Green Card Options for Professionals with Bachelor’s Degrees

1. What are the different types of green card options available for professionals with bachelor’s degrees?


Below is a list of different green card options for professionals with bachelor’s degrees:

1. Employment-Based Green Card: Professionals with a job offer from a U.S. employer may qualify for the employment-based green card. The employer must submit an application to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to obtain a labor certification, which shows that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the position. If the DOL approves the labor certification, the employer can submit an immigrant petition (Form I-140) to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Family-Based Green Card: Professionals with relatives who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can apply for family-based green cards. Relatives must file an immigrant petition (Form I-130) with USCIS on behalf of their family members.

3. Diversity Visa Lottery: The Diversity Visa Lottery Program provides a limited number of green cards to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. To qualify, applicants must meet certain educational or work experience requirements, as well as other eligibility criteria.

4. EB-1 Extraordinary Ability: This option is for professionals who have displayed extraordinary achievements in their field of work or studies, such as Nobel Laureates, Olympic athletes, and scientific researchers who have made significant contributions in their fields. They must submit evidence that they have earned international acclaim for their work and must receive an approved labor certification from the DOL in order to qualify for this type of green card.

2. How do I apply for green card options as a professional with a bachelor’s degree?


The most common way to apply for a green card as a professional with a bachelor’s degree is through an employment-based immigrant visa. You must have an employer willing to sponsor you and the employer must file a petition on your behalf, known as Form I-140, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once USCIS approves your petition, you may complete the application process by filing Form I-485, the Adjustment of Status application. There are other ways to apply for a green card as a professional with a bachelor’s degree, such as through family members, asylum or refugee status, or the Diversity Visa Program. You may want to consult an immigration attorney for more information.

3. Can I apply for a green card through employment-based preferences if I have a bachelor’s degree?


Yes, you may be able to apply for a green card through employment-based preferences if you have a bachelor’s degree. The exact requirements depend on the type of job and the specific preference category that you are applying under. For example, in some categories, a bachelor’s degree is required, while in others, it is not.

4. Are there any special requirements that I must meet to be eligible for a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?


Yes, you must meet the requirements for a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree. Generally, you must have a job offer in a specialty occupation, prove that you have the necessary qualifications and experience, and be able to demonstrate that you will not take away job opportunities from qualified U.S. workers. You may also need to submit evidence that you are eligible for green card sponsorship from an employer, such as an employer statement or labor certification. Additionally, depending on your qualifications and the specific job offer you have, you may be required to apply for an H1B visa before applying for the professional green card.

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?


In order to apply for a green card as a professional with a bachelor’s degree, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Passport or other proof of citizenship.
2. Birth certificate.
3. Academic transcripts, diplomas, and/or relevant professional certificates.
4. Evidence of any work experience you have in the US or abroad.
5. Documentation of any English language skills, if applicable.
6. An employment offer letter from a U.S. employer, if applicable.
7. Proof of any relevant professional licensure or certification, if applicable.
8. A copy of your medical exam results, if applicable.
9. Two recent passport-style photographs of yourself, in the U.S. and abroad, if applicable.

6. How long will it take for me to receive my green card once I have applied?


It typically takes between 6-12 months to receive your green card after you have applied.

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 an annual cap of 65,000 visas available for professionals with bachelor’s degrees.

8. Are there any restrictions on which countries’ citizens may be eligible for a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?


Yes, there are certain restrictions on which countries’ citizens may be eligible for a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree. U.S. immigration law limits the number of immigrants from any one country to 7% of the total number of immigrants admitted each year. This means that citizens from some countries may have difficulty obtaining green cards due to the large number of applicants from those countries.

9. What is the cost associated with obtaining a green card if I have a bachelor’s degree?


The cost of obtaining a green card or permanent residency status varies depending on your individual situation. Generally, it will cost between $1,225 and $2,865 in fees to apply for a green card. Additional fees may be required if you are applying through an employer or if you are seeking asylum.

10. What types of jobs am I eligible to apply for if I have a professional green card?


A professional green card holder is able to apply for any job for which they qualify, as long as the job is located in the United States. This includes jobs in professional fields such as engineering, finance, medicine, law, and many other occupations.

11. Do I need to pass an English language exam in order to obtain a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree?


No, you do not need to pass an English language exam in order to obtain a professional green card with a bachelor’s degree. However, depending on the type of job you are applying for, some employers may require an English language proficiency test.

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 stay employed in your profession and maintain your professional license or certification. You must also comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Additionally, you should periodically renew your permanent residency status by filing Form I-90 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

13. What are the potential benefits of having a professional green card as a holder of a bachelor’s degree?


Potential benefits of having a professional green card as a holder of a bachelor’s degree include:

• Eligibility for work permits, allowing you to work in the US and receive a salary
• Increased job opportunities due to better access to the US job market
• Ability to travel abroad without needing to obtain a visa each time
• Increased earning potential due to increased access to US-based employers and wages
• Potential for citizenship and permanent residency in the US
• Possibility of sponsoring family members for green cards or visas
• Access to educational opportunities, such as attending universities and colleges in the US

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 special requirements that must be met in order to renew your professional green card with a bachelor’s degree. Generally, you must demonstrate that you have maintained a valid employment authorization document (EAD) throughout the period of your green card, and that you have had at least two years of full-time employment in a position which requires at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, you must pass a medical examination and demonstrate that you have not been convicted of any criminal activity.

15. Does having a professional green card as a holder of a bachelor’s degree affect my eligibility to apply for US citizenship?


Yes, having a professional green card as a holder of a bachelor’s degree may potentially make you eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. You may first need to meet certain requirements for permanent residency before you can apply. Generally, you must have held a green card for at least five years, and must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five year period prior to applying for citizenship. Additionally, you must demonstrate good moral character and have a basic understanding 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. You must still obtain a valid employment authorization document from your employer in order to be legally eligible to work in the United States.

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 activities for professional green card holders with a bachelor’s degree. Generally, green card holders are limited to working in their field of expertise and cannot take on work outside of their profession. Additionally, they must maintain their status as a temporary or permanent resident and comply with all US immigration laws.

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, you may be eligible for certain benefits after obtaining a professional green card with your bachelor’s degree. These benefits may include health insurance, education benefits, work authorization, and access to certain government programs. However, it is important to note that the availability of these benefits may vary depending on the specific country that issued the green card.

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 advantages of applying for and holding a professional green card are that it allows for a more permanent residence in the United States and provides more long-term security than other types of visas or permits. It also comes with certain employment benefits such as the ability to travel freely in and out of the United States, the option to sponsor family members for permanent residence, and the ability to apply for US citizenship after five years.

The drawbacks of applying for and holding a professional green card are that it can be time-consuming and cost prohibitive, especially when compared to other types of visas or permits. Additionally, it is often difficult to qualify for a professional green card, as applicants must meet certain criteria such as education level, experience, and skillset.

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?


The process for changing your status from a current visa/permit to a professional green card after obtaining your bachelor’s degree is known as adjustment of status. Generally, you must meet certain criteria to qualify for adjustment of status. This includes: (1) having been admitted to the United States lawfully and currently residing in the United States; (2) being eligible for a green card; (3) having an immigrant visa available; (4) not having any criminal or immigration violations; and (5) meeting other requirements. Once you have met these requirements, you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After USCIS reviews your application and supports documents, you may be invited to attend an adjustment of status interview at your local USCIS office. Following the interview, USCIS will make a final decision on your application.