I am married to a US citizen how can I get a Green Card?
An individual who is married to a U.S citizen is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa in order to become a permanent resident of the U.S. The visas are immediately available meaning that once approved, a visa may be issued.
The U.S. citizen is required to sponsor their spouse and meet specific criteria for this visa.
Specific requirements include but are not limited to:
- proof that the relationship is genuine, and
- proof of income and assets to support their spouse.
There are additional requirements and a qualified U.S. immigration lawyer will have the specialized knowledge and experience to provide advice regarding the best way to proceed with the immigrant visa process.
How can I get a Green Card?
In order to obtain a ‘Green Card’ an applicant may be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa to become a permanent resident of the U.S. If an immigrant visa applicant is approved, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. also known as a Green card holder once they enter the U.S. on their immigrant visa.There are four paths to become a permanent resident:
- employer sponsorship,
- U.S. citizen sponsorship,
- Diversity Visa Program (Green Card lottery), and
- Humanitarian program; refugee or asylee status.
For each path, an applicant must meet specific criteria in order to be eligible and apply for an immigrant visa. There are also different requirements if you apply for permanent residency while present in the U.S. or if you apply from overseas.