If you’re planning to apply for a U.S. Green Card in 2024, you probably know by now that it’s not a simple process. There are various paths you can take, each with its own unique set of rules, challenges, and waiting periods. This guide is here to help you make sense of it all and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different ways to get a Green Card, such as through family connections, a job offer, or special categories like the Diversity Visa Lottery. We’ll explain the basics, highlight the unique aspects of each path, and give you a heads-up about the wait times you might face.
The journey to a Green Card can be overwhelming, but I aim to break it down into simple, easy-to-understand steps. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect and how to move forward on your journey to becoming a U.S. resident.
Let’s start by breaking down the various ways to get a U.S. Green Card, ranging from the easiest to the most difficult. Marrying a U.S. citizen and getting lucky in the Diversity Visa Lottery are among the simplest routes, while pursuing special categories with very specific and limited criteria tend to be the toughest paths to a Green Card.
Now, let’s delve into the three primary pathways that can lead you to obtaining a U.S. Green Card:
1. Employment-Based US Immigration Program for Green Card: This includes categories such as EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability), EB-2 (Advanced Degrees/Exceptional Ability), EB-3 (Skilled Workers/Professionals/Other Workers), and EB-5 (Investors).
2. Family-Based US Immigration for Green Card: This category involves spouses, unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen, parents of a U.S. citizen (age 21 or older), and other family members.
3. Visa Lottery and Special Cases for a US Green Card: This route includes the Diversity Visa Lottery and special categories such as victims of abuse, human trafficking, religious workers, etc.
Each category has its unique set of eligibility requirements and estimated wait times. For example, the EB-1 category for individuals with exceptional talent typically takes several months to 1 year, while the Diversity Visa Lottery offers a random selection process with a low chance of winning.
This guide will also provide you with a concise summary of the eligibility criteria for applying for a U.S. Green Card in 2024, as well as an estimated duration to obtain a Green Card in each category due to backlog applications.
Stay tuned for more comprehensive details on what’s required for each category, its estimated wait time, and how to apply for a U.S. Green Card. With the information in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the process and work towards obtaining a U.S. Green Card in 2024.
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