How to Get a Green Card

A green card, formally known as United States Permanent Resident Card. It’s name was popularized in World War II when Form I-151 or the Alien Registration Receipt Card was printed on green paper. In 1977, the form was printed on papers of various colors but nonetheless, the name green card remained. As of 2006, the green card is mostly yellowish-white where the only green feature is the lettering at the back portion.

There are several ways on how to get a green card. Most of the categories have an annual quota or limit. The overall limit per year is 700,000. But there is no limit for immediate relatives which compose of spouses and minor children of US citizens and parents of adult US citizens.

Matrimonial Method

This is one of the easy step in getting a green card. This means that an individual, male or female, marries a permanent citizen of the United States of America. After marriage, there will be some necessary paperwork with some appeals and hearings. An applicant will have to fill out the Form I-130.

Immediate Relatives

This method is processed through a petition of a close relative who could either be a spouse, child over 21, parent, brother or sister who is a citizen of the United States or a spouse or parent who is a US permanent resident. Many of these applications are severely backlogged and is dependent on the type of relative and nationality of the applicant. A petition for a brother or sister can last up to ten years of waiting, depending on their nationality.

Diversity Lottery

The purpose of this method is to increase immigration of countries with low representation over the past decades. There are 50,000 slots alloted for it and the “lottery winners” are randomly selected from the computers. It is important to understand that being selected in the lottery does not guarantee a green card. The requirements are strict and applicants should meet the educational or professional requirements.

Employer Sponsorship

The employer petitions a highly skilled worker such as an outstanding professor, a multinational executive or manager, a professional holding an advanced degree or a person with exceptional ability.

Immigrant Investor Visa

Wealthy foreigners who can invest at least $1 million in a commercial enterprise and employ 10 workers directly, or at least $500,000 who will invest in a “targeted employment area” and can employ 10 workers directly or indirectly.

The U.S. Immigration system is a huge bureaucracy. It is only vital that people who would like to acquire a green card should fully understand the requirements before making any application. Any mistake committed may ruin the chances of getting one.