1. What are the different types of green card options available for professionals with bachelor’s degrees?
The different types of green cards available for professionals with bachelor’s degrees are:
1. Employment-Based (EB) Green Cards:
These are available to individuals who possess a job offer from a U.S. employer or if they are a foreign national with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
2. Family-Based (FB) Green Cards:
These are available to foreign nationals who are related to a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR).
3. Diversity (DV) Green Card:
This green card is available to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
4. Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Green Card:
This green card is to children and unmarried individuals under the age of 21 who have been declared dependent on a juvenile court in the U.S.
5. Refugee/Asylee Green Card:
This card is available to foreign nationals who have been granted refugee or asylum status by the US government due to persecution or fear of persecution in their home countries based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
2. How do I apply for green card options as a professional with a bachelor’s degree?
You can apply for a green card through a process called “employment-based immigration.” You will need to have an employer sponsor you for the green card, which means they will need to file a permanent labor certification application with the US Department of Labor (DOL). Once the DOL approves the application, the employer will need to file an I-140 immigrant petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After this petition is approved, you can then apply for your green card.
3. Can I apply for a green card through employment-based preferences if I have a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, you may be eligible to apply for a green card through employment-based preferences. Depending on your qualifications and the type of job offer, there are five different employment-based preference categories from which you may be eligible to apply.
4. Are there any special requirements that I must meet to be eligible for a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?
Each country has its own eligibility requirements for permanent residency, so it depends on the country from which you are applying. Generally, you must demonstrate that you have the qualifications required of a professional for that country, such as having a degree in a relevant field, a certain level of experience in the field, and the ability to support yourself financially. You may also need to demonstrate that you have an employer willing to sponsor your application.
5. What documents do I need to submit in order to apply for a green card option as a professional with a bachelor’s degree?
Generally speaking, you will need to submit the following documents in order to apply for a green card through the professional with a bachelor’s degree option:
1. Proof of your valid passport
2. A copy of your birth certificate or other proof of your nationality
3. Evidence that you completed a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. or hold a foreign equivalent
4. Evidence of any relevant work experience
5. Documentation proving you are employed or have an offer of employment in the U.S.
6. An I-140 Immigration Petition for Alien Worker
7. Any other evidence that may be required to support your application, such as documentation of family relationships, awards, achievements, etc.
6. How long will it take for me to receive my green card once I have applied?
It typically takes anywhere from 5-7 months for USCIS to process a green card application.
7. Is there a cap on how many applicants can be approved for green card options for professionals with bachelor’s degrees each year?
Yes, there is a cap on how many applicants can be approved for the green card options for professionals with bachelor’s degrees each year. The cap is 65,000.
8. Are there any restrictions on which countries’ citizens may be eligible for a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, certain countries are excluded from eligibility for a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree. These include India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines.
9. What is the cost associated with obtaining a green card if I have a bachelor’s degree?
The cost associated with obtaining a green card depends on your individual application process and the specific green card category you are applying for. Generally, there is a filing fee, biometric fee, and any applicable fees for other forms or services that must be submitted along with the application. You may also be required to pay an additional fee for an interview at a US embassy or consulate if you are applying from outside of the United States.
10. What types of jobs am I eligible to apply for if I have a professional green card?
A professional green card allows you to apply for and hold any type of job in the United States. However, you may need to obtain additional certifications or qualifications in order to be eligible for certain jobs. Common professions associated with a professional green card include doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants, computer scientists, and other skilled professionals.
11. Do I need to pass an English language exam in order to obtain a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?
No. The USCIS does not require any language proficiency tests as part of the professional green card application process. However, a strong command of the English language may give you an advantage when applying for certain types of jobs.
12. How do I maintain my status as a professional green card holder with a bachelor’s degree?
To maintain your status as a professional green card holder with a bachelor’s degree, you must continue to work and live in the U.S. in a professional capacity and comply with all applicable immigration laws and regulations. Additionally, if you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, you must complete the two-year period or obtain a waiver of the requirement.
13. What are the potential benefits of having a professional green card as a holder of a bachelor’s degree?
Some potential benefits of having a professional green card as a holder of a bachelor’s degree include:
1. Increased job security – Professional green cards are issued for five years, allowing cardholders to stay in the US for the duration.
2. Increased access to employment – Professional green cards give holders access to certain jobs that are not available to other visa holders.
3. Streamlined naturalization process – Professional green card holders are able to apply for US citizenship faster than other visa holders.
4. Reduced visa application fees – Professional green card holders are exempt from certain visa application fees, allowing them to save money.
5. Increased freedom to travel – Professional green card holders can travel outside the US without needing to reapply for a visa upon their return.
14. Are there any special requirements that must be met in order to renew my professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, there are a few special requirements that must be met in order to renew a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree. These requirements include:
• Passing an English language proficiency test
• Achieving a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Completing a bachelor’s degree program accredited by the US Department of Education
• Meeting the minimum age requirements for the green card renewal
• Providing evidence of professional experience in the field for which you are applying
• Demonstrating financial stability and the ability to support yourself in the US.
15. Does having a professional green card as a holder of a bachelor’s degree affect my eligibility to apply for US citizenship?
Having a professional green card does not necessarily affect your eligibility to apply for US citizenship. However, having a green card does provide certain requirements that must be met before an individual can obtain U.S. citizenship. These requirements include residency requirements, good moral character, English language proficiency, and a knowledge of U.S. history and government.
16. Does having a professional green card mean that I can work without an employer sponsoring me?
No, having a professional green card does not mean that you can work without an employer sponsoring you. In order to work legally in the United States, you must have an employer-sponsored visa or green card.
17. Are there any restrictions on the types of activities that I can engage in while holding my professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, there are restrictions on the types of activities you can engage in while holding a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree. Generally, the activities you are permitted to engage in must be directly related to the field for which you have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the activities must be of professional or managerial nature and must require the exercise of at least a bachelor’s degree level of knowledge or skill. If you intend to pursue employment in a field unrelated to your degree, you may need to acquire additional qualifications or obtain another type of visa.
18. Can I receive certain benefits such as health insurance or education benefits after obtaining my professional green card with my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, after obtaining a professional green card, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as health insurance and education benefits. Your eligibility will depend on many factors, such as your country of origin, your income level, and other factors. It is best to contact your local Department of Health or Social Services to find out what benefits you may be eligible for.
19. Are there any advantages or drawbacks to applying for and holding a professional green card versus applying for and holding another type of visa or permit?
The main advantage of applying for and holding a professional green card is that it grants permanent residence status, meaning that the recipient can stay in the U.S. indefinitely and eventually apply for citizenship. Other types of visas and permits, such as student visas and work permits, are only valid for a limited time period, usually only a few years.
Another advantage of having a professional green card is that it can give you access to certain jobs or educational opportunities that may not be available for other visa holders. Additionally, professional green card holders can sponsor family members to come to the U.S. and apply for their own green cards.
A drawback to holding a professional green card is that it can be difficult to obtain and requires a lot of paperwork and expense. Additionally, some employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a green card as they may view them as being “trapped” in their job due to their permanent residence status—a concern that would not apply to those with other types of visas or permits.
20. What is the process like if I want to change my status from my current visa/permit to a professional green card after obtaining my bachelor’s degree?
In order to change your status from your current visa/permit to a professional green card after obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you must first be sponsored by an employer who is willing to file a petition on your behalf. The employer must file a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After USCIS approves the petition, you may apply to adjust your status to that of a lawful permanent resident by filing a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You may also be required to pass a medical examination and attend an interview at a USCIS office.