There are several ways to obtain a green card. One way is by lottery. Each year, 50,000 green cards are given out by lottery. The lottery is only available to citizens of countries that do not have a lot of immigration to the U.S. If a country has sent more that 50,000 immigrants in the last five years, then its citizens do not qualify for the lottery. Other qualifications to enter the lottery are a high school diploma or two years of work in a job that needs at least two years experience to master. Every year the State Department website will put out instructions for applying, which can only be done online. The instructions must be followed exactly or you risk being rejected. There is no fee to apply, and only those that win will be notified.
Work
Another way to get a green card is through work. Your prospective employer must submit an application to the Department of Labor and another application to Citizenship and Immigration Services. The person asking for the green card, meanwhile, submits required forms and documents to CIS.for all members of the family. If the green card is approved, passports will carry the designation and the individual will receive a separate card showing his status as a foreign worker in the U.S.
Family
Family members in the U.S. may petition for green card status for spouses and children living outside the U.S. The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be able to prove his status and relationship.
