A permanent resident card, also commonly referred to as a green card, is evidence that the alien bearer maintains permanent residency status in the United States. At Colombo & Hurd, PL, a significant portion of our practice is dedicated to assisting our clients in obtaining United States permanent resident green cards for themselves and their family members.

There are various means by which an immigrant may proceed to obtain a permanent resident card. The most common method of obtaining a green card is through family-based immigration. Relatives of United States citizens including spouses, children, brothers or sisters may be eligible to obtain a permanent resident card. Additionally, relatives of lawful permanent residents including spouses, children, step children and adopted children may also be able to obtain a green card.

A second mechanism to obtain a permanent resident card is through employment-based immigration. Employment-based immigration is divided up into four separate categories. The first employment-based category (EB-1) is for priority workers including foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or foreign nationals who are outstanding professors or researchers with at least three years experience in teaching or research. The second employment-based category (EB-2) concerns professionals holding advanced degrees or at least five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience or persons of exceptional ability in the arts, sciences or business. The third employment-based category (EB-3) covers skilled workers, professionals and other workers and their ability to obtain permanent resident cards. Finally, the fourth employment-based category (EB-4) concerns special immigrants including ministers, religious workers, as well as current or former United States government workers.

Obtaining a permanent resident card through investment is an alternate method for obtaining a permanent resident card in the United States. Foreign entrepreneurs who invest $500,000.00 and $1,000,000.00 in a commercial enterprise may be eligible to obtain an EB-5 Visa and eventually a green card in the United States. Finally, there are a multitude of alternative mechanisms of obtaining permanent residency, the including green card lottery, adoption, asylum, as well as through a private congressional bill.

At Colombo & Hurd, PL, we pride ourselves on our ability to assist our clients in obtaining their United States permanent resident card.

If you wish to speak with an attorney concerning obtaining a permanent resident card, please contact the green card attorneys at Colombo & Hurd, PL today for a consultation at 1 (800) 549-5523.