Applying for a Green Card is a path for permanent residency in America, by law. It can be gained directly by applying for an American Immigrant visa. This visa process can either be non-preference or preference system of visa allocation.
Non-preference Immigration
This category is meant for those persons who may immigrate to America at any time. Certain immediate relatives of American Citizens may also receive permanent visas without regard to the preference system of visa allocation.
Preference Immigration
The preference immigration system is basically based around an annual quota system. A numerical unit is allocated for these preferences, which determine the priority of each preference classification. This system covers both family-based and employment-based preferences.
Employment
The employment based visa allocation is a system, which allows American employers to petition the USCIS on behalf of their qualifying employees. This category is restricted to numerical limit and due to oversubscription of many preference visa categories, this system is often backlogged and employees often have to wait for several years for allocation of their visa.
First Preference (EBI) – Priority workers, including aliens with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers
Preferences are given to the above mentioned personalities for US citizenship in America.
Second Preference (EB2) – Members of professional holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business who will substantially benefit the national economy, cultural or educational interests or welfare of
America
Professional having advance degrees or persons with exceptional ability in specific field, working for the welfare and growth of America are considered for American citizenship in America.
Third Preference (EB3) - Skilled workers, professionals and other qualified workers
Under the employment based visa preference system, preferences for American Citizenship are also given to skilled, qualified and professional workers.
Fourth Preference (EB4) – Special Immigrants (including ministers of religion)
Provisions are also in place for special immigrants under this employment based visa allocation system.
Fifth Preference (EB5) – Investors (employment creation immigrants)
Foreign investors, who are investing on temporary basis in America, are welcome to apply for an American citizenship and involve permanently in creating employment opportunities in the country.
Immediate Relative Green Cards
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service allow US citizens and Green Card holders to apply for the admittance of their immediate family members to America as lawful permanent residents entitled to US Green Cards.
Benefits
US Green Card holders are regarded as a Permanent Resident of America and only additional paperwork are need to be completed for removal of any conditions after two years of living in United States.
Eligibility Criteria
To sponsoring a relative to United States, one must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of America. Proof of sufficient support must be given for the relatives by the applicants in the application.
Husband or Wife
An US citizen can apply for the husband or wife of foreign national relatives as a Relative Green Card.
Unmarried child under 21 years old
Unmarried children under 21 years old are eligible for Immediate Relative Green Card.
Unmarried son or daughter over 21
Unmarried son and daughter over 21 years are eligible to reside in America under Immediate Relative Green Card visa rule.
Married son or daughter of any age
A married son or daughter of a US citizen is permissible in America by getting Relative Green Card.
Brother or sister, if you are at least 21 years old
Brother or sisters to 21 years of age are also eligible for US Relative Green Card.
Parent, if you are at least 21 years old
Parents of US citizens of at least 21 years of age also refer to be as Relative Green Card holder.
However, an applicant must be able to provide proof of their relationships from the above mentioned relatives.