The ability to hold a green card and stay in this country permanently is a dream of many. However, before you can determine if you are eligible to apply for and receive a green card, it’s imperative that you understand what one is and what it means to hold one. Someone who is granted a green card is a permanent resident. They are legally authorized to live and work in the United States permanently. A green card is simply proof of their status granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There are different pathways to obtaining a green card.Â
Through Your Family Members
You may be able to get approved for a green card if you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, including the spouse, unmarried child under the age of 21, or parent who is at least 21 years old. Other non-immediate family members are also eligible based on preference categories. Fiances, widowers, and abused spouses of U.S. citizens are also sometimes eligible.
Through Your Job
Another common way to obtain a green card is through employment in the U.S. Immigrant workers, such as the following may apply:
First preference immigrant workers, such as those who:
Have extraordinary ability in the areas of sciences, art, education, business, or athleticsÂ
Are an outstanding professor or researcher
Are a multinational executive or manager who meets specific criteria Â
Second preference immigrant workers, such as those who:Â
Are in a profession that necessitates an advanced degreeÂ
Have exceptional abilities in the sciences, arts, or businessÂ
Are pursuing a national interest waiver Â
Third preference immigrant worker, including:Â
Skilled workers (your job requires a minimum of two years of work experience or training)Â
Professionals whose jobs require at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent and they are a member of that professionÂ
An unskilled worker who performs unskilled labor requiring less than two years of work experience or training
Immigrant investors and doctors with a Physician National Interest Waiver are also eligible. This waiver applies to those who meet certain eligibility requirements, such as committing to:
Working full-time in clinical practice
Serving in a designated underserved area for a predetermined time periodÂ
As a Special Immigrant
It’s best to double-check with your Chicago immigration attorney about whether or not you fit in this category. However, you may be eligible for a green card under this category if you are a(n):
Religious worker
A juvenile who needs court protection due to parental abuse, abandonment, or neglect
International broadcaster
Employee of an international organization or their family member
NATO-6 employee or their family member Â
Other Routes for Eligibility
There are many other routes for green card eligibility that might work for you or your family member. When you meet with a seasoned Chicago immigration lawyer, they can help determine which path might be the best for you. Other routes include:
Refugee or asylee status
Human trafficking and crime victims
Victims of abuse
Questions About Your Green Card Eligibility Status? Contact a Skilled Chicago Immigration Attorney Today
At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, our Chicago family immigration lawyers understand the laws that govern green card status. We take the time to truly understand your situation so that we can craft a customized immigration solution for you. Our team will stand by you every step of the way. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation case consultation today.
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