Vickerstaff Law Office

Call For An Initial Consultation

Local: 502-442-2039 Toll-Free: 888-832-2944
Vickerstaff Law Office

Call For An Initial Consultation

Local: 502-442-2039
Toll-Free: 888-832-2944

Louisville, Kentucky, Immigration Lawyer

Louisville, Kentucky, Immigration Lawyer

Getting a green card in the United States: 3 ways it can happen

Many immigrants dream of getting full citizenship in the United States. Becoming a U.S. citizen would allow immigrants greater living, job and education opportunities. Not only do some immigrants seek these opportunities for themselves but they also seek these opportunities for their children. 

A green card would allow an immigrant to live permanently in the U.S. An immigrant can use their green card to seek naturalization and become a citizen of the U.S. permanently, which would give them privileges and rights given to natural-born citizens. There are several ways to get a green card. Here is how:

1. Green card lottery

The green card lottery is a program that grants up to 50,000 applicants a green card. Before an immigrant can apply for the green card lottery, they must be a citizen of a country that has a low immigration rate. Furthermore, the immigrant must have a high school education or something equivalent or have qualifying work experience. 

2. Marriage

A green card can be given to an immigrant if they are married to a U.S. citizen. The marriage must be proven legitimate through an interview process. The immigrant and their spouse will be questioned about their lives and the intent of the marriage to see whether the marriage is genuine or if the sole purpose of the marriage is to help someone immigrant. 

3. Family sponsor

There is a possibility that an immigrant has a family member who is a U.S. citizen. This could happen if this citizen was natural born or had gone through the naturalization process themselves. This family member may be able to sponsor an immigrant to help them receive a green card. Several forms of supporting documents may be required for this process.

If you or someone you know is looking to receive their green card, then seeking legal help could be beneficial for the immigration process.