To qualify for Green Card in the USA there are different eligibility criteria. Some of the important categories of immigration process that can grant Green Card for foreigners are listed here.
- Immigrant Category Eligibility:On a preference system a foreigner who want to become a permanent resident through his/her qualified family member with a job or employment or a special category will be classified. However, the immediate relatives of US Citizens are given highest immigration priority for permanent residence and there could only a few exceptions.
- Family Based Immigration:The immediate relatives of American citizens who need not have to wait for visa to become available. Relatives who can get permanent residence quickly are:
- Parents of a U.S. citizen.
- Spouses of a U.S. citizen.
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen.
Please note: Only 21 years old US citizens can applying for their parents.Other family members have to wait for a visa to become available to apply for permanent residency.- First Preference: Unmarried, adult (21 years or older) sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Second Preference A: Spouses of permanent residents and the unmarried children (under 21 years)) of permanent residents.
- Second Preference B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of permanent residents.
- Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.
- Job or Employment Based:In this category, the immigration based on a job may help to apply for permanent residence when immigration number becomes available. Following is the order of preferences.
- First Preference: Priority Workers, including aliens with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
- Second Preference: Members of professions holding an advanced degree or persons of exceptional ability (including individuals seeking a National Interest Waiver).
- Third Preference: Skilled Workers, professionals and other qualified workers.
- Fourth Preference: Certain special immigrants including those in religious vocations.
- Fifth Preference: Employment creation immigrants (investors or entrepreneurs).
- Refugee or Asylum Based Status:Refugees in the USA or qualifying spouse or a child of a refugee have to apply for Green Card 1 year after the entry. In case of an asylum and a qualifying spouse or a child of asylee you may apply after 1 year of the grant of asylum status. As per the US law, the refugees have to apply for Green Card 1 year after being admitted to the USA in refugee status.
- Other Ways to Qualify:Some of the other ways to get green card will be if you are a Amerasian Child of a U.S. Citizen, American Indian born in Canada, Armed Forces Member, Cuban Native or Citizen, Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, Haitian Refugee, Help HAITI Act of 2010, Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act...