How to Obtain a Green Card to Work in the United States

A green card grants permission from the United States government for a non-resident to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Obtaining a United States green card requires that you are a permanent resident of the U.S. and intend to maintain a residence in the country for the foreseeable future. In order to get a green card, you must be endorsed by a family member who is a full U.S. citizen, receive one through political asylum or a refugee program, or fulfill certain employment conditions.

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  Apply with a family member who can petition for your Green Card status. The closer the family member is to you, the more likely it is your application will be accepted. Spouses, dependents and immediate familial relatives of U.S. citizens are the most likely to be granted Green Cards. Collect all documents verifying your relationship with the individual prior to beginning the Green Card application process.

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  Contact the United States Citizenship & Integration Services office if you are entering the country under political asylum or as a refugee from a nation experiencing civil unrest. They will put you in touch with humanitarian organizations that can petition a Green Card on your behalf. Apply for your Green Card as soon after the necessary one year waiting period as possible. You cannot apply for a Green Card until a year after being granted "asylee" or "refugee" status.

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  Apply for a Green Card through an American employer. You will have to simultaneously file document I-40, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, to be eligible for work in the United States. You may also apply if you are investing a substantial amount of money into a business endeavor that will directly contribute to American job creation. Contact the USCIS and talk with a representative to determine the best way for you to file your application based on your circumstances.