Green Card Options for Individuals with Advanced Degrees

1. What options are available for individuals with advanced degrees who want to obtain a US Green Card?


Individuals with advanced degrees who want to obtain a US Green Card may be eligible for an Employment-Based Immigration visa, such as an EB-2 or EB-3. They may also qualify to apply for the Extraordinary Ability, National Interest Waiver (NIW) category of the Employment-Based Immigration visa. Additionally, they may be able to obtain a Green Card by participating in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. Finally, they may have family members who are US citizens or Green Card holders who can sponsor them for an immigration visa.

2. What are the qualifications for an individual with an advanced degree to obtain a Green Card?


To obtain a Green Card with an advanced degree, the individual must meet the following requirements:

1. The individual must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent degree.

2. The individual must have at least five years of job experience in their field, or two years of experience if they hold a master’s degree or higher.

3. The individual must prove the experience and qualifications are relevant to their job in the United States.

4. The individual must demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves in the U.S., either through personal savings and investments or through employment sponsorship.

5. The individual must pass an approved medical exam and undergo a criminal background check.

3. Is there an expedited process for individuals with advanced degrees to obtain a Green Card?


Yes, there is an expedited process for individuals with advanced degrees to obtain a Green Card. This is known as the EB-2 Immigration Preference category. This program allows individuals with advanced degrees or their equivalent (such as those with a baccalaureate degree plus five years of progressive work experience) to apply for permanent residence in the United States.

4. Is it possible for individuals with advanced degrees to obtain a Green Card if they are not sponsored by a U.S. employer?


Yes, it is possible for individuals with advanced degrees to obtain a Green Card if they are not sponsored by a U.S. employer. Individuals with advanced degrees may be eligible for the EB2-Educated Persons category of the U.S. Green Card program. This category requires applicants to possess an advanced degree or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, along with five years of progressive experience in the field. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that the position is a role that requires such an educated and experienced professional.

5. Can individuals with advanced degrees become permanent residents on their own?


Yes, individuals with advanced degrees can become permanent residents on their own. They may be eligible to apply for a visa through the EB-1 classification, which is available to individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and certain multinational executives or managers. Additionally, individuals with advanced degrees may also be eligible to apply for an employment-based green card through a labor certification process.

6. Are any special categories available for individuals with advanced degrees that would help them obtain Green Cards?


Yes, certain individuals with advanced degrees may qualify for the EB-2 or EB-3 categories of Green Cards. The EB-2 category is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, while the EB-3 category is for professionals with a baccalaureate degree or foreign equivalent. In order to qualify for either category, you must have a job offer from an employer in the United States and must meet all other applicable requirements.

7. If an individual with an advanced degree is in the United States on a student visa, can they switch to a Green Card?


Yes, it is possible for an individual with an advanced degree to switch from a student visa to a Green Card. This can be done by applying for an employment-based immigrant visa or through another type of permanent residence process, such as the Green Card Lottery. However, the individual will need to satisfy all the eligibility requirements set forth by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

8. Are there any age restrictions for obtaining a Green Card for individuals with advanced degrees?


Yes. To be eligible for a Green Card through employment with an advanced degree, an individual must generally be under the age of 40.

9. How long does it take to process Green Card applications for individuals with advanced degrees?


The processing time for a Green Card application for individuals with advanced degrees can vary widely depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the type of visa being applied for. Generally, applications take between 4-6 months for processing.

10. Is there an advantage to obtaining a Green Card through the EB-2 preference category for individuals with advanced degrees?


Yes. Obtaining a Green Card through the EB-2 preference category for individuals with advanced degrees can provide certain advantages over the EB-3 preference category. These advantages may include streamlined processing, no labor certification requirement, and potential eligibility for National Interest Waiver. Additionally, individuals who qualify for the EB-2 preference category may have a higher likelihood of obtaining permanent residency than those who qualify only for the EB-3 preference category.

11. What types of documentation are required to apply for a Green Card as an individual with an advanced degree?


In order to apply for a Green Card as an individual with an advanced degree, you must provide the following documentation:

• Evidence of your education, including diplomas, transcripts, certificates, and/or any other records that prove you possess an advanced degree

• Evidence of employment authorization, such as a valid H-1B or L-1 visa

• Documentation of your intent to stay in the United States permanently

• A valid passport and other travel documents

• Evidence of your financial ability to support yourself and dependents in the United States

•A medical examination report from an approved doctor

• An affidavit of support from the person sponsoring you for a green card (if applicable)

12. Does having an advanced degree make it easier to get approved for a Green Card?


Having an advanced degree may make it easier to get approved for a Green Card in certain circumstances. For instance, if you are applying for an employment-based Green Card, an advanced degree may boost your priority and give you a better chance of being approved. However, there are many other factors that come into play when determining whether an individual will be approved for a Green Card, including age, nationality, and country of origin.

13. What are the different types of legal immigration options available to individuals with advanced degrees seeking permanent residence in the United States?


The different types of legal immigration options available to individuals with advanced degrees seeking permanent residence in the United States include:

1. Employment-Based Immigration: This is where individuals can get a Green Card through job offers from employers in the U.S.

2. Family-Based Immigration: This is where individuals can get a Green Card through family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

3. Diversity Visa Program: This program provides a limited number of visas each year to randomly selected individuals from countries that have low rates of immigration to the U.S.

4. Investor Visas: This type of visa is for foreign investors who want to invest in the U.S. by creating or preserving jobs for U.S. workers, and must have a minimum investment of $500,000 or more (or at least $1 million depending on the investment area).

5. National Interest Waiver (NIW): This allows individuals with advanced degrees to self-petition for a Green Card without having to secure a job offer from an employer in the U.S., as long as they can demonstrate that their work will benefit the country in a specific field or industry.

14. Are there any fees associated with applying for or obtaining a Green Card as an individual with an advanced degree?


Yes, there are fees associated with applying for a Green Card as an individual with an advanced degree. These fees include a filing fee for the I-140 petition, and the I-485 application, biometric services fee, and USCIS immigrant fee. The amount of the filing fees varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

15. Are there any other ways that individuals with advanced degrees can apply for and obtain a Green Card other than through employment sponsorship?


Yes, individuals with advanced degrees may also obtain a Green Card through the Green Card Lottery, or by marrying a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, individuals with advanced degrees may be eligible for certain special visas, such as the EB-1A visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or the EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa for those with advanced degrees.

16. Are there any other countries that offer special immigration programs for individuals with advanced degrees?


Yes, there are several countries that offer special immigration programs for individuals with advanced degrees. These countries include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Each of these countries has its own specific immigration program for individuals with advanced degrees.

17. What is the difference between a Green Card and Permanent Residency status for individuals with advanced degrees in the US?


A Green Card, or Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the U.S. government that allows an individual to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Permanent Residency status, on the other hand, is a status granted to certain individuals with advanced degrees (such as Masters or Doctoral degrees) who have applied for and been approved for a permanent visa. Those with Permanent Residency status may stay in the U.S. indefinitely and can apply for citizenship after a certain period of time.

18. What type of work or professional activities must be done in order to qualify for and maintain status as a permanent resident with an advanced degree in the US?


In order to qualify for and maintain status as a permanent resident with an advanced degree in the United States, individuals must work or engage in professional activities that are appropriate to their level of education. This includes full-time employment in a managerial, professional, or technical field that requires a degree, or work as a researcher or professor at an accredited university. Alternatively, certain types of self-employment may also qualify as appropriate professional activities.

19. Are there any restrictions on the types of jobs that can be held by individuals with advanced degrees who have obtained permanent residency status in the US?


Yes, there are restrictions on the types of jobs that can be held by individuals with permanent residency status. Generally, individuals with permanent residency status must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before they can be legally employed in the US. The EAD will list the types of jobs an individual is allowed to hold. Generally, individuals with permanent residency status must work in a job that is related to their field of study and/or degree, and must also have a valid job offer from a US employer.

20. How can individuals with advanced degrees maintain their permanent resident status in the US once they have obtained it?


Individuals with advanced degrees who are permanent residents can maintain their status by keeping their green card valid, filing their taxes, and not staying in the US for more than 6 months at a time without obtaining permission (if they intend to stay longer). They should also keep up with their annual residency requirements and be sure to apply for renewal before the expiration date. Additionally, if they want to travel internationally, they should make sure they obtain the appropriate documents from USCIS before they go.