Home IMMIGRATION NEWS Ways of Getting a US Green Card (Permanent Residency)

Ways of Getting a US Green Card (Permanent Residency)

By
Irungu Thairu
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1
60
Ways of Getting a US Green Card (Permanent Residency)

Immigrants who wish to live in the United States on a permanent basis or foreigners who want to move to the US live and work here have a limited number of options on becoming US permanent residents. Permanent residency, also known as the green card, puts immigrants on a path to US citizenship.

Here are some widely used categories to get a green card:

Immediate Relative of a US citizen:

An immediate relative of a US citizen is defined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as either a spouse of a US citizen, an unmarried child under the age of 21 of a US citizen, or a parent of a US citizen sho is at least 21 years old.

There is no limit to the number of green cards that can be issued by the USCIS each year to immediate relatives.

Other Relative of a US Citizen or a Relative of a Lawful Permanent Resident:

This includes unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a US citizen, married son or daughter of a US citizen, brother or sister  (21 years or older) of a US citizen, spouse of a lawful permanent resident, unmarried child under the age of 21 of a lawful permanent resident, or unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a lawful permanent resident.

A maximum of 480,000 green card each year are granted under this category on a first come-first-served basis. As such, most foreigners applying under this category spend many years (as many as over 20 years in some cases) in the waiting list.

Employment:

140,000 green cards are issued each year to foreigners possessing unique talents or job skills that have shortage in the US. This category includes people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, professors, and researchers. The cater also include physicians willing to work in designated underserved areas within the US for a set period of time, as well as those investing at least $1 million in a new business in the US that will create at least 10 full-time jobs.

Green Card Lottery:

50,000 green cards are made available each year through a lottery system to nationals or countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Applications are submitted online for a period of one month between October and November each year.

Green card as a Special Immigrant:

This category includes religious workers coming to the US to work for a nonprofit religious organization, a child that has been abused, abandon, or neglected by a parent and have a Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) states, an international broadcaster coming to to work in the US as amber of the media, as well as retired officers or employees of certain international organizations or NATO.

Refugee and Political Asylum:

Refugees and those living in the US on asylum can apply for a green card one year after being granted refugee/asylee status. This includes people who fled their home countries for fear of, or experienced persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or for membership in a particular social group.

Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims:

Immigrants who have been victims of human trafficking and currently have a T non-immigrant visa , or who have been victims of a crime and have a U non-immigrant visa are available for apply for a green card.

Green Card for Victims of Abuse:

Abused spouses or US citizens or lawful permanent residents, abused children of a US citizen or lawful permanent residents, and abused parents of US citizens may all be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Person born in the United States to a foreign diplomat:

If you were born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer who was stationed in the US when you were born, then you may be eligible to apply for a green card.

Section 13 (Diplomat)

If you were stationed in the US as a foreign diplomat or high ranking official and are unable to return home then you may be eligible to apply for a green card.

Under most of the above categories, permanent residents become eligible to apply for naturalization in five years provided they live permanently in the US for five years and have good moral character. Those married to US citizens become eligible to apply for citizenship three years after becoming permanent residents.

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60 COMMENTS

  1. Kenyan’s as you apply to go…
    Kenyan’s as you apply to go to western countries, check the weather which has gone wild in many of those states. Tornadoes, Hurricanes, flooding and for our people who are not used to such weather plus the race issues, it has become harder for a lot of our people to survive.
    The jobs our people used to do while going to school have become automated.
    Do not leave your country, just to leave.
    As the west makes their countries great again, for the so called “black man”, survival in those countries will be very difficult. Talk to your relatives, family and friends who are in Diaspora and are working on returning home.
    Do research and more research. Information is a available everywhere. Check news,YouTube and learn. Then make a well informed decision. Things are not as they used to be and especially not easy for the so called “black man”.
    Most Kenyan’s and Africans are investing the little they have in their countries and preparing to go back home.
    Research and more research is what is needed.

    • Comments like these are…
      Comments like these are skewed. Who said we are not ready for the weather in the west, we have black people out there and they are doing great. You sound a racist. My take on this is; if you really feel you are out to work your way up, West is the best. People who say you should not leave your country, some of them have made it in the country and want you to be there so they can still take away the little you got. Watch out. Don’t listen to such, just go out there and you will make it BIG!

      • @Patricio, true statement…
        @Patricio, true statement. the only thing Kenyans should look for is LESS CORRUPTION. weather won’t hold you down like corruption

    • Yes, be careful. Try to not…
      Yes, be careful. Try to not let the biases bother you. But know that things are different here. And learn the laws etc or people will create negative judgments of you because they don’t understand that you dont know all yet. Good luck and be well

  2. I am a 74 yo usc..met kean…
    I am a 74 yo usc..met kean Riley(online FB)met her in Jamaica..she pretended that she loves .we got married..she used my social security..she then abandoned me.when I was sick with cancer..
    Who should mmm d I report this to..

  4. The employment based…
    The employment based Green Card process is about to become exclusively only for Indian citizens who come to US on H1-B / H4 visas. There is a bill called H.R.1044 / S386 that is about to be passed, which will allow India to hog up all employment based Green Cards for next decade by eliminating per country caps on employment based Green Cards. India receives more than 80% of H1-B visas, but thanks to per country caps, they don’t receive more than 80% Green Cards so there is backlog of millions of Indians applicants. Once this bill is passed and per country caps are removed, the backlog will be shifted to all other countries for at least twn years. Please call your representatives in office to oppose H.R.1044 / S386.

    https://www.nohr1044.com

  5. The employment based…
    The employment based GreenCard process is about to become exclusively only for Indian citizens who come to US on H1-B / H4 visas. There is a bill called H.R.1044 / S386 that is about to be passed, which will allow India to hog up all employment based Green Cards for next decade by eliminating per country caps on employment based Green Cards. India receives more than 80% of H1-B visas, but thanks to per country caps, they don’t receive more than 80% Green Cards so there is backlog of millions of Indians applicants. Once this bill is passed and per country caps are removed, the backlog will be shifted to all other countries for at least twn years. Please call your representatives in office to oppose H.R.1044 / S386.

    https://www.nohr1044.com

  6. Thank you for this great…
    Thank you for this great information. Kindly, tell us also how one can migrate to Canada and Australia.

    • Benchod! Google it yourself!…
      Benchod! Google it yourself! I bet you have time to waste in social media and pornhub. Are you that lazy you can’t Google ‘Canadian immigration dept’ and read the requirements and visa types?

  8. My brother has been married…
    My brother has been married to his wife for over 14 years been together over 17 years. She is a permanent resident and she refuses to get his papers fixed. They have 2 children together and the wife stepped out of the marriage and now lives with her girlfriend(lover) and took the kids with her. She left him to live in a 2 bedroom apartment that always has issues with mold, flooding, ceiling colapsing etc and to take care of the bills on his own. What can he do to get his residency? This is not fair and he should be able to live a normal life.

    • Let your brother get life,…
      Let your brother get life, can’t he work? Must he depends on a woman? This is a marriage issue and you can only see what you’re told by your brother. Let the man get a grip of his life

      • Hi Kk, I live in the States…
        Hi Kk, I live in the States. Ignorance they say is bliss. Please inform yourself before you start castigating and judging people. The lady obvioysly is evil. She knows the law and she is using it wickedly. You cannot work without Social Security Number aka SSN and work permit in the US is a must. If the brother does not have papers, his life is as good as useless in the US except you break the law to work which has its own implication cos IRS will have the record except you are paid under the table peanuts by law breaking employers. Get your facts before you make mean comments.

    • My brother has three US…
      My brother has three US Citizenz sons. As soon as the older became an adult.(not sure if 18 or 21 years old). He petition my brother and because he is immediate family. His application was fastracked and became a green card holder in less than a year. Be aware that my brother wasn’t living in the United States and did not have any violations of p0a0immigration law. Since your relative is been on the states for so long, I would be surprised if he does not have some sort of negative record with the ICE. If he enter the country without a Visa or overstayed his Visa. That will affect how his application is handled. There have been many cases on the news in which ICE called applicants for an interview, just a formality to aprove their application. Surprise, surprise they.were detained and placed under deportation proceedings. So as soon as your eldest nephew is old enough,.he can petition your brother. But if he even suspects that the.interview is a trap. Then he will need to hire an immigration attorney. He might still placed under removal proceedings. But at least the attorney will know how to navigate the legal channels and petiton for a suspension of the removal…in short a Lawyer will give him a fighting chance. He goes alone.. he will be devoured, he will be eaten alive.
      Of course, if he had no prior.immugration violations, then he would not need a lawyer.

    • Your bro is a pussy! 14 yrs…
      Your bro is a pussy! 14 yrs and no papers? He should just pack and go back home cos now child support will finish him if he can’t work. He might end up getting locked up.

  9. Kindly adv the name of site…
    Kindly adv the name of site to find for our luck through “Green card lottery” being Indian are we eligible to participate.
    Regds
    Amit kr

  10. There is a reason why India…
    There is a reason why India and Asian countries are getting the lion’s share.
    They have PhD degrees in the sciences. These degrees are IN DEMAND. Kids, not all of them, today are to DAMN lazy to do the work to get these degrees. It is too hard.
    These kids had every trophy given to them. They were titty feed through life. Never taught to stand on their own to feet. How dare anyone to hurt their feelings.
    This is the result. These degrees are hard. They have a high flunk out rate for a reason.
    They want an Engineer’s salary with a liberals arts degree in ancient arts history.

    • This is honestly going to be…
      This is honestly going to be a devastating reality to those who dont want to accept it but this is exactly the problem on U.S had right now and investigate if you will U.S has a shortage on doctors that had nurses on a power trip like crazy!

      • American doctors exist…
        American doctors exist innhillyeiid shows like Greys Anatomy. On the ground, Indian and Arab doctors are taking over the medical field in the US.

  11. Employment is not just for…
    Employment is not just for foreigners with unique skills or talents, the EB-3 Unskilled category is for foreigners that can be sponsored by employers for Unskilled positions. If you are going to put out and article like this you should check all the facts before doing so

  12. What about if my son is us…
    What about if my son is us citizen and currently he lives in lebanon so can he go to the embassy and apply for his parents

  13. Sam Kriser is not because…
    Sam Kriser is not because the kids are lazy the reason is because in USA going to college and University is to damn expensive and in India is very Cheap , if USA help the US kids to have affordable studies will be a different story , but right now illegal people have more rights and help then US Citizens and the Congress knows that

  14. My sister is a green card…
    My sister is a green card holder,she got married last year,and she is already apply for her husband by i130.as forimmigrant visa.
    NOW She is pregnant, and she wants to came his husband earlier ,is there any condition of visa status have to consider her pregnancy and let her husband in to USA??

  16. Hi I married green card…
    Hi I married green card holder now its 2years I still way from her what can I do

  17. I am citizen,and have a…
    I am citizen,and have a married son over thirty years old, l have applied for his green card three years now. My question is how long a my gonna wait to be approved.

  18. Soon, very soon lottery will…
    Soon, very soon lottery will be canceled. Only skilled, young and talented people will get a green card. No need for more cab drivers

  20. About the skilled workers…
    About the skilled workers. Can an undocumented physician who has been in America for 4 years and later passed the board exam get a permanent residence?

  21. Hi sir
    I mostly want green…
    Hi sir
    I mostly want green card from usa.
    I am long long years ago trying and still waiting for going to dream country usa.
    So please help me with honestly.
    Sincerely
    Farid

  22. I am a citizen of America…
    I am a citizen of America but I have sisters and brothers back in my country what can I do to bring them into United states of America

    • Make application to USCIS,…
      Make application to USCIS, but remember they may not be able to join you for at least 20 years due to the very long waiting list.

  23. I have noticed that most of…
    I have noticed that most of the comments are suspicious. I don’t believe they are from Kenyans. These may be from people whose countries are barred from entraining to US . Don’t believe me, just read all the posts here.

  24. I’ve been in US since Mar…
    I’ve been in US since Mar/2009, I entered US under A2 Visa (diplomatic) My mission ended my contract and I applied for section 13 and green card two years ago.
    My parents are living in US and both of them have green card.
    I never had a problem with the law, my question, how long this case could take to be a permanent resident?
    Thank you

  25. Llevo casi. 7 meses en…
    Llevo casi. 7 meses en Mexico me negaron mi residencia me dieron 10 anos de castigo puedo calificar para un perdon? Mi esposo es Americano y mis dos hijos son americanos nungun abogado me quiere ayudar dicen que mi caso es complicado no tengo antecedentes penales el castigo es por cruzar ilegalmente y me quede a vivir alla

  26. My husband was deported back…
    My husband was deported back to Haiti last year in September for a DUI now there is fighting over there. Is there a way for me to get him back due to that he is in fear of his life?

  27. Hey good morning my name is…
    Hey good morning my name is Wilest Isaac my dady name is Israel Isaac he was apply for green card for me it was approved cinse 08/29/2016 i still in my country haiti what can i do, by the way my number is 212-470-8960 contact him

  28. A Nigerian. Married with two…
    A Nigerian. Married with two kids. Ex-banker. Please,how do I go about applying for lottery Visa. Please I need the right source. Thanks.

  29. Hi ,I am still married to my…
    Hi ,I am still married to my man but with issues of staying home with me is his problem still cheating I guess but uscis came to my house unknowingly to check if we truly married but he was nowhere to be found but his parents dont like me and uscis finally went to his parents house and they ask if we are truly married but they all denied me even my husband lie to uscis too that we weren’t truly married but now he came back to me begging me that his gonna call them and let them know that he lie after I got denied In decision letter…
    What steps can i take that can favor me 100%.am very confused

  30. Can An asylee whose case is…
    Can An asylee whose case is still pending but has Authorization to work file for green card?

  32. Well written article. From…
    Well written article. From my own personal experience of obtaining a green card, I’ve gotten my green card via direct family members!

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