A United States Permanent Resident card, also known as a green card, allows an immigrant to prove that he has lawful permission to live and work in the United States. Green cards also allow the holder to apply for permits that allow him to leave and re-enter the country. Many immigrants go through the three-step application process that can take several years to complete. The green card eligibility rules apply to anyone seeking to be a permanent resident of the United States.
Country of Origin
To be eligible for a green card, your age, gender or marital status don't matter. What matters more is the country in which you were born. There are many regulations based on who can enter and live in the country legally. If you were born in a country that is on the list of eligibility from the Department of State, you are eligible to apply for a green card. Once there are 50,000 applicants from a certain country over the last 5 years, that country moves to the "not eligible" list. Some recent examples of this are China, Guatemala, India and the United Kingdom.
Spouses and Relatives
You may still be able to qualify even if you were born in an ineligible country. If you are married and your spouse was born in a country that is on the eligible list or was born in the US, you can fill out paperwork to change your status to coincide with theirs. You must provide legal proof of marriage.
You may also get around the ineligible country restriction if your parents were not residents of the ineligible country when you were born there. Many foreign workers have children in those countries where they live, but, if your parents were only temporarily living there or in the country for business reasons, you can claim the birth country of one of your parents.
Skills
Another eligibility requirement for green cards is that the applicant must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent or have two years of work experience in a highly skilled profession or occupation.
 | Determine the U.S. work visa class relevant to your employment. Next, either have your U.S. employer submit Form I-129 to obtain permission for application or complete your application. Submit completed applications at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country where you'll undergo fingerprinting and an interview. |
 | Green cards establish an immigrant's lawful, permanent residence and right to work in the US. Most people are eligible for a green card on the basis of employment, family relationships, or green card lottery system. Be sure you understand which application method you're eligible for so your application's not denied. |
 | The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, better known as the green card lottery, is a system by which immigrants achieve the status of a Lawful Permanent Resident. |
Getting the coveted green card is difficult for many immigrants. While many immigrants, fraudsters and Hollywood screenwriters perceive a marriage as the fast track to a green card, it isn't as easy as you think, no matter how in love you are. |
If you are wondering how to get a green card to live and work legally in the United States, there are several methods. To achieve permanent resident status, immigrants must have some kind of sponsorship, whether through a family member or via employment. The process to get employer-sponsored green cards has many phases, but it could be well worth it when the application for permanent resident status is approved. |
