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Applicants apply beginning in October of the year before the lottery and begin checking online for status in the following May. These visas are awarded by computer lottery. Roughly 95 percent of EB-5 visas are awarded through these “indirect job creation” investments.Įach year, the government awards 50,000 diversity visas to applicants from nations who send low numbers of immigrants to the United States.
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This permitted centers to use jobs created indirectly towards EB-5 applications.įor example:Rather than opening a factory that directly employed 10 people, an investor can claim that putting money towards a construction project helps to feed other local businesses and create jobs. Starting in 1992, the program extended to companies who could pool investors’ money and function as regional centers. A provision for rural areas and areas of high unemployment allows for spending only $500,000. It was originally only available to those who invested at least $1 million and created at least 10 jobs. In order to remove this limitation, holders must file Form I-751 within 90 days of expiry to gain permanent status.įirst created in 1990 as part of an overhaul of the nation’s immigration program, this visa was to help create jobs in the U.S. Green cards granted in this way are temporary and good for two years. This process involves Form I-130, Form I-485, or some combination of both after applying for a K-1 visa to get into the country and marry.
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This applies to both traditional couples and same-sex marriages since the Supreme Court recognized same-sex marriage as a Constitutional right. Those immigrants who marry a United States citizen or a green card holder are eligible to receive permanent residency based on this marriage. If the sponsor is a green card holder and not a citizen, they must be the child or spouse of the applicant. Family members who can serve as sponsors include parents, siblings, children, or spouses. Those who have family members in the United States can be sponsored by those relatives and receive a green card for permanent residency. Most these visas are reserved for certain professions, experts in a given field, or workers whose skills are in high-demand in the United States. 140,000 employment-based green cards are granted each year. This goes through a labor certification process, though in certain situations, exceptions may exist. In order to receive a green card based on employment, the applicant must be sponsored by a United States employer. These include submitting an application with the proper forms and supporting documents and paying a filing fee. These vary based on the type of card you are seeking. There are certain forms and processes that applicants complete to receive a green card. It’s best to first decide which type of green card you need and then research the requirements for that type.Ĭurrently, the various types of green cards are those based on employment,family, marriage, those under the EB-5 investment program, and those granted through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (also called the green card lottery). The process to get a green card undergoes frequent revisions and changes, from the steps you need to take to the waiting periods. Any immigrant who is at least 18 years old must carry the green card on their person all the time. It affords you immigration benefits, including the right to work and live in the U.S. The green card is officially called a permanent resident card and serves as proof that you have status as a legal permanent resident of the United States. Apply for a Green Card With Legal Help What is a Green Card?Ī green card is a document that allows immigrants to stay in the United States permanently. Renewal or Replacement of a Green Card 7.
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