There are several different ways to become a Legal Permanent Resident, the following are the most common ways:

• Family
• Employment
• Victim of  Violence/Crime

United States Citizens who are 21 years of age can petition

• Parents
• Married or single children over the age of 21
• Single children under age 21
• Brothers and Sisters

Lawful Permanent Residents can petition

• Spouse
• Unmarried sons or daughters

Who Cannot Sponsor (Petition for) a Family Member for Legal Permanent Residence?

• Grandparent
• Aunt/Uncle
• Cousin
• Friend

First Preference

• People with Extraordinary Ability
• Outstanding Professors/Researchers
• Managers/Executives

Second Preference

• Advanced Degree Professionals
• Exceptional Ability

Third Preference

• Professionals with Bachelor’s Degrees
• Skilled Workers (two years training)
• Other Workers (unskilled)

Fourth Preference

• Special Immigrants (religious workers)

Fifth Preference

• Immigrant Investors

U Visa

To qualify for you must show:

• that you have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse from certain criminal activity* in the US;
• that you possess information concerning the criminal activity;
• that you assisted government officials in the investigation; and
• the criminal activity violated US law or occurred in the US.

Certain criminal activity include: rape; torture; trafficking; incest; domestic violence; sexual assault; abusive sexual contact; prostitution; sexual exploitation; female genital mutilation; being held hostage; peonage; involuntary servitude; slave trade; kidnapping; abduction; unlawful criminal restraint; false imprisonment; blackmail; extortion; manslaughter; murder; felonious assault; witness tampering; obstruction of justice; perjury; or attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above mentioned crimes.

Violence Against Women’s Act

The Violence Against Women’s Act or VAWA allows an abused spouse or child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident or an abused parent of a U.S. Citizen to self-petition for lawful status in the United States, receive employment authorization and access public benefits. VAWA provides domestic violence survivors with the means that are essential to escaping violence and establishing safe, independent lives.

If you have been a victim of domestic violence by an abusive spouse who is a US Citizen or Green Card holder, you may qualify for residency through VAWA.