There are multiple classifications of permanent immigration (green cards). Each classification corresponds to the applicant's basis for immigrating to the United States. While green cards can be obtained based on many different circumstances, the most common are listed below:
Immediate Relative
An 'immediate relative' is defined as spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21 and parents of U.S. citizen petitioners aged 21 and older.
Family Sponsored
'Family sponsored' classifications include: unmarried children over the age of 21, married children of any age, siblings of U.S. citizen petitioners aged 21 or older.
Family Member of a Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
Certain family members of green card holders can obtain permanent residence based on the existing permanent resident's status. The family members that fall within this classification are: spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the permanent resident.
Spouse or Fiancé(e) of United States Citizen
Non-Immigrant Visa for a Fiancé(e) (K-1)
The K-1 Visa classification allows a foreign national Fiancé(e) of U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the sole purpose of marrying an intended spouse. The marriage must occur within 90 days of arrival in the United States.
Once in the United States, and after the marriage as occured, the K-1 recipient will apply to adjust status to that of a permanent resident.
Non-Immigrant Visa for a Spouse (K-3)
The K-3 Visa classification allows a foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while awaiting approval of an immigrant visa (IR1 or CR1) petition.
Once in the United States, the K-3 recipient will apply to adjust status to that of a permanent resident upon approval of the immigrant visa petition.
Employment-Based Immigration
Permanent resident status through a job offer generally requires a United States-based employer to petition to have the prospective employee enter the United States for the purposes of employment.
Along with general employment-based green cards there are special categories reserved for unique and specific circumstances. These categories are:
- Member of the Armed Forces
- Foreign translator (Afghan/Iraqi)
- Broadcaster
- International organization employee
- Iraqis and Afghans who assist the U.S. government
- NATO-6 non-immigrant
- Panama Canal employee
- Physician National Interest Waiver
- Religious worker
Investment-Based Immigration
Foreign-national entrepreneurs who invest in a commercial enterprise in the United States and who plan to create or preserve at least ten permanent full-time jobs for qualified United States workers, are eligible to apply for a green card.
You must invest $1,000,000 or $500,000 in a targeted employment area (area deemed by the U.S. government to be a high unemployment or rural area).
Certain investment-based green cards are set aside for investors in Regional Centers. A Regional Center is any economic entity, public or private, which is involved in the promotion of economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation and increased domestic capital investment. Regional Centers are approved and designated as such by the U.S. government.
For more information on investment-based immigration, see the "Immigration Through Investment" tab to the left.
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