Different Ways to Become a Permanent Resident
Different Ways to Become a Permanent Resident
If you are considering permanent immigration to the United States, there are a variety of different ways to qualify. Before applying for permanent residency, it’s best to consider the different options and decide which one is best for your situation. Here are a few of the most common ones.
Probably the easiest and most common way to qualify for immigration to the U.S. is to be a family member of a current permanent resident. Immediate family members receive priority. If you win the Green Card lottery, your spouse and children automatically qualify for permanent residency as well. Immigration is also possible for extended family members, but they must be sponsored by a permanent resident and the application process is more difficult.
Another way to receive a Green Card is through sponsorship by your employer. Obtaining permanent residency in this manner is very difficult unless you work in certain specific industries designated by the immigration authorities. Your employer will have to prove that no U.S. workers are available to fill your position, and then submit an immigrant visa petition.
A small number of immigrants qualify for permanent residency based on political asylum or refugee status, but it is usually not the norm. Another 50,000 people receive permanent immigration status through the Green Card lottery. One particular benefit of this method is that you can enter the lottery while you are pursuing other ways to receive your permanent visa. At www.usgreencardoffice.com you can read more about the Green Card lottery and also sign up for participation.
Permanent immigration can be a lengthy and expensive process, but if you take the time to consider which method best fits your situation, you will be successful while saving time and money.
