U.S. citizens and permanent residents have the right to apply for a Green Card for their family members, subject to certain conditions. Currently, this is one of the most accessible and popular ways to obtain permanent residence in the United States.
U.S. citizens over the age of 21 can request the Green Card for their parents, spouse, unmarried or married children of any age, stepchildren, and siblings.
On the other hand, legal permanent residents can only file a visa petition for their spouse or unmarried children.
The U.S. citizen or resident themselves must be responsible for the Green Card application and must provide proof of certain financial conditions and the family relationship through documents requested by USCIS.
The family-based process also includes visa availability, meaning that in some cases, the foreign family member may need to wait until an immigrant visa becomes available in the fiscal year. Availability varies depending on the family relationship and the nationality of the applicant. Thus, there are the following categories:
1 – Immediate Relative – based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child, or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
2 – Family Preference – for specific, more distant family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specific relationships with a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
Additionally, an interview with an immigration officer is usually required to assess the authenticity of the family relationship and the applicant’s intentions.
Finally, when an approved petition is in place, Green Card holders essentially have the same rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens, except for the right to vote in elections and hold public or political office.
Through VAWA, victims have the opportunity to build a better and safer life in the United States.
The T Visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa designed for victims of human trafficking. Its purpose is to protect undocumented immigrants
Living and working legally in the United States without a multimillion-dollar investment or a job offer is a real possibility for those who qualify for the green card program.
U.S. citizens over the age of 21 can request the Green Card for their parents, spouse, unmarried or married children of any age, stepchildren, and siblings.
Foreign nationals who marry a U.S. citizen, regardless of gender or orientation, have the right to apply for a Green Card.
Foreign investors looking to establish roots and thrive on American soil must obtain the EB-5 visa, also known as the “Immigrant Investor Visa.”
