The United States issues more than one million green cards each year. While most of these are given to family members of current citizens or other green card holders, these aren’t the only type of green card available to immigrants looking for citizenship options. But what types of green cards are available, and what requirements must be fulfilled to obtain them?
A green card is given to a non-U.S. citizen to provide permanent residence for them within the United States. Many immigrants from other countries seek to obtain a green card because it will allow them to work live and work anywhere in the United States lawfully. In addition to this, having a green card for three to five years can also make them qualified for U.S. citizenship. Some of the green cards that might be considered include:
- Family-Based Green Cards – Perhaps the most common green card awarded, family-based green cards are granted to individuals with close relatives in the United States – either natural citizens or other green card holders. Eligible family members include a spouse, parents, children and other siblings. Unfortunately, extended family members do not qualify for this type of green card at the current time.
- Employment-Based Green Cards – Within this green card type, multiple subcategories are available for workers looking to apply for permanent residence. In some cases, children and spouses may also be eligible for a green card as well. For more information about specific employment-based options, please contact us.
- Diversity Lottery Green Cards – Each year, the United States government randomly selects up to 50,000 individuals from a pool of entries from Africa, Asia and other territories for a “green card lottery.” Historically, only individuals from countries with little immigration in the past may be eligible for this green card type.
- Humanitarian Green Cards – Worldwide, residents of other countries experience fear or persecution within their home territories based on religion, race, political views and much more. These individuals can seek protection in the United States with a humanitarian green card by applying for a visa from abroad. In addition, once they have received asylum for a year in the United States, they can apply for a green card.
- Longtime-Resident Green Cards – Immigrants who have lived in the United States, illegally and legally, since January 1, 1972, are eligible for a green card through a unique “registry” process. Although, several criteria must be met. Working with an immigration law attorney can help ensure a smooth process before applying for this type of green card.
The United States government can issue many other types of green cards not mentioned within this article; however, these are among the most common. Some other examples for uncommon green cards include those given to “special immigrants,” including media professionals, Iraqi or Afghani nationals who served the U.S. in specific capacities and much more. Different green card options and the requirements associated with them can be found through the USCIS website.