you are the parent of a U.S. citizen that is at least 21 years old, you may possibly be eligible to apply for your green card through your child. Your U.S. citizen child would need to petition for you by filing a Form I-130 immigrant petition on your behalf.

 

4. Sibling of a U.S. Citizen that is at Least 21 Years Old

 

If you are the sibling of a U.S. citizen that is at least 21 years old, you may possibly be eligible to apply  for your green card based on your relationship to your sibling. Your U.S. citizen sibling would have to petition for your by filing a Form I-130 with USCIS.

 

Employer Sponsored Green Card Categories

 

There are multiple ways to get a green card based on having a job offer to work in the United States.

 

5. EB2 and EB3 Visa

 

An employer sponsored green card is when an employer hires or is able to hire a foreign worker, and through that job offer, they can petition for a green card for the foreign worker.

 

There are several steps involved. The first step is that the U.S. employer must show that they tried to hire a U.S. worker. The U.S. employer must show that they were unable to hire a qualified U.S. worker either because there weren't any qualified, willing and available U.S. workers for the position (or something along those lines). Based on their inability to hire a U.S. worker, the U.S. employer can request authorization from the Department of Labor to hire a foreign worker. This is referred to as the PERM labor certification process.

 

The job must be a full-time job offer and the U.S. employer must pay the foreign worker at least the same amount as a similarly situated U.S. worker (this is called a prevailing wage). This is because the U.S. Government wants to protect U.S. workers and has therefore put forth policies to prevent foreign workers from coming to the United States and working for less than what a U.S. worker would get paid. So the U.S. employer has to pay the foreign worker at least the same amount that a qualified U.S. worker would get paid (or more).

 

The two visa classifications that correspond to the employer sponsored green card process are the EB2 visa and the EB3 visa. The appropriate visa classification (EB2 vs. EB3) will ultimately depend on your job duties. If your position requires an advanced degree, then you will likely fall under the EB2 visa classification. If your position is an unskilled position, you will likely fall under the EB3 visa classification.

 

Self Petition Green Card Options

There are multiple ways to get a green card through self petition. Below, I will discuss 2 of these options: the EB1A and the EB-2 national interest waiver. Through either of these options, someone can apply for their green card on their own without someone else filing a petition on their behalf.

 

6. EB1A 

 

The EB1A green card is for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, business, athletics or the arts. This green card option is for people at the very top of their field. Through the EB1A green card, someone can apply for a green card without having an employer or family sponsor. To demonstrate extraordinary ability, someone may show evidence of awards, high remuneration, publications, and various other types of evidence.

 

7. EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

 

The EB-2 national interest waiver is another option to obtain a green card through self petition. This green card option is specifically for people who will be coming to the United States to work in a field that is in the national interest of the United States.

 

Investment Based Green Card Option

 

Through the EB5 visa, one can also get their green card by making an investment in the United States.

 

8. EB5 Visa

 

The EB5 visa is a green card option for investors looking to invest in the United States and create jobs for US workers. The minimum investment amount to qualify for an EB5 visa is $900,000. This investment must lead to the creation of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Through the EB5 visa, someone can qualify for a green card for themselves, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21 years old.

 

youtube-video-thumbnail
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

 

Other Employment Based Green Card Options

 

Below are some other employment based green card options.

 

9. EB1B Visa

 

The EB1B  visa is a green card option for outstanding professors and researchers. This green card option is for individuals coming to the United States to work as a professor or a researcher, provided that they can demonstrate that they are of outstanding ability. They can do this by showcasing their accolades such as publications, citations to their work, and various other criteria that reflect their accomplishments in their field.

 

10. EB1C Visa

 

The EB1C visa is a green card option for multinational managers or executives. This category allows an individual working for a foreign company to transfer to a related U.S. company either as a manager or executive.

 

This individual must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year full time as a manager or executive. After they complete at least one full year in a managerial or executive role in the foreign company, they must seek to come to work for the U.S. company as either a manager or executive as well.

 

Special Green Card Options

 

Here are some additional green card options.

 

11. Diversity Visa Lottery

 

The U.S. government has a policy interest in making sure that we continue to maintain a nation that contains a diverse group of people of all backgrounds and cultures. Therefore, through the Diversity Visa lottery, the U.S. Government  reserves a certain number of green cards for people that come from countries that don't necessarily have a large representation in the United States.

 

For example, if a particular country does not have a large representation in the U.S., citizens of this country can apply for the diversity lottery. If an individual gets selected in the lottery he or she can apply for a special visa to come to the U.S. Once in the U.S., the individual can apply for an adjustment of status to get their green card.

 

12. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) 

 

VAWA is also known as the Violence Against Women Act. This Green Card option is available to men and women, even though the name might suggest it is only available to women. Typically, this option is for individuals that have suffered abuse from either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) that they were married to.

 

There are multiple categories of people that may potentially qualify for VAWA including the spouse of an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, the child of an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or the parents of an abusive U.S.

 

13. T Visa

 

This T Visa is a green card option which is available to victims of human trafficking.

 

14. U Visa

 

The U Visa is a  green card option available to individuals who are victims of certain crimes in the U.S. This green card option is designed for individuals who have suffered some form of physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of a qualifying crime.

 

15. EB4 Visa 

 

The EB4 visa is a green card option that has quite a few subcategories. However, one of the most common categories of the EB4 visa is for certain religious workers.

 

Conclusion

 

In this guide, we discussed 15 different ways to get a green card. You should now have a much better understanding of different ways to get a U.S. green card. If you have any questions, feel free to schedule a free consultation with our team by clicking this link.

Share this post...

Ashoori Law
4.9
Based on 591 reviews
Jamal Albardwil
1695322620
I was delighted with my experience. Mr. Ehsan Ashoori Was a professional, and free consultation meant free and informative. And he educated me on what to expect and do, the likely outcomes, and how to achieve it. I would highly highly recommend this... immigration law firm to anyone needing an immigration law firm.I wish I could give them 6 stars.100% professionals.read more
Sanjeev Bhalla
1695322329
Ashoori Law is a professional law firm with a great team. We had applied for my daughter's change of status visa and they handled it pretty well and we got the status change without any difficulty. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who... wishes to engage a immigration law firm. They will do a great job as was in our case. I'd like to thank Michael and Sergio as well their entire team for the fantastic work work they did for us.read more
Graem Beddoes
1695304265
Very grateful for the help and guidance in getting our E2
Carolina Marmolejo
1695267069
Very proffessional law firm. My husband & I appreciated their attentive, meticulous and detailed work on our case. They always stayed communicated and responsive to us from beginning to end.
Kaveeta Ramnarine
1695263390
Totally grateful to the Ashoori team for their excellent service. They are very responsive and knowledgeable, they go above and beyond for their clients.Special thank you to Attorneys Rebecca McCarthy and Ehsan Mehri for their continued support in... our process.read more
Shyam Chandrasekharan
1695134280
I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for your exceptional guidance and expertise in securing my visa extension approval. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication were instrumental in achieving this success. Your support and clear... communication throughout the process were invaluable. I'm deeply grateful for your outstanding work.read more
Malia Hi’ilani
1695090094
Ashoori Law is a very knowledgeable and thorough law firm, with a great team. They gave me confidence in my business plan by providing a free discovery call to see if it was worth pursuing. Very personable and available for all of my questions or... concerns throughout the process. I was granted my E2 change of status successfully. I would highly recommend them for all of your immigration needs.read more
Israt Jahan
1695005054
AshooriLaw is a great choice for our case.they response fast and very helpful.
Beth Jinks
1694583948
Ashoori Law again handled my green card travel document renewal application professionally, and they accurately predicted the processing time. I've tackled similar paperwork alone before, but have now been working with Ashoori for about five years... because they provide peace of mind that everything is handled correctly. Highly recommend.read more
Chris Lejeune
1694554372
At first I was hesitant hiring a lawyer from outside Texas that no one I knew personally dealt with however I am glad I did. These guys are very helpful and friendly. Their knowledge of my case and procedures was outstanding. 5 stars all day long.
Yuvraj Singh
1694452150
I would highly recommend Ashoori law for any kind of immigration services. They are fast, their process is easy and they are professional. I would highly suggest them handle your immigration cases.
Mazen Hanana
1694034589
Thank you for your amazing services as well as for your prompt response to all my queries.Your professional experience was very helpful in submitting, approving and getting my Re-entry permit
Marina
1693967961
Very great! Love, love, love Ashoori Law and his team. They make you feel like family. This is the team that will definitely get the job done. Very friendly and professional!
Nyoka Bandoo
1693967284
Very professional and looks out for your best interest at heart!
arsalan pervez
1693586652
Hello sir u have watsap number
Mohammed
1693507822
My wife & I recently engaged the services of Ashoori Law for Immigration services, and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with their expertise and professionalism. From the moment I contacted them, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my... case and provided insightful advice that put me at ease. Their legal team, led by Micheal, displayed an exceptional grasp of the intricacies involved in my situation. The Ashoori Law team not only guided me through the entire legal process but also took the time to answer all my questions in a clear and concise manner. Their attention to detail and dedication to my case truly set them apart. I am pleased with the overall outcome and would recommend Ashoori Law for their top-notch legal services.read more
ADAMS GODLEADS
1693336498
Before contacting Michael Ashoori's firm, I had spoken to a few Immigration lawyers, NONE was as patient and responsive as Michael. His firm scheduled a call with an Attorney who turned out to be the most efficient and brilliant lawyer ever.... Stephanie DiPietro was simply amazing. The detail in her notes, cover letter and crisp responses to my plentiful enquires mostly done with a smile was always reassuring. I highly recommend this firm as they are worth much more than they charge.read more
Cheng-Ru
1693283955
I had an exceptional experience with Ashoori Law. I hired Ashoori Law Firm to help with my immigration process. They assigned me a dedicated legal assistant, Jeser, and an attorney, Matthew, to guide me through the process. I am truly grateful for... the responsiveness of Jeser and Matthew. They consistently answered all my questions and helped me prepare all the documents for the application. The team's friendliness and remarkable expertise stand out. I highly recommend Ashoori Law to anyone seeking legal services for immigration.read more
Anas Khan
1693231831
Michael's firm has been very helpful in processing, filing and taking the Re-entry permit to its successful approval. I needed help as I had to travel due to personal emergency for an extended duration and had a lot of questions with no time to... think. They gave us time and clarified all the questions over call, email giving proper directions. Some of the videos on YouTube posted by Michael also helped me figure out that I could reach out to them to take my application forwardThanks to Matthew, Clara, Milena and all the folks who helped.read more
Alyssa Sanders
1693155918
I highly recommend this lawyer for all immigration needs. They were so extremely patient with my situation and my questions, and definitely legitimately cared about the experience had with them. Immigration can be a very difficult and scary... experience and they definitely offered peace of mind. Very Affordable for the quality of services provided. I would definitely use them again in the future and recommend for immigrantion law needsread more
Fauzia Usman
1692904100
Thankyou so much Michael Ashoori and your Immigration Attorney Shruti Bali and all team member to help me process me and my family case of E2 Investor Visa. It took Approx. 10 months from Ontario Canada. I Never visit IN person to this Firm,... everything deal and process online. Ashoori Law serve Great Professional Service. Highly recommend.read more
Sonia Rathour
1692849803
Ashoori Law Firm has the most loyal Representatives and lawyers who really cares about their client. They always available to answer any question you have regarding your case and always give the best advise for your best.I got so lucky to have... immigration case in their Hand.read more
Dinesh Perera
1692302786
I am so glad I chose Ashoori Law for my E2 process. They handled my case professionally from start to finish. My circumstances were somewhat complicated and needed special attention in order to get me across the finish line. I must state that I was... extremely fortunate to have had Shruti as my attorney handling my case. She was always very responsive to all my questions and cleared my doubts in every instance. All documents were very carefully handled by her and checked over and over again prior to submission, which i believe is the key to getting the E2 approved. Thank you Michael, Shruti and the entire team for a professional and successful job done.read more
Next Reviews
js_loader
Michael Ashoori Headshot

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

U.S. Immigration Lawyer

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped hundreds of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question? Send me an email.