A green card allows immigrants to live and work in the United States. Over time, an immigrant with a green card can seek naturalization so that they can become a citizen and live in the U.S. indefinitely.
There are a few ways for an immigrant to get a green card. Here’s what you should know:
Lottery
An immigrant can apply for the Green Card Lottery. Up to 50,000 random applicants may be awarded a green card. Eligible applicants must be citizens of a country with a low immigration rate and have a high school or equivalent education or work experience.
Employment
Employers who can show that they are struggling to have Americans work for them can assist immigrants by sponsoring them for a green card. This green card can last for ten years, which gives immigrants ample opportunity to see permanent citizen status.
Education
An immigrant who has a high school or equivalent education can apply for a green card to further their education. An eligible immigrant can attend classes. While some immigrants will return to their original countries after their education ends, others have gone through the naturalization process or applied for green cards for additional higher education.
Family
An immigrant may have family members who have gone through the immigration process and now live in the States. Or, an immigrant may have given birth in the U.S. to a natural-born citizen. Either of these family members could sponsor an immigrant for a green card and help them through the immigration process.
Marriage
A U.S. citizen could marry an immigrant and help them obtain a green card. The marriage must be legitimate and will undergo scrutiny before an immigrant receives their green card.
Understanding your legal options can help you as you seek a new life in the United States.