How to Obtain a Green Card in the USA Without Marriage
Overview of Green Card Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a Green Card in the USA, also known as Permanent Resident Card, there are several eligibility requirements that must be met. Firstly, the applicant must fall under one of the categories outlined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as family-based, employment-based, investment-based, or through asylum or refugee status.
In addition to falling under an eligible category, the applicant must also have a qualifying immigrant petition filed on their behalf by a sponsor, such as an employer, family member, or self-petition. The sponsor must also provide evidence of their ability to financially support the applicant.
Furthermore, the applicant must pass a medical examination and demonstrate that they are not inadmissible for reasons such as criminal history, health-related grounds, or security-related grounds.
Finally, the applicant must complete the necessary forms and attend an interview with a USCIS officer to determine their eligibility for a Green Card. By meeting these eligibility requirements, an individual can obtain a Green Card and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency in the USA.
Employment-Based Green Card Options
One way to obtain a Green Card in the USA without marriage is through an employment-based Green Card. This option is available to individuals who have a job offer from a US employer or who are deemed as extraordinary in their field of work.
The employment-based Green Card options are divided into five categories, with different eligibility requirements and priority dates. These categories include:
EB-1 Priority Workers: Individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors or researchers; or multinational executives or managers.
EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability: Individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business.
EB-3 Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: Individuals with at least two years of work experience, a job offer from a US employer, or an unskilled job offer in a shortage occupation.
EB-4 Special Immigrants: Religious workers, broadcasters, and other special categories of workers.
EB-5 Immigrant Investors: Individuals who invest a minimum of $900,000 in a US business and create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
Employment-based Green Cards have different processing times and requirements depending on the category, but they can offer a viable path to permanent residency for individuals with in-demand skills or who are willing to invest in the US economy.
Investment-Based Green Card Options
Another option to obtain a Green Card in the USA without marriage is through an investment-based Green Card, also known as the EB-5 visa. This option is available to individuals who are willing to invest a minimum of $900,000 in a US business that will create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
To qualify for the EB-5 visa, the investment must be made in a new commercial enterprise, which can be either a for-profit or non-profit entity. The investment must also create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers within two years of the investment.
In addition to the investment requirement, the applicant must also meet other eligibility criteria, such as passing a medical examination and demonstrating that they are not inadmissible for reasons such as criminal history or security-related grounds.
The EB-5 visa program has a limited number of available visas each year and is subject to certain requirements and regulations, but it can offer a path to permanent residency for individuals who are willing and able to make a significant investment in the US economy.
Green Card Through Asylum or Refugee Status
For individuals who are unable to return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, obtaining a Green Card through asylum or refugee status may be an option.
Asylum seekers must apply for asylum within one year of their arrival in the USA and must demonstrate that they meet the definition of a refugee. Refugees, on the other hand, are individuals who are outside their home country and are unable or unwilling to return due to the same reasons.
To apply for asylum or refugee status, the applicant must submit an application to the USCIS and attend an interview with an asylum officer. If approved, the applicant may be eligible for a Green Card after one year of continuous physical presence in the USA.
It is important to note that the asylum and refugee process can be complex and requires extensive documentation and evidence to support the applicant’s claims. However, it can offer a path to permanent residency for individuals who are fleeing persecution in their home country.
Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is another way to obtain a Green Card in the USA without marriage. This program is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the USA to apply for a Green Card.
Each year, the US Department of State conducts a random selection process to select a limited number of applicants from eligible countries. To be eligible, the applicant must be from a qualifying country, meet certain education or work experience requirements, and not have any disqualifying factors such as a criminal history or health-related issues.
If selected, the applicant must then complete the necessary forms, attend an interview, and meet other eligibility criteria to receive a Green Card. The Diversity Visa Lottery Program has a limited number of available visas each year and is subject to certain regulations and requirements.
While the Diversity Visa Lottery Program can offer a path to permanent residency for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements, it is important to note that the chances of being selected are low due to the high number of applicants each year.
