Who Qualifies for a Green Card (Permanent Visa)
Categories of people who can apply for a green card, to make their home in the U.S.
A green card identifies its holder as a U.S. permanent resident, with rights to enter, exit, work, and live here for their entire life. But before you think about applying, make sure you're eligible under one of the following categories.
1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Immediate relatives include:
- spouses of U.S. citizens, including recent widows and widowers
- unmarried people under age 21 with at least one U.S. citizen parent
- parents of U.S. citizens, if the U.S. citizen child is at least age 21
- stepchildren and stepparents of U.S. citizens, if the marriage creating the stepparent/stepchild relationship took place before the child's 18th birthday, and
- adopted children of U.S, if the adoption took place before the child reached age 16.
An unlimited number of green cards are available for immediate relatives whose U.S. citizen relatives petition for them -- applicants can get a green card as soon as they get through the paperwork and application process. For more information, see Also see Fiancé & Marriage Visas: A Couple's Guide to U.S. Immigration, by Ilona Bray (Nolo).
2. Other Family Members
Certain family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents are also eligible for green cards -- but not right away. They fall into the "preference categories" listed below, meaning that only a certain number of them will receive green cards each year (480,000). The system is first come, first served -- the earlier the U.S. citizen or permanent resident turns in a visa petition, the sooner the immigrant can apply for a green card. The waits range from approximately three to 24 years.
Family First Preference. Unmarried adults, age 21 or older, who have at least one U.S. citizen parent.
Family Second Preference. Section 2A: Spouses and unmarried children of a green card holder, so long as the children are younger than age 21. Section 2B: Unmarried children age 21 or older of a green card holder.
Family Third Preference. Married people, any age, who have at least one U.S. citizen parent.
Family Fourth Preference. Sisters and brothers of U.S. citizens, where the citizen is age 21 or older.
Also see How to Get a Green Card, by Ilona Bray (Nolo).
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