What Are the Green Card Eligibility Categories?

What is a Green Card?

A green card, also commonly referred to as a Permanent Resident Card, represents much more than just a piece of plastic. It is a symbol of opportunity and security, granting its holders the right to live and work permanently in the United States. The history of the green card dates back to the Alien Registration Act of 1940, which required all non-citizens to register with the government. Over the years, it has evolved to become a coveted status for millions worldwide, offering a gateway to the American Dream.

Now, let's delve into the various categories through which one can become eligible for a green card.

Family-Based Green Cards

Family relationships form one of the most common pathways to obtaining a green card. Here are the primary routes under this category:

1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: This includes spouses, unmarried children who are under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. Immediate relatives enjoy the highest priority and are not subject to annual numerical limits.   
2. Family Preference Categories: These categories are subject to annual quotas and include:

• First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens.
• Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents.
• Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried sons and daughters that are 21 years or older of permanent residents.
• Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
• Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of U.S. citizens, provided the citizen is at least 21.

Employment-Based Green Card

Employment-based green cards offer multiple pathways for workers to gain permanent residency. These are categorized based on the type of employment and qualifications:

1. EB-1: Priority workers, including those with extraordinary abilities in arts, sciences, education, business, athletics, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives.
2. EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field. This category also includes those seeking a National Interest Waiver.
3. EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with at least two years of training or experience.
4. EB-4: Special immigrants, like religious workers, certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts, and other specific groups.   
5. EB-5: Investors who invest a significant amount of capital in a commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Diversity Lottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery, often referred to as the green card lottery, offers another route to permanent residency. Each year, the U.S. government issues 50,000 diversity visas through a random selection process. This program is designed to promote immigration from countries with lower rates of immigration to the U.S. To qualify, applicants must meet specific educational or work experience requirements and come from an eligible country.

Refugees and Asylees

Lastly, refugees and asylees can also qualify for green cards. Refugees are individuals who are granted protection because they have been persecuted or have a fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. Asylees are individuals who meet the same criteria but are already present in the United States when they apply for asylum. Refugees and asylees are able to apply for a green card one year after they are granted their status.

Contact Us for Help

Navigating the various pathways to green card eligibility can be complex and daunting. At Green Evans-Schroeder, we are committed to guiding you through this intricate process. Whether you qualify through family, employment, the diversity lottery, or as a refugee or asylee, our goal is to help you achieve your dreams of permanent residency in the United States. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.