Am I Eligible For a Green Card?
The Big Question: “Am I Eligible For a Green Card?”
The immigration process in the United States can seem daunting. There are so many specific rules and regulations that must be followed and even after all of that, you still might not obtain a green card based on a legal snag or paperwork technicality. Before you invest time and money to apply for a green card, you’ll probably want to spend some time to figure out, “Am I eligible for a green card?” Take the first step and take look at some of the most frequently asked questions about green card eligibility below and see which scenarios best describe your current situation.
Are you married to a U.S. citizen?
You are an “immediate relative” which means you can apply to get a green card if your relative will petition for you.
If you’re under 21 and unmarried, Do you have a U.S. citizen parent?
You are an “immediate relative” which means you can apply to get a green card if your relative will petition for you.
Do you have a U.S. citizen child over 21?
You are an “immediate relative” which means you can apply to get a green card if your relative will petition for you.
If you’re over 21 and unmarried, do you have a U.S. citizen parent?
You are considered a “preference relative” and may be eligible for a green card if you have a relative that will petition for you.
Are you married to a U.S. permanent resident?
You are a “preference relative” and may be able to obtain a green card if the relative will petition for you.
If you’re unmarried, do you have a parent that is a U.S. permanent resident?
You are a “preference relative” and may be able to obtain a green card if the relative will petition for you.
If you’re married, do you have a U.S. citizen parent?
You are a “preference relative” and may be able to obtain a green card if the relative will petition for you.
Do you have a U.S. citizen sibling who is over the age of 21?
You are considered a “preference relative” and may be eligible for a green card if you have a relative that will petition for you.
Are you engaged to a U.S. citizen?
You may be eligible for a K-1 Fiance Visa which will allow you get married in the U.S. After that, you may be eligible to “adjust status” and get a green card.
Has someone offered you a job in the U.S.?
If your employer is willing to sponsor you and you have the right background qualifications, you may be eligible for a green card.
Do you have at least $1 million to invest in a U.S. business?
If you have investable assets of $1 million or more, you may be eligible for an investment-based green card.
Are you helping a child who is a declared dependent by a juvenile court and living in the United States?
The child may be considered a “special immigrant” and be eligible for a green card. These situations can be complicated, so it’s important to know your options. Speaking to a licensed immigration attorney to get an initial lay of the land is a typically a good place to get started.
Are you a member of the clergy or a religious worker coming to the U.S. to work for the same religious organization that you’ve worked for for two years or more?
You may be considered a “special immigrant” and be eligible for a green card.
Have you served in the U.S. armed forces for at least 12 years since October 15th 1978?
You may be considered a “special immigrant” and receive a green card. You may also immediately qualify for citizenship if you served active duty in certain recent conflicts.
Are you living outside the U.S. and experiencing the threat of or are facing persecution in your country by the government for being affiliated with certain groups, race, religion, nationality, or political opinion?
You may be considered a refugee and be allowed to enter the U.S. After a year, you can apply for a green card. Again, these are more complex scenarios and it’s best to speak with a licensed attorney.
Have you been living in the US continuously since 1972?
You might be eligible to adjust your status and get a green card based on registry.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a green card for the first time or renewing or replacing a lost or stolen green card, you can start the process for free and apply online here with Road to Status. If your case is more complex and you would like to speak with a licensed immigration attorney, you can learn more about the benefits of an initial consultation before deciding on the best path for you.
RELATED POSTS
Green Card Eligibility
Applying for Permanent Residence (Green Card) can be extremely stressful and time consuming if you don’t have all of the information you need before you…
20 Reasons You Should Apply to Get a Green Card
When it comes to jobs, some security checks require applicants to either be U.S. citizens or hold Green Card status. Thus, having a Green Card opens…
How to Get a Green Card
Green card holders in the United States are legal permanent residents. The green card itself is the photo identification card proving your residency and…
