Are you dreaming of living and working in the United States permanently? Do you want to enjoy the rights and benefits of being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the U.S.? If so, you need to apply for a green card.
A green card is an official document that proves your status as an LPR of the U.S. It allows you to live, work, study, travel, and sponsor your relatives for immigration in the U.S. without any restrictions. It also puts you on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen if you meet certain requirements.
However, applying for a green card is not an easy process. It involves many steps, forms, fees, documents, interviews, and waiting times. Depending on your eligibility category, country of origin, and other factors, it can take months or even years to get your green card.
That’s why we have created this ultimate guide on how to apply for a green card in 2024. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about:
- What is a green card and why do you need one?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a green card?
- How to apply for a green card in 2024?
- How much does it cost to apply for a green card in 2024?
- How long does it take to get a green card in 2024?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of having a green card?
- How to maintain your green card status and avoid losing it?
- How to renew or replace your green card?
- How to upgrade your green card to U.S. citizenship?
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to apply for a green card in 2024 and what to expect along the way. So, let’s get started!
What is a Green Card and Why Do You Need One?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a plastic card that has your photo, name, date of birth, country of birth, and expiration date. It also has a unique number called an Alien Registration Number or A-Number.
A green card is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is valid for 10 years and can be renewed or replaced if lost, stolen, damaged, or expired.
A green card is not the same as a visa. A visa is a temporary authorization that allows you to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose and period of time. A green card, on the other hand, is a permanent authorization that allows you to stay in the U.S. indefinitely.
You need a green card if you want to:
- Live and work in the U.S. without any restrictions or limitations
- Travel in and out of the U.S. without any problems or delays
- Study in the U.S. at lower tuition rates than foreign students
- Access public benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployment insurance
- Sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings for immigration to the U.S.
- Apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
Having a green card also means that you have certain rights and responsibilities as an LPR of the U.S. For example, you have the right to:
- Vote in local and state elections (but not federal elections)
- Serve on a jury
- Own property and firearms
- Join the U.S. military
- Apply for federal jobs
You also have the responsibility to:
- Obey all federal, state, and local laws
- Pay federal, state, and local taxes
- Register with the Selective Service System if you are a male between 18 and 26 years old
- Support the U.S. Constitution and form of government
- Maintain your green card status and renew it every 10 years
As you can see, having a green card offers many advantages and opportunities for you and your family. However, getting a green card is not easy. You have to meet certain eligibility requirements and follow a specific application process.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for a Green Card?
Not everyone can apply for a green card. You have to belong to one of the eligibility categories that are authorized by U.S. immigration law. These categories are based on different criteria such as family relationships, employment skills, humanitarian grounds, or diversity.
The most common eligibility categories for a green card are:
Family-Based Green Card
This category is for people who have close relatives who are U.S. citizens or LPRs. These relatives can sponsor them for a green card by filing an immigrant petition on their behalf.
The family-based green card category has two subcategories: immediate relatives and preference relatives.
Immediate relatives are spouses, unmarried children under 21 years old, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. They do not have to wait for a visa number to become available because there is no annual limit on how many of them can get a green card.
Preference relatives are other relatives of U.S. citizens or LPRs who do not qualify as immediate relatives. They include:
- First preference: Unmarried children over 21 years old of U.S. citizens
- Second preference: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of LPRs; unmarried children over 21 years old of LPRs
- Third preference: Married children of U.S. citizens
- Fourth preference: Siblings of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old
Preference relatives have to wait for a visa number to become available because there is an annual limit on how many of them can get a green card. The waiting time depends on their preference category and their country of origin.
Employment-Based Green Card
This category is for people who have valuable skills, education, or experience that can benefit the U.S. economy or society. They can either be sponsored by a U.S. employer who files an immigrant petition on their behalf or self-petition if they meet certain criteria.
The employment-based green card category has five subcategories:
- First preference: Priority workers such as people with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors or researchers; multinational executives or managers
- Second preference: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business
- Third preference: Skilled workers with at least two years of experience; professionals with bachelor’s degrees; unskilled workers with less than two years of experience
- Fourth preference: Special immigrants such as religious workers; certain employees of international organizations; certain former employees of the U.S. government; certain retired NATO employees; certain Iraqi or Afghan translators or interpreters
- Fifth preference: Investors who invest at least $900,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
Similar to the preference relatives, employment-based green card applicants have to wait for a visa number to become available based on their subcategory and their country of origin.
Diversity Visa Lottery
This category is for people who are from countries that have low rates of immigration to the U.S. They can enter a random drawing that is held every year by the U.S. Department of State and win a chance to apply for a green card.
The diversity visa lottery, also known as the green card lottery, allocates 55,000 visas every year to eligible applicants from six geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. Each region has a different number of visas based on its population and immigration history.
To enter the diversity visa lottery, you have to meet two requirements:
- You have to be born in a country that is eligible for the lottery. You can also claim your spouse’s or parent’s country of birth if it is different from yours and eligible for the lottery.
- You have to have at least a high school education or its equivalent or two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
The diversity visa lottery is free to enter and you can only submit one entry per year. You have to enter online through the official website during a specific registration period that usually lasts from October to November. You will receive a confirmation number that you can use to check your status online.
If you are selected in the lottery, you will be notified by email or mail and you will have to apply for a green card within a limited time frame. You will also have to pay the required fees and undergo medical and security checks.
Refugee or Asylee Status
People who flee persecution or violence in their home country and receive protection in the U.S. belong to this category. The U.S. can admit them as refugees or grant them asylum after their arrival.
Refugees are people who are outside their home country and are unable or unwilling to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. They are screened and approved by the U.S. government before they are resettled in the U.S.
Asylum seekers are people who are already in the U.S. or at a port of entry and request protection based on the same grounds as refugees. They have to prove that they meet the definition of a refugee and that they are not barred from asylum for certain reasons such as committing a serious crime or posing a security threat.
Refugees and asylum seekers can apply for a green card one year after being admitted or granted protection in the U.S. They have to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and pay the required fees. They also have to undergo medical and security checks.
Special Immigrant Categories
This category is for people who belong to certain groups that are eligible for a green card based on specific laws or programs. These groups include:
- Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government
- Certain religious workers
- Certain physicians
- Certain international broadcasters
- Certain employees of international organizations or NATO
- Certain victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, or crime
- Certain juveniles who are dependent on a juvenile court
- Certain members of the U.S. armed forces
- Certain retired officers or employees of certain international organizations or NATO
Each special immigrant category has its own eligibility requirements and application process. Some of them require an immigrant petition filed by an employer or another sponsor, while others allow self-petitioning. Some of them also require a visa number to become available, while others do not.
How to Apply for a Green Card in 2024?
The application process for a green card varies depending on your eligibility category and whether you are applying from inside or outside the U.S.
If you are applying from inside the U.S., you can use the adjustment of status process. This means that you can change your status from a nonimmigrant (such as a student, tourist, or worker) to an immigrant (a permanent resident) without leaving the country.
If you are applying from outside the U.S., you can use the consular processing process. This means that you have to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country and then enter the U.S. with that visa.
The general steps for applying for a green card in 2024 are:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility Category
The first step is to determine which eligibility category you belong to and whether you meet the specific requirements for that category. You can use the USCIS website or consult an immigration lawyer to help you with this step.
Step 2: File an Immigrant Petition or Self-Petition
The second step is to file an immigrant petition or a self-petition with the USCIS. An immigrant petition is a form that requests the USCIS to classify you as eligible for a green card based on your eligibility category. A self-petition is a form that allows you to petition for yourself without a sponsor.
The most common immigrant petitions are:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for family-based green card applicants
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for employment-based green card applicants
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, for certain special immigrant categories
- Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, for investor green card applicants
The most common self-petitions are:
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, for certain special immigrant categories
- Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, for asylum seekers
- Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, for victims of crime
- Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant, for relatives of victims of crime
You have to fill out the appropriate form and submit it with the required documents and fees to the USCIS. You can check the USCIS website or consult an immigration lawyer to find out which form you need and how to complete it.
Step 3: Check the Visa Availability and Wait for Your Priority Date
The third step is to check the visa availability and wait for your priority date. A visa is a document that allows you to enter the U.S. as an immigrant. A priority date is a date that determines your place in line for a visa.
The U.S. government limits the number of visas that can be issued every year for each eligibility category and each country of origin. This means that there may be more applicants than visas available, resulting in a backlog or a waiting list.
Your priority date is usually the date when your immigrant petition or self-petition is received by the USCIS. However, in some cases, it may be a different date depending on your eligibility category and other factors.
You can check the visa availability and your priority date by using the Visa Bulletin that is published every month by the U.S. Department of State. The Visa Bulletin shows the cut-off dates for each eligibility category and each country of origin. The cut-off dates are the priority dates of the applicants who can apply for a green card in that month.
If your priority date is earlier than or equal to the cut-off date for your eligibility category and country of origin, it means that a visa is available for you and you can proceed to the next step. If your priority date is later than the cut-off date, it means that you have to wait until a visa becomes available for you.
Step 4: File Form I-485 to Adjust Your Status or Apply for an Immigrant Visa Abroad
The fourth step is to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if you are applying from inside the U.S., or apply for an immigrant visa abroad if you are applying from outside the U.S.
Form I-485 is a form that requests the USCIS to grant you permanent resident status based on your approved immigrant petition or self-petition. You have to fill out the form and submit it with the required documents and fees to the USCIS. You can check the USCIS website or consult an immigration lawyer to find out how to complete the form.
An immigrant visa is a document that allows you to enter the U.S. as an immigrant based on your approved immigrant petition or self-petition. An immigrant visa must be requested at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of origin. An online application form (DS-260) must be completed and submitted together with the necessary paperwork and fees. Additionally, a consular officer will conduct an interview with you, assess your application, and make a decision regarding the issuance of an immigrant visa.
Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment and Interview
The fifth step is to attend your biometrics appointment and interview. A biometrics appointment is an appointment where you have to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature to the USCIS. An interview is an appointment where you have to answer questions about your application and background to the USCIS or consular officer.
If you are applying from inside the U.S., you will receive a notice from the USCIS with the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment and interview. You have to attend both appointments and bring your original documents and identification
with you. You may also bring an interpreter if you need one.
If you are applying from outside the U.S., you will receive a notice from the U.S. embassy or consulate with the date, time, and location of your interview. You have to attend the interview and bring your original documents and identification with you. You may also bring an interpreter if you need one.
During the biometrics appointment and interview, you have to be honest and cooperative. You have to answer all the questions truthfully and provide any additional information or evidence that is requested. You have to follow the instructions and respect the rules of the USCIS or consular officer.
Step 6: Receive Your Green Card Decision and Approval Notice
The sixth and final step is to receive your green card decision and approval notice. A green card decision is the outcome of your application process. An approval notice is a document that confirms that your application has been approved.
A green card determination and approval notice from the USCIS will be mailed to you if you are submitting your application from within the country. You will also receive your green card by mail within a few weeks if your application is accepted. You will be given notification if your application is rejected, along with information on how to appeal the decision and submit a new application.
The consular officer will provide you a green card decision and approval notice at the conclusion of your interview if you are applying for one from outside the United States. If your application is accepted, you will also get a passport stamp for your immigrant visa.
You have to enter the U.S. with your immigrant visa within six months of its issuance. Upon arrival, you will be inspected by a customs and border protection officer who will admit you as a permanent resident and issue you a temporary green card stamp on your passport. You will receive your green card by mail within a few weeks. If your application is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons for the denial and your options to appeal or reapply.
Congratulations! You have completed the application process for a green card in 2024. You are now a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and can enjoy all the rights and benefits that come with it.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Green Card in 2024?
The cost of applying for a green card in 2024 depends on several factors such as your eligibility category, your age, your location, and whether you need any additional services or waivers.
The main costs involved in applying for a green card in 2024 are:
- The filing fees for the immigrant petition or self-petition
- The filing fees for Form I-485 or the immigrant visa application
- The biometric services fee
- The medical examination fee
- The translation and photocopying fees
- The attorney fees (if applicable)
The filing fees for the immigrant petition or self-petition vary depending on which form you need to file and whether you need any additional forms or supplements. You can check the USCIS website or consult an immigration lawyer to find out the exact fees for your case.
Green Card Fees
The filing fees for Form I-485 or the immigrant visa application also vary depending on your age, location, and eligibility category. You can check the USCIS website or consult an immigration lawyer to find out the exact fees for your case.
The biometric services fee is $85 for most applicants who are applying from inside the U.S. It covers the cost of collecting your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. You have to pay this fee when you file Form I-485.
The medical examination fee is not fixed and depends on the doctor who performs it. You have to undergo a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon (if applying from inside the U.S.) or a panel physician (if applying from outside the U.S.) to prove that you are not inadmissible on health grounds. You have to pay this fee directly to the doctor.
The translation and photocopying fees are not fixed and depend on how many documents you need to translate or copy. You have to provide English translations of all foreign language documents that you submit with your application. You also have to provide photocopies of all original documents that you submit with your application.
The attorney fees are not fixed and depend on how much assistance you need from an immigration lawyer. You do not have to hire an immigration lawyer to apply for a green card, but it may be helpful if you have a complex case or need legal advice. You have to pay this fee directly to the lawyer.
The total cost of applying for a green card in 2024 can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your situation. You have to pay these costs out of pocket as there is no financial assistance available from the U.S. government.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card in 2024?
The time it takes to get a green card in 2024 depends on several factors such as your eligibility category, your country of origin, the availability of visas, the processing times of the USCIS and the U.S. embassy or consulate, and any delays or issues that may arise during your application process.
The general time frames for getting a green card in 2024 are:
- For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: 6 to 12 months
- For preference relatives of U.S. citizens or LPRs: 1 to 10 years or more
- For employment-based green card applicants: 6 months to 5 years or more
- For diversity visa lottery winners: 6 to 12 months
- For refugees or asylees: 6 to 12 months
- For special immigrant categories: 6 to 12 months
These time frames are only estimates and may vary depending on your specific case. The current processing timeframes and visa availability for your case can be found on the USCIS website or by speaking with an immigration attorney.
The USCIS Case Status Online tool or the CEAC Status Check tool can both be used to check the status of your application online. To access these features, you must have your receipt or case number.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Having a Green Card?
Having a green card has many benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before applying for one. Here are some of them:
Benefits
- You can live and work in the U.S. without any restrictions or limitations
- You can travel in and out of the U.S. without any problems or delays
- You can study in the U.S. at lower tuition rates than foreign students
- You can access public benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployment insurance
- You can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings for immigration to the U.S.
- You can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- You have certain rights and responsibilities as an LPR of the U.S.
Drawbacks
- You have to pay federal, state, and local taxes on your worldwide income
- You have to report your foreign bank accounts and assets to the U.S. government
- You have to maintain your green card status and renew it every 10 years
- You have to obey all federal, state, and local laws and avoid committing any crimes that could make you deportable
- You have to notify the USCIS of any change of address within 10 days
- You have to obtain a reentry permit if you plan to leave the U.S. for more than one year
- You may lose some benefits or rights in your home country
As you can see, having a green card has both advantages and disadvantages that you should weigh carefully before applying for one. You should also consult an immigration lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about your green card application or status.
How to Maintain Your Green Card Status and Avoid Losing It?
Once you get your green card, you have to maintain your status as an LPR of the U.S. and avoid losing it for any reason. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Renew your green card every 10 years before it expires by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with the USCIS
- Notify the USCIS of any change of address within 10 days by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, online or by mail
- Obtain a reentry permit if you plan to leave the U.S. for more than one year by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the USCIS
- File your federal, state, and local tax returns every year and pay any taxes that you owe
- Report your foreign bank accounts and assets to the U.S. government every year by filing Form FinCEN 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), online
- Obey all federal, state, and local laws and avoid committing any crimes that could make you deportable such as fraud, drug trafficking, domestic violence, terrorism, espionage, etc.
- Do not vote in federal elections or claim to be a U.S. citizen unless you are naturalized
- Do not abandon your green card status by moving permanently to another country or staying outside the U.S. for too long without a valid reason
If you fail to maintain your green card status or do something that makes you lose it, you may face serious consequences such as deportation, removal of benefits, denial of citizenship, or criminal prosecution.
How to Renew or Replace Your Green Card?
Your green card is valid for 10 years and you have to renew it before it expires. You also have to replace it if it is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information.
To renew or replace your green card, you have to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with the USCIS. The USCIS must receive the completed form along with the necessary paperwork and payment. If you’re unsure how to fill out the form, you can visit the USCIS website or speak with an immigration lawyer.
You can file Form I-90 online or by mail. If you file online, you can create an account on the USCIS website and upload your documents and pay your fees electronically. You can also check the status of your application and receive notifications online.
If you file by mail, you have to send your form, documents, and fees to the appropriate USCIS address. You can also check the status of your application by calling the USCIS Contact Center or using the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
The filing fee for Form I-90 is $455 plus an $85 biometric services fee for a total of $540. You may request a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay the fee and meet certain criteria.
The processing time for Form I-90 varies depending on the workload of the USCIS and other factors. It may take several months or longer to receive your new green card. You can check the current processing times on the USCIS website.
How to Upgrade Your Green Card to U.S. Citizenship?
If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you have to apply for naturalization. Naturalization is the process of granting U.S. citizenship to a foreign national who meets certain requirements.
To apply for naturalization, you have to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with the USCIS. The form must be completed and sent to USCIS together with the necessary paperwork and costs. For information on how to complete the form, check the USCIS website or speak with an immigration lawyer.
You can file Form N-400 online or by mail. If you file online, you can create an account on the USCIS website and upload your documents and pay your fees electronically. You can also check the status of your application and receive notifications online.
If you file by mail, you have to send your form, documents, and fees to the appropriate USCIS address. You can also check the status of your application by calling the USCIS Contact Center or using the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
The filing fee for Form N-400 is $640 plus an $85 biometric services fee for a total of $725. You may request a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay the fee and meet certain criteria.
The processing time for Form N-400 varies depending on the workload of the USCIS and other factors. It may take several months or longer to complete your naturalization process. You can check the current processing times on the USCIS website.
To qualify for naturalization, you have to meet certain requirements such as:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a green card holder for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Have continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Have a physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of that time
- Have good moral character and no serious criminal record
- Have basic knowledge of U.S. history and government
- Have basic English language skills
- Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.
To prove that you meet these requirements, you have to attend a biometrics appointment and an interview with a USCIS officer. During the biometrics appointment, you have to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature to the USCIS. During the interview, you have to answer questions about your application and background and take a civics test and an English test.
The civics test consists of 10 questions out of 100 possible questions about U.S. history and government. You have to answer at least six questions correctly to pass. The English test consists of three parts: reading, writing, and speaking. You have to demonstrate that you can read, write, and speak basic English.
If you pass both tests and your application is approved, you will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your naturalization ceremony. During the ceremony, you will take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. and receive your certificate of naturalization. Congratulations! You are now a U.S. citizen!
Conclusion
Applying for a green card in 2024 is a complex and lengthy process that requires careful planning and preparation. However, it is also a rewarding process that can open many doors for you and your family in the U.S.
In this guide, we have covered everything you need to know about how to apply for a green card in 2024, including:
- What is a green card and why do you need one?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a green card?
- How to apply for a green card in 2024?
- How much does it cost to apply for a green card in 2024?
- How long does it take to get a green card in 2024?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of having a green card?
- How to maintain your green card status and avoid losing it?
- How to renew or replace your green card?
- How to upgrade your green card to U.S. citizenship?
We hope that this guide has been helpful and informative for you and that you have learned something new. We wish you all the best in your green card journey and your future in the U.S.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and help you out.
Thank you for reading and good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to apply for a green card in 2024:
Can I apply for a green card if I am in the U.S. illegally?
Generally, no. If you are in the U.S. illegally, you are not eligible to apply for a green card through the adjustment of status process. You may be eligible to apply for a green card through the consular processing process if you have a valid immigrant petition or self-petition and you qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility. However, this is a risky and complicated process that requires expert legal advice.
Can I apply for a green card if I have a criminal record?
It depends. Some crimes can make you inadmissible or deportable from the U.S. and prevent you from getting a green card. These include crimes involving moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, drug offenses, terrorism, espionage, etc. However, some crimes may be waived or forgiven if you meet certain criteria such as having a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen or LPR, having a long residence in the U.S., having good moral character, etc. You should consult an immigration lawyer if you have a criminal record and want to apply for a green card.
Can I apply for a green card if I am married to a U.S. citizen or LPR?
Yes. If you are married to a U.S. citizen or LPR, you can apply for a green card as an immediate relative or a preference relative of your spouse. However, you have to prove that your marriage is bona fide and not entered into for immigration purposes. You also have to meet the other eligibility requirements for a green card such as having no criminal record, no health issues, no security threats, etc.
Can I apply for a green card if I have children who are U.S. citizens or LPRs?
Yes. If you have children who are U.S. citizens or LPRs, you can apply for a green card as an immediate relative or a preference relative of your children. However, your children have to be at least 21 years old and able to sponsor you financially. You also have to meet the other eligibility requirements for a green card such as having no criminal record, no health issues, no security threats, etc.
Can I apply for a green card if I have an employer who is willing to sponsor me?
Yes. If you have an employer who is willing to sponsor you, you can apply for a green card as an employment-based applicant. However, your employer has to file an immigrant petition on your behalf and prove that there is no qualified U.S. worker available for the job that you are offered. You also have to meet the other eligibility requirements for a green card such as having no criminal record, no health issues, no security threats, etc.
Can I apply for a green card if I have skills, education, or experience that can benefit the U.S. economy or society?
Yes. If you have skills, education, or experience that can benefit the U.S. economy or society, you can apply for a green card as an employment-based applicant or self-petitioner. However, you have to prove that you belong to one of the subcategories of employment-based applicants or self-petitioners and that there is no qualified U.S. worker available for the job that you are offered or seeking. You also have to meet the other eligibility requirements for a green card such as having no criminal record, no health issues, no security threats, etc.
Can I apply for a green card if I am from a country that has low rates of immigration to the U.S.?
Yes. If you are from a country that has low rates of immigration to the U.S., you can apply for a green card through the diversity visa lottery program. However, you have to enter the lottery during the registration period and win a chance to apply for a green card. You also have to meet the other eligibility requirements for a green
card such as having no criminal record, no health issues, no security threats, etc.
Can I apply for a green card if I am fleeing persecution or violence in my home country?
Yes. If you are fleeing persecution or violence in your home country, you can apply for a green card as a refugee or asylee. However, you have to prove that you meet the definition of a refugee or asylee and that you are not barred from protection for certain reasons such as committing a serious crime or posing a security threat. You also have to meet the other eligibility requirements for a green card such as having no criminal record, no health issues, no security threats, etc.
Can I apply for a green card if I belong to a special group that is eligible for a green card based on specific laws or programs?
Yes. If you belong to a special group that is eligible for a green card based on specific laws or programs, you can apply for a green card as a special immigrant. However, you have to prove that you meet the specific requirements for your special immigrant category and that there is no qualified U.S. worker available for the job that you are offered or seeking. You also have to meet the other eligibility requirements for a green card such as having no criminal record, no health issues, no security threats, etc.
