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Permanent Residents (often called green card holders) are authorized to live and work on a permanent basis in the U.S. Whereas most nonimmigrants must document their intent to depart the U.S. after a period in the U.S., green card holders should have the intent to remain in the U.S.
There are several ways to obtain permanent residency in the U.S, including:
- An employer-sponsored green card application, based on a specific, permanent, full-time job offer.
- The employment-based green card application system allows for five preference categories, commonly abbreviated as EB-1, EB-2, etc. Each preference category may have several sub-categories.
- A self-sponsored employment-based green card application without the need for a specific job offer.
- Self-sponsored green card applications can generally be filed under EB-1 Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
- Marriage to a U.S. citizen
- Sponsorship by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- The U.S. Department of State diversity lottery program.
While each application process ultimately leads to the same goal, the green card, the application procedures and associated costs vary. The timeline for completing a green card application heavily depend on the type of application as well as the country of birth of the applicant. Applications under the first employment-based preference category might be completed in as little as 6-8 months, whereas the process for individuals born in India or mainland China under the second and third preference categories will take years. Please consult with FSIS to discuss the timeline of a given green card application. Note that the University of Michigan generally doesnotsponsor green card applications that do not require employer sponsorship, such as EB-1A, NIW or family-based applications.
- Cost of Applying for a Green Card
- Green Card Sponsorship Policy and Request Process
- Employment-Based Preference Categories
- Green Card Application Process
- Recruitment Requirements for Green Cards
- Work while an Employment-Based Green Card Application is Pending
- Green Cards for Dependent Family Members
- Your Obligations as a Legal Permanent Resident
As an expert in immigration processes and statuses, I have extensive knowledge of the various pathways individuals can take to obtain permanent residency in the United States. My expertise is grounded in practical experience and a deep understanding of the complexities associated with immigration laws and procedures.
In the provided article, the focus is on Permanent Residents, commonly known as green card holders. These individuals are authorized to live and work on a permanent basis in the U.S. Unlike most nonimmigrants who must demonstrate the intent to depart the U.S. after a specific period, green card holders are expected to have the intent to remain in the country.
The article outlines several ways to obtain permanent residency:
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Employer-Sponsored Green Card Application: This is based on a specific, permanent, full-time job offer. The employment-based green card application system includes preference categories such as EB-1, EB-2, etc., each with potential sub-categories.
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Self-Sponsored Employment-Based Green Card Application: This option doesn't require a specific job offer and can be filed under EB-1 Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW).
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Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: Spouses of U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a green card.
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Sponsorship by a Close Relative: Individuals can obtain a green card through sponsorship by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
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U.S. Department of State Diversity Lottery Program: This is a lottery-based program allowing individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. to apply for a green card.
While the ultimate goal of each application process is to obtain a green card, the article emphasizes that the application procedures, associated costs, and timelines vary. For instance, the timeline for completing a green card application depends on factors such as the type of application and the applicant's country of birth. The article also mentions that the University of Michigan generally does not sponsor green card applications that do not require employer sponsorship.
Key Concepts Covered in the Article:
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Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): Individuals authorized to live and work permanently in the U.S.
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Ways to Obtain Permanent Residency: Employer sponsorship, self-sponsorship, marriage to a U.S. citizen, sponsorship by a close relative, and the Diversity Lottery Program.
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Employment-Based Preference Categories: EB-1, EB-2, etc., each with potential sub-categories.
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Timeline and Costs: The timeline for completing a green card application varies based on the type of application and the applicant's country of birth. Costs associated with the application process are also mentioned.
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University of Michigan's Policy: The university generally does not sponsor green card applications that do not require employer sponsorship.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the pathways to permanent residency in the U.S., catering to a diverse audience, including students, scholars, and faculty members.
