How To Get a Green Card in US Without Marriage
Introduction
Getting a green card is a dream of many people who want to live and work permanently in the United States. While marriage to a US citizen is a common way to obtain a green card, it is not the only option. In fact, there are several ways to get a green card without being married to a US citizen. In this article, we will explore those options and guide you through the process of getting a green card in the US without marriage.
1. Employment-Based Green Card
One way to get a green card without marriage is through employment. If you have a job offer from a US employer, you may be eligible for an employment-based green card. There are five categories of employment-based green cards, each with its own eligibility criteria. These categories include:
- EB-1: Priority Workers
- EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
- EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
- EB-4: Special Immigrants
- EB-5: Investors
2. Family-Based Green Card
Another way to obtain a green card without marriage is through a family member who is a US citizen or a green card holder. If you have a close relative who is a US citizen or a green card holder, they may be able to sponsor you for a family-based green card. The family-based green card has two categories:
- Immediate Relative: Spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of US citizens.
- Family Preference: Unmarried children over the age of 21, married children of any age, and siblings of US citizens.
3. Asylum or Refugee Status
If you are fleeing persecution in your home country, you may be eligible for asylum or refugee status in the US. Asylum and refugee status are granted to people who have a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. If you are granted asylum or refugee status, you may be able to apply for a green card after one year of being in the US.
4. Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the green card lottery, is a program that allows people from certain countries to apply for a green card. The program is designed to promote diversity in the US by offering green cards to people from countries that have low rates of immigration to the US. The lottery is held once a year, and the application process is free.
5. Investment-Based Green Card
If you have a significant amount of money to invest in the US, you may be eligible for an investment-based. The EB-5 category is reserved for investors who can invest at least $1 million in a US business. If you invest in a designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is an area with high unemployment, you may be eligible to invest $500,000 instead of $1 million.
Conclusion
Getting a green card in the US without marriage is possible, but it requires careful planning and preparation. The options outlined in this article are just some of the ways to obtain a green card without being married. Depending on your circumstances, one option may be more feasible than another. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to get a green card through employment?
A: The processing time for employment-based green cards varies depending on the category and the country of origin. It can take
