For many people, getting a US Green card is the ultimate goal. After all, a green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States, and even allows you to eventually apply for citizenship. A green card allows you to live in the United States and to travel freely in and out of the US. With a US Green card, you can study in the US, take part in most employment programs, and even get some benefits from the United States government.
Getting a green card, however, can be a complex process. In general, most people get a green card by:
1) Getting married to a U.S. citizen. If your significant other is an American citizen and you already have plans to marry, getting a US Green card is relatively simple. However, you should be aware that marrying or dating someone just to get a green card is considered immigration fraud.
2) Getting sponsored by a Family Member. If you have a parent, brother or sister who is a US citizen, that person can sponsor you for a green card. Most relatives who are US citizens can sponsor their families to become US green card holders. However, keep in mind that some priority dates for family sponsorship can be quite long, so getting your green card take can take many months or even years. Before you decide to pursue a green card through family sponsorship, find out the estimated wait times for each type of sponsorship.
3) Getting sponsored by a U.S. company. If you have skills that US companies need, you can get an employer to sponsor you for a US Green card. Of course, if you do not live in the US, you will need to make contact with an employer who can sponsor you in this fashion. This can be challenging if you do not have contacts in the US.
4) Starting a business or investing in a U.S. company. If you have considerable resources and assets, you may be able to get a green card through investment. However, you generally need to spend considerable amounts of money to get a green card in this way.
5) Taking part in the Green Card Lottery. If the country of your origin is underrepresented in US immigration, you may qualify for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. If you qualify for the green card lottery, you should take part, even if you’re pursuing other forms of green card application. If you are randomly chosen from among applicants to get a green card in the green card lottery, the green card process is simple and quick.
If you are interested in getting a green card, you’ll want to spend considerable time considering how you will file for permanent residency. You may qualify for one or more of the sponsorship options or green card application options. You should apply for a green card in the way that is simplest and that promises to get you residency fastest. If you need help navigating the sometimes complex process of obtaining a US Green card, be sure to check out the Green Card DVD, click here for a powerful resource with tips and information that can make the process simpler.
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