Life in the United States is something that many people dream of. Although there are visas that allow a person to live and work in the U.S., these are temporary and must be renewed at regular intervals. In order to stay on a long-term basis, an immigrant must obtain a green card.
Getting your green card isn't easy. Some people may assume that marrying a citizen is the only way. Fortunately, there are other ways to qualify for your green card.
Learn about some of the surprising ways you can qualify for your green card to help move your own immigration process forward.
1. Apply Through Your Employer
If you are already living and working in the United States on a visa, you may be able to apply for a green card through your employer.
U.S. corporations can obtain a labor certification for immigrant workers who meet the minimum qualifications. These qualifications include being employed at a management level or higher, holding a degree in an applicable field, and being able to do work that no other U.S. citizen is qualified to do.
Your employer will need to file Form 1-140 on your behalf if you choose to pursue a green card through this avenue.
2. Possess an Extraordinary Ability
If you are particularly talented in science, art, business, education, or athletics, you may be able to apply for a green card as an alien of extraordinary ability. This method of applying for a green card requires that you meet very stringent criteria.
You must be able to document that you have experienced commercial success, have had your work nationally or internationally recognized, have made a significant and original contribution to your chosen field, and/or that you have published your work in a major trade publication or via any major media outlet.
It is hard to obtain a green card as an alien of extraordinary ability, but an immigration attorney can help you through the process.
3. Win the Green Card Lottery
Each year the U.S. government holds a green card lottery. Officially dubbed the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, this event is designed to help promote diversity within the U.S. population.
Any person from a qualifying country that has a low rate of immigration to the United States is eligible to enter the DV Program.
This method of obtaining a green card is based solely on luck. Only 50,000 green cards are awarded each year, and an estimated 23.2 million people apply.
To learn more, contact a professional who provides green card services.
