If you are planning to move to live in the United States of America for many years or forever, then you will need a permanent residence - a green card (Green Card). This is an official immigration document that allows a foreigner to stay in the United States and work, although a work permit will have to be obtained separately.
It is necessary
- - a package of documents confirming your identity, education and status;
- - photographs for documents;
- - contact addresses and phone numbers of the US Embassy and the US Department of Immigration.
Instructions
Step 1
There are several ways to get a green card: political asylum, investment in the economy, marriage to a US citizen, an invitation from an employer with a job, and even a lottery. Choose the one that suits you best and start collecting documents.
Step 2
The easiest way is the annual lottery. If you decide to rely on chance, go to the official lottery website at www.dvlottery.state.gov and fill out the form. First, make sure that you meet the requirements: you are over 18 years old and you have at least secondary education. You can apply for participation only once a year, in October. Keep in mind that this lottery is completely free, and do not trust the offers of scammers to pay even a small amount of money. You can see the results of the drawing on the same website.
Step 3
If you are planning to get a green card as a result of marriage with an American, keep in mind that in this case you need a US citizen, and not just a holder of a residence permit. When submitting documents to the embassy, be prepared to provide documentary evidence of your life together: photographs, statements of general accounts, joint credit cards, etc. Do not be surprised if the embassy officials arrange for you a real interrogation with all the details regarding your family life. Moreover, in this case, you will receive your first green card only for a period of two years.
Step 4
If you have a high professional qualification, try to find an American employer who will be ready to hire you and complete all the necessary paperwork. In this case, the main bureaucratic procedures will fall on the receiving party, that is, on your future boss. But you yourself must prepare documents on education, confirmation of your qualifications, internships and work experience.
Step 5
Getting a green card as a political refugee can be very difficult, but there are still certain chances. To do this, you must collect evidence that in your country you are being persecuted and pressured for political, religious or ethnic reasons. Please note that any harassment you cite must be documented and witnessed.
