Are you under the age of 21, single, and adopted by a US citizen? After that, you can apply for a Green Card. Depending on whether you are already in the United States or still abroad, different procedures apply.

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There are three possible ways to immigrate to the United States based on an inter country adoption under US immigration law. Individuals may receive a green card by adoption under one of these provisions only if their adoption satisfies all of the provisions' conditions.

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Only children adopted by US citizens are subject to two separate procedures. The youngster may immigrate to the United States to be adopted or may immigrate to the United States to be adopted.

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Wait time: Varies depending on the case

Documents: Valid passport, certified translations of birth certificates, adoption certificates, and other documents (as applicable), home study3, police clearance certificate

Application: By American adoptive parents

More info: Adoption Green Card details

Green Card through an investment in the USA

If you have sufficient financial resources, you may be able to obtain a Green Card through investing. There are two types of people:

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$ 1,800,000 in investment cash for a firm in the United States of America of your choice
$ 900,000 in investment capital for a company in a rural area of the United States with a high unemployment rate.

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The investment can be in equipment, products, or certificates of deposit, and it must result in the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for US citizens within two years.

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Wait time: Varies depending on the case

Documents: Valid passport, business plan, passport photos, certified translations of birth certificates and other proof documents (depending on the case), police clearance certificate

Application: By a paper form at the appropriate USCIS2 office

More info: Investors’ Green Card details

Religious Worker Green Card

You may apply for a Green Card based on your employment if you undertake religious work in a full-time paid capacity in the United States while on an R-1 visa. You must apply as a "Special Immigrant" in order to do so.

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This necessitates working for a religious organization based in the United States, or at the very least linked with a religious denomination based in the United States.

Note that the option for a religion-based Green Card has a time limit. It was just extended till September 30th, 2022 by US President Joe Biden. Additional extensions may be conceivable, but they are not guaranteed.

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Wait time: Varies depending on the case

Documents: Valid passport, passport photos, certified translation of birth certificate, proof of status of the applying organization and full-time employment of the employee, police clearance certificate

Application: By the employer (religious organization)

More info: Religious Worker Green Card details

Green Card through marriage

Marriage gives you the right to a Green Card if you marry a US citizen. However, you and your spouse will have to devote a significant amount of time and energy to this process, as US immigration authorities are very wary about sham marriages.

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Prepare for the following challenges in the Green Card application process:

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• Deadlines for providing evidence that are too short

• Application denials without preceding demand for evidence

• Specific questions regarding your relationship

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If your wedding is still on hold, you can apply for a K-1 fiancé visa, which allows you to enter the United States to marry within 90 days.

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Wait time: Varies depending on the case

Documents: Valid passport, passport photos, certified translation of birth certificates and marriage certificates, proof of authenticity of marriage, affidavits, police clearance certificate

Application; By the American spouse

More info: Green Card through marriage details

Green Card for refugees

There is hope, dear reader. You can apply for a Green Card if you are a refugee or asylum seeker who has lived in the United States for at least one year. If you wish to stay in the United States, the application is even required.

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The following requirements must be met:

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• You have been admitted as a refugee or asylum seeker under the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act).

• You are in the United States at the time of application.

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The Green Card application process for refugees and asylum seekers is identical to the "Adjustment of Status" process that many other people with temporary residence status in the United States go through to get a Green Card.

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Wait time: Varies depending on the case

Document: Vary depending on the case

Application: Adjustment of Status at the responsible USCIS2 office

More info: Refugee Green Card details

Green Card through asylum

An asylum seeker is someone who came to the United States, either legally or illegally, to escape targeted violence and persecution in their native country. This violence and dread must be the result of their membership in a certain social group or their political beliefs. Asylum applicants can apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status one year after getting their asylum grant, according to US immigration law.

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You must meet four criteria to be eligible for an Asylum Green Card:

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• You must have spent at least one year physically in the United States.

• You must continue to fit the refugee definition.

• You must not have relocated to another nation, and

• You must have a valid passport. 

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Wait time; Varies depending on the case

Documents: Vary depending on the case

Application: Adjustment of Status at the responsible USCIS2 office

More info: Refugee Green Card details

Green Card through Adjustment of Status