How do you determine you are eligible to apply for a Green Card?

Finding out if you can apply or not will help move the process forward.

Navigating the rules regarding the United States Immigration System can be a bit difficult and frustrating, but knowing when you’re allowed to apply can be the best place to start. Here are the major reasons you can apply for a Green Card:

Green Card through Family

There are many ways someone can be eligible to apply through this category. The most common reason is you are the immediate relative of a U.S. Citizen. Other relatives, being a widow(er), fiancé, and other circumstances can be a reason as well. Familial connections with a U.S. Citizen can be one of the most common reasons you can apply for a Green Card.

Green Card through Employment

There are levels of preference given to applicants. However, those who are working in the United States may be eligible to apply for a Green Card. If you plan on becoming an immigrant due to a job offer, you may be able to apply. There is a preference given to those with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as outstanding professors and researchers and multilingual managers and executives.

Green Card as a Special Immigrant

The circumstances for you needing to come to the U.S. may be unique. Thankfully, there are several circumstances in which that is perfectly acceptable as a reason to apply for a Green Card. This can include religious workers, international broadcasters, juveniles, Afghanistan or Iraq nationals, and employees or family members of international and NATO-6 organizations.

Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status

If you were granted asylum status or admitted as a refugee at least one year ago, you may be able to apply. This does not guarantee a Green Card, but it does serve as a qualification for eligibility.

Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims

If you’ve been a victim of human trafficking, and currently have a T nonimmigrant visa, you may be eligible to apply. A similar situation applies to those who were victims of a crime. If you are a crime victim and currently have a U nonimmigrant visa, there is a chance you can apply for a Green Card.

Green Card for Victims of Abuse

There are several circumstances in which a victim of abuse may be eligible. This can include abused spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, children and parents of citizens. Both Cuba and Haiti have specific acts in which abused spouses or children of those countries may be able to apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act and Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA), respectively.

Green Card through Registry

If you have resided continuously in the United States since before January 1^st, 1972, you may be able to register for a Green Card.

Green Card through Other Categories

The United States currently has eleven additional categories in which applications may be eligible. This can include programs such as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program or those born in the U.S. to a foreign diplomat or stationed as a diplomat. In addition, several specific acts with particular countries.

If you are needing legal immigration services in the Bay area, the Law Office of Claribel P. Madueña provides a number of services in immigration. Learn more at claribelaw.com.