The green card approval process can be a frustrating and elongated experience. Regardless of how time-consuming of an ordeal the process is, if you are an immigrant, obtaining your green card is a critical part of becoming a citizen of the U.S.
In this article, we present six tips for going through the green card process with as little hassle as possible.
1. Diversity Visa Program and Lawyers
You can potentially obtain a green card if you win one of the 55,000 green cards through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. You must reside in one of the selected populous countries to apply.
It takes between seven and 32 months to get approved for the official Petition for Alien Relative and six to ten months to receive an immigrant visa. To improve your chances, work with a green card lawyer.
2. Know Your Eligibility Category
The fastest way to get your green card is to go through family members or your employer. Another option is to go through the system as a refugee or asylum seeker, but this way typically takes longer.
To start, you’ll need to figure out where you fall in terms of eligibility. There are different eligibility categories for immigrants, and these laws were written to give immigrants different ways to obtain their green cards.
3. If Possible, Go Through Family
If you have a close relative who is either a citizen of the U.S. or a green card holder themselves, this person can petition for your right to obtain permanent legal residency. This option is often recommended, as it can be the fastest way to obtain a green card.
U.S. citizens who can petition may do so for immediate relatives. U.S. citizens and green card holders in the U.S. may petition for first, second, third, and fourth preferences outlined by the U.S. government, in addition to immediate relatives.
Check out the official government and immigration readings online to review the complete list of association preferences to see if you qualify to petition for another’s green card.
4. Get Permanent Employment in the U.S.
The second fastest way to obtain a green card is to get permanent employment in the United States. Typically, getting a green card through an employer pertains only to those employed as skilled workers or developers.
If you qualify for a green card via employment, your employer will need to fill out a Form I-140 and get a labor certificate from the U.S. Department of State.
If you are an investor and place at least $1,000,000 into a business or $500,000 into a targeted employment region, you can also apply for a green card by investing your money.
5. Advocate for Special Abilities
If you possess extraordinary abilities, you may be eligible to receive an EB-1A visa, a specific kind of green card. These cards are awarded to those considered to be the best in their field.
Olympic athletes and Nobel Prize winners are the two groups most likely to attain green cards through this specific route.
6. Bring Everything to the Interview
Don’t forget to bring all of the necessary paperwork and documentation required to your immigrant interview.
You will need to have your travel documentation and passport set, and if you are going through family or your employer for your green card, these members may be required to attend as well.
Bottom Line
There are a few paths to obtaining a green card. With enough patience and fortitude, it is possible to achieve citizenship. Consider the pathways discussed in this article and be patient with the green card approval process. The wait is worth it.