You want to become a lawful, permanent resident in the U.S., and for that, you need to get a green card. There are many pathways to apply for a green card. You could be engaged to an American citizen. Perhaps you have a close relative who’s a U.S. citizen or green card holder. Maybe you’re eligible for refugee or asylum status.
Many people, however, don’t have the right connections or personal history to qualify for a green card through one of these avenues. Nonetheless, many people want to come to the U.S. to work. In today’s post, we discuss three options for employment-based immigrants to qualify for a green card.
Immigrant worker
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prioritizes immigrant workers under three preference categories:
- First preference: Individuals with extraordinary skills in the sciences, arts, business, education or sports. A candidate who has achieved internationally-recognized status (e.g., an Olympic athlete or a high-level multinational executive) would likely fall under this category.
- Second preference: Individuals with exceptional skills in the above areas—often accompanied by advanced degrees.
- Third preference: Other professionals, skilled workers or unskilled workers
Physician
A qualifying doctor can be eligible for a green card if they agree to undertake clinical work in an underserved area in the U.S. for a fixed period of time.
Business investor
Wealthy business people who invest in the U.S. economy have the opportunity to earn a green card. Eligible candidates must invest at least $1 million in a U.S.-based company, which will create jobs for at least 10 American employees.