Green Card eligibility
A green card represents an alien’s right to reside and take up employment in the US. The card acts as an official representation of an individual’s immigration status and is officially known as the United States permanent resident card. The green card must be carried at all times by holders aged 18 or over. There are certain categories of individuals that are eligible for a green card and it is advised that you ask a professional consultancy firm that specializes in US immigration on your eligibility status for a green card.
For more information on green card eligibility and working in the United States, please click on the following link to view our USA Work Visa Requirements page.
Who is eligible for a green card
A green card is a legal representation of an individual’s immigration status in the US. The card provides proof to the relevant authorities that the alien is an LPR – lawful permanent resident of the US. There is certain individuals that are eligible to apply for a green card and it is helpful to know what categories of people may seek a green card.
The typical ways of being eligible to obtain a green card is through a family member, job offer or employment, refugee status and several other special conditions.
In order to be eligible for a green card you must satisfy the following main conditions:
- You must fall into one of the immigrant categories as set by the INA – Immigration and Nationality Act in the US
- You must have your immigrant visa available
- You must be admissible to the US
- You must have filed for and received approval of your immigrant petition.
If you are an immediate family member or relative of a US citizen you will be given priority for a green card. To be classified in the family category of seeking a green card you will have an immediate relative that is a US citizen. Immediate relatives include; parents, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of a US citizen.
If you fall under the employment based category for seeking a green card you will be listed in order of preference for your green card. The list of preferences is ranked from first to fifth and is as follows:
- First preference: priority workers such as outstanding researchers, professors, multinational executives etc
- Second preference: members of certified bodies and holding a recognized advanced degree
- Third preference: skilled, qualified and professional workers
- Fourth preference: special immigration with religious vocations
- Fifth preference: investors and entrepreneurs
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