The most common way to get a Green Card in the United States is through a family relationship. This is also usually the easiest and most direct way to stay here. However, it is still extremely complicated and can often involve years of waiting.
The types of family relationships that can give you a green card are:
The husband or wife of a U.S. citizen
The unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen
The parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
The unmarried son or daughter 21 years old or older of a U.S. citizen
The married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen
The brother or sister of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
The stepchild of a U.S. Citizen if the marriage of the parent and stepparent took place before you were 18
The unmarried child under the age of 21 of a lawful permanent resident
The unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident 21 years old or older
The fiancé of a U.S. citizen
The child of a fiance of a U.S. Citizen
The widow or widower of a U.S. citizen if you were married to your spouse at the time that they died
The victim of battery or extreme cruelty
The abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
The abused child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
The abused parent of a U.S. citizen
If you or your spouse have any of these relationships contact an Immigration attorney right away for further advice.
If you don't qualify under this list don't worry. There are dozens of other ways for an experienced Immigration lawyer to get you a green card.
You can read our entire series, "Who Gets A Green Card?" below:
Who Gets A Green Card? : Through a Job or Job Offer Who Gets a Green Card?: Special Immigrants
Who Gets A Green Card? : People Granted Political Asylum and Refugees
Who Gets a Green Card?: Trafficking and Crime Victims
Who Gets A Green Card?: Victims of Abuse
Who Gets A Green Card?: Those Residing Here Since 1972
Who Gets A Green Card?: Various Other Categories