how can i get a green card? an overview of possible eligibility
DESCRIPTION
This powerpoint is an overview of all the ways one could be eligible to apply for a green card. It does NOT cover possible waiver issues, inadmissibility issues, or any other topic. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be construed as one.TRANSCRIPT
How Can I Get a Green Card?By: Lindsay GrayThe Law Practice of Lindsay Gray130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 303 St. Louis, MO 63105
4 General Avenues
Family Work
Refugee or
Asylum
Miscellaneous
FamilyImmediate relative of a U.S Citizen
Family member of a U.S. Citizen
Family member of a green card holder
Member of a special family category
Drag picture to placeholder or click icon to add
Work
Job Offer
Investment
Self Petition
Special Job Category
Refugee or Asylum
If you were…
Admitted to the U.S. as a:1. Refugee
2. Qualifying family member of an asylee
1 year after entry into
U.S.
Then you may apply for a green
card…
Granted asylum in the United
States
1 year after the grant of your asylum status
Miscellaneous
Amerasian Child of U.S. Citizen
American Indian Born in Canada
Cuban Native or Citizen
Haitian Refugee
Help HAITI Act of 2010
Informant
Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act
Lautenberg Parolee
Nicaraguan and Central America Relief Act
Victim of Criminal Activity
Victim of Trafficking
Who Is An Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen?Spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens where citizen is 21 or older
Who Qualifies as
a Family Member of a U.S. Citzen?
• Unmarried sons and daughters over 21
• Married children of any age
• Brothers and sisters (if U.S. Citizen is over 21)
SpousesUnmarried children
Who Qualifies
as a Family
Member of a Green
Card Holder?
Special Family Categories
Battered Spouse or
Child (VAWA)
K nonimmigrant (includes
fiancé)
Person born to foreign
diplomat in the U.S.
V nonimmigra
nt
Widow(er) of U.S. Citizen
Who can self-
petition for a green card?
Extraordinary AbilitiesNational Interest Waiver
What Jobs are Part of the Special Category?
Afghan/Iraqi Translator
Broadcaster
International Organization Employee
Iraqi who assisted the U.S. government
NATO-6 nonimmigrant
Panama Canal employee
Physician national interest waiver
Religious Worker
Armed Forces Member
I think I’m Eligible. What Now?
Talk to an immigration lawyer! Remember this is a general overview of all the possible ways you could be eligible for a green card, but nothing more. If you fall into one of these categories it does not automatically mean you can get a green card!
Lawyers can be expensive, but whether or not you are granted a green card is a big part of your future.
The process of applying for a green card can be complex and misleading, even if it seems simple.
Credits
Information: USCIS Websitehttp://www.uscis.gov/greencard
Photo credits:
• Ivan Walsh via Flickr• Glyn Lowe PhotoWorks via Flickr