Green cards give foreign nationals the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently, but the process is known to be complex. Immigrants hoping to achieve permanent status are often unsure about whether they qualify, what options are available, and what route is best for their situation. Below are the answers to some common questions you might have about obtaining a green card to help you navigate the process.

What You Should Know About Green Cards

What is the best way to obtain a green card?

There are essentially three routes for obtaining lawful permanent residency: through work, family unification, and the annual lottery. Each option has its own eligibility requirements, so the best route for one individual may not be right for someone else.

Who can get a green card through work?

The EB-1 visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in their fields, such as artists, researchers, athletes, or business executives. Aliens with advanced degrees may apply for an EB-2 second preference visa, while EB-3 visas are available to highly skilled workers and professionals.

Who is eligible for a family reunification green card?

To receive a card through the family reunification program, you must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Citizens may sponsor parents, spouses, unmarried children, and siblings, while green card holders are limited to their spouses and unmarried children.

What is the green card lottery?

Every year, the country issues 50,000 visas, typically to nations with low immigration rates to the U.S. Qualifying petitioners must have at least the equivalent of a U.S. high school degree or two years’ work experience in a highly skilled field.

If you’re hoping to obtain a green card or U.S. citizenship, the Law Office of Carmen DiAmore-Siah has the extensive experience and resources to help achieve your goals. The attorney has served clients in Hawaii and throughout the world for over 20 years. Translators are on hand to assist those who speak Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish. Visit the website for more information on the practice’s law services, or call (808) 531-2277 to schedule a free initial consultation today.