1. Introduction: Getting a Green Card Without Marriage
Securing a U.S. green card without marriage is possible through several pathways, including employment, family sponsorship, investment, asylum, and the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Each route has unique requirements, so it’s essential to choose the option that best fits your circumstances and qualifications.
2. Employment-Based Green Card (EB Visas)
The employment-based green card is a popular option for skilled professionals and talented individuals who meet U.S. immigration requirements for specific employment categories.
- EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
- EB-2: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field. Includes the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows individuals to self-petition if their work benefits U.S. national interests.
- EB-3: For skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers (laborers) in demand in the U.S. economy.
Application Steps:
- Obtain a Job Offer (if required): Most employment-based green cards require a job offer.
- Employer Sponsorship: The employer must file a Labor Certification and Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- File for Adjustment of Status: Once the I-140 is approved, you can file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to obtain your green card.
3. Family-Based Green Card for Relatives Other Than Spouse
U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor certain family members other than a spouse for permanent residency.
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: Parents, children under 21, and siblings of U.S. citizens qualify, with faster processing for immediate relatives.
- Family Preference Categories: Includes adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens and spouses/children of green card holders, though processing can take longer due to limited visa numbers.
Application Steps:
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The sponsoring family member submits this form to establish the relationship.
- Apply for Adjustment of Status: Once the petition is approved, file Form I-485 if you’re in the U.S., or go through consular processing if abroad.
4. Green Card Through Investment (EB-5 Visa)
The EB-5 Investor Visa is available to individuals willing to make a substantial investment in a U.S. business that creates jobs for American workers.
- Investment Requirements: A minimum of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise.
- Job Creation: The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens or residents.
Application Steps:
- Invest in a U.S. Business: Make the required investment in an approved business project.
- File Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor): Submit this form to demonstrate the investment and job creation requirements.
- File for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: After I-526 approval, file Form I-485 or go through consular processing to obtain your green card.
The EB-5 visa offers a path to permanent residency, though it requires significant financial resources.
5. Green Card Through Asylum or Refugee Status
If you are in the U.S. due to persecution or fear of persecution in your home country, you may qualify for a green card through asylum or refugee status.
- Eligibility: Must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
- Application for Permanent Residency: You can apply for a green card one year after being granted asylum or entering the U.S. as a refugee.
Application Steps:
- Apply for Asylum: File Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal).
- Wait for Approval: If granted asylum, wait one year to apply for a green card.
- File Form I-485: Submit this form to adjust your status to permanent residency.
Asylum and refugee green cards are available to those who face serious risks in their home countries.
6. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, offers a random selection process for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet educational or work experience requirements and be from an eligible country.
- Application Period: Typically open once a year in October, with 55,000 diversity visas available annually.
Application Steps:
- Enter the DV Lottery: Submit your application through the official DV Lottery website during the open registration period.
- Check Results: Winners are notified the following year and can proceed with the visa application process.
- Apply for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Lottery winners apply for a green card either through Form I-485 (if in the U.S.) or consular processing (if abroad).
The DV Lottery is an accessible but highly competitive option, with entry requirements based on education and nationality.
7. Green Card for Special Immigrants
Special immigrant categories offer green cards for individuals who qualify under specific circumstances:
- Religious Workers: For ministers and religious workers employed by a non-profit religious organization in the U.S.
- Afghan and Iraqi Translators: For individuals who have worked with the U.S. Armed Forces in these countries.
- International Broadcasters, NATO Employees, and Certain Juveniles: Each category has its own requirements.
Application Steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Review criteria for special immigrant categories to ensure eligibility.
- File Form I-360: Submit this form, specific to special immigrants.
- File for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Once approved, apply for the green card through Form I-485 or at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Special immigrant green cards have strict requirements but can be valuable options for those in qualifying roles.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does it take to get a green card without marriage?
A: Processing times vary by green card category, ranging from several months (DV Lottery) to several years (employment-based green cards and family sponsorship).
Q2: Can I get a green card through my job in the U.S.?
A: Yes, employment-based green cards like EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 are available for qualified professionals and skilled workers.
Q3: What are the financial requirements for the EB-5 Investor Visa?
A: A minimum investment of $1.05 million, or $800,000 in targeted employment areas, is required.
Q4: Can I apply for a green card through asylum if I’m already in the U.S.?
A: Yes, asylum seekers can apply for a green card one year after being granted asylum.
Q5: Is the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery a reliable way to get a green card?
A: While highly competitive, the DV Lottery offers a low-cost path to a green card for those from eligible countries.
Q6: Can my family join me on a green card obtained through employment or investment?
A: Yes, immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) can join as dependents if your green card is approved.