This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
US Green Card Options for Permanent Residency ¶
Each year, millions of people seek ways to migrate to the United States, but there are limited ways of doing so, and even more limited slots available for those intending to move to the country as permanent residents. In the fiscal year 2017, 1,127,167 persons obtained permanent resident status, also known as green cards, in the US.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers several ways of obtaining a green card, including through family ties, employment, asylum, and more.
Immediate Relatives of US Citizens ¶
Immediate relatives of US citizens are defined as spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents of US citizens who are at least 21 years old. There is no limit to the number of green cards that can be issued each year to immediate relatives.
Other Relatives and Employment-Based Options ¶
Other relatives of US citizens or lawful permanent residents, as well as employment-based options, are also available. A maximum of 480,000 green cards are granted each year under this category on a first-come, first-served basis, with many applicants waiting over 20 years.
Green Card Lottery and Special Immigrant Categories ¶
50,000 green cards are made available each year through a lottery system to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Special immigrant categories include religious workers, abused children, and international broadcasters.
Refugee and Asylum Status ¶
Refugees and those living in the US on asylum can apply for a green card one year after being granted refugee/asylee status, which includes those who fled their home countries for fear of persecution.
Victims of Human Trafficking and Abuse ¶
Immigrants who have been victims of human trafficking or abuse may be eligible to apply for a green card, including those with T or U non-immigrant visas.
Under most of these categories, permanent residents become eligible to apply for naturalization in five years, provided they live permanently in the US and have good moral character.
