Securing a Green Card

• 1). Ask a relative to submit petition Form I-130, once approved, submit Form I-130. Family members who are already citizens of the United States can assist a relative in obtaining a green card. Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen are a child under 21, spouse or parent of a U.S. citizen over the age of 21 are eligible to receive a green card.
  
  
• 2). Petition an employer to file I-485, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for the employee. Form I-485 with supporting documentation must be submitted with appropriate biological information.
  
  
• 3). Train to become an employee needed by the United States, such as an Arabic translator. Special categories of jobs allow for immigrants to apply for a green card who meet specific job and time requirements. Translators, medical personnel and religious workers are examples of people who may apply for a green card through special petition Form I-140.
  
  
• 4). Claim refugee or asylum status, which requires a form I-485 petition. Persons admitted into the United States who are refugees or have been granted asylum can apply for a green card after one year of residing in the U.S. Refugees are required by law to apply for a green card after one year. Persons granted asylum have the option of applying for a green card after a year.