How to get a green card in USA without marriage? : With its lucrative job opportunities, robust economy, world-class entertainment scene, and renowned educational institutes, the USA draws many immigrants who wish to settle permanently here.
A green card in USA is sought by hundreds of thousands who consider it to be their dream destination. Marrying a US citizen or green card holder is considered the easiest way to obtain a green card.
However, the marriage must be genuine and not a sham for the sake of getting a green card since under U.S. law, fraudulent marriage is a federal offense with serious repercussions.
So, how to get a green card in the USA without marriage?
Dive into our guide on other ways to:- How to get a green card in USA without marriage?: –
Employment-based Green Card
If you’re a foreign national with a job offer from a U.S. employer, you can get an employment-based green card. Most employment-based green cards are sponsored by employers or prospective employers.
This option is valid for foreign nationals already in the States or outside it. The employer will apply for the visa on the employee’s behalf.
Employment-based visas are further divided into four sub-categories; EB-1 (first preference), EB-2 (second preference), EB-3 (third preference), and EB-4 (fourth preference).
There are different requirements for each of these subcategories. While some are for unskilled workers, some are for employees possessing specialized skills.
Company Transfer Green Card
If you’re a foreign employee working in a multinational company in another country and are then transferred to the company’s US office, you may get an L-1 Intra Company Transfer Visa if you meet the following eligibility requirements: –
- You must be in the position of a manager or an executive in the company or,
- Possess specialized knowledge
After you acquire your L-1 visa and work in your company in the US for at least a year, you can apply for EB-2, EB-2 (NIW), or EB-3 green card. In some cases, you can ask your employer to sponsor your green card.
Investment-Based Green Card
If you don’t want to take the job route for the green card but are an entrepreneur willing to invest in a US business, this is a great choice.
You must invest at least $1 million or $500,000 to be eligible.
Take note that the investment must be made in an approved EB-5 business, which also must provide or preserve a minimum of 10 U.S. jobs.
Special Immigrants Green Card
Another way of getting a green card without marriage is to acquire a Special Immigrants Green Card.
You may be eligible for a Special Immigrants Green Card if you are one of the following: –
- A religious worker
- A special immigrant juvenile
- Afghan or Iraqi national who has worked as a translator for the U.S. government
- An Iraqi employed by the U.S. government from or past March 20, 2003
- An Afghan working for ISAF
- An International broadcaster
- An employee or family member of an employee of an international organization, a member of, or NATO-6
- Refugee or Asylee Green Card
Refugees and asylees who have been in the U.S. for over a year may qualify to apply for a U.S. green card. If you possess a T or U non-immigrant visa, you’ll also be eligible for a green card application.
Green Card for Relatives of U.S. Citizens
If may also qualify for a green card if you’re a relative of an American citizen. Without marriage, you may try for a green card if you fit into one of the following categories: –
- You’re a parent of a U.S. citizen who is over 21 years of age.
- You’re an unmarried child of a U.S. citizen under the age of 21.
- You’re a widow or a widower of a citizen of the U.S.
In case you fit into any of these categories, you can file Form I-487, Application to Register Permanent Residence, or Adjust Status.
Diversity Immigrant Visa
If you aren’t eligible for any of the above-mentioned routes or don’t wish to take them, this is another alternative to get a U.S. green card.
Under the diversity program, 55,000 immigrant visas are made available for non-US citizens every year whose nations have lower-than-average applications for U.S. permanent residency.
But keep in mind that this option is largely dependent on luck, as it operates like a lottery. Suppose you win the lottery, you’ll have to go through numerous processes before getting your green card.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to possess the necessary education and job skills as per the program’s requirements. Nevertheless, it’s an option worth trying for those who don’t wish to take any of the other routes.
If you’re embarking upon your journey of getting a U.S. green card, it’s best to consult with an expert in immigration law. There are various ways of acquiring a green card without marriage. So, take the route that suits you the best.
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FAQs:-
Q. What is the easiest way to get US green card?
The easiest way to get a US green card is through the diversity visa lottery. It can also be relatively convenient to get a green card if you have got a job with a U.S. employer.
Q. What are the 4 ways to get a green card?
The four ways to get a green card are: The Green Card through employment, The Green Card through investment, Winning the US government’s Green Card Lottery, and The Green Card through certain family relations with a U.S. citizen.
Q. Can Indian citizens have green cards?
Yes, Indian citizens can get US green cards. However, as per the US Immigration policy, a maximum of seven percent of the total Green Cards every year can be issued to people from a particular country.