
Columbus Green Card Attorney
How to Obtain Permanent Residency in the United States
If you are wondering what it would take to be granted permanent residency in the United States, a green card is attainable in several different ways. In order to determine if you are eligible to be granted a “Green Card” for permanent residency status, review the requirements below. Most people apply for permanent residency status through family, employment, refugee/ asylee status, or the green card lottery. However, a Green Card is also attainable through other ways if you do not identify with the situations above or you are alone in your attempt to get to the U.S.
The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates has represented thousands of clients in green card and other immigration scenarios. Schedule an initial consultation with us today. Our attorneys and staff can carefully listen to your concerns, goals, and objectives and can formulate cost-efficient and effective strategies to attain the desired result.
Reach out to us at (888) 915-5057 or contact us online. We have offices in Fairfax, Virginia, Columbus, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, Southfield, Michigan, and Washington, D.C.
Family-Based Immigration
Family-based is one of the most common ways immigrants gain permanent residency status here in the United States, as American immigration laws are typically used to help immigrants unite their loved ones across borders. A very common method to obtain permanent residency in the United States is through an immigrant petition filed by a U.S. citizen on behalf of an immediate relative foreign national. An immediate relative is a parent, spouse, or child (which includes adopted children and step-children) of a U.S. citizen.
Family Preference Categories
If you cannot be designated as an immediate relative but you have a relative who is either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, then the following categories may apply to you:
- The first (F1) preference goes to unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- The second (F2) preference goes to immediate family members of permanent residents, i.e. spouses, children, and unmarried sons and daughters. Spouses and children (F2A) of permanent residents are first in line in the application process and make up most of the applicants of the second preference. The rest are unmarried sons and daughters that are 21 years of age or older (F2B).
- Sons and daughters of U.S. citizens that are married make up the third (F3) preference for the USCIS.
- Lastly, brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens (F4) may be considered for an application.
For a family-based application, it is difficult to obtain green cards for a person’s extended relations. An applicant must build a chain of immediate relationships in order to have a chance at bringing extended family members to the United States.
Employment-Based Immigration
Employment-based preferences are based on a job offer or through employment in the U.S. The first preference (EB-1) is for priority workers, or those who show great ability in certain areas, such as sciences, arts, athletics, etc.
A priority worker includes:
- Aliens of extraordinary abilities
- Professors and researchers
- Multinational executives
