There are several ways to become a legal permanent resident. The most common way is through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, parents, children and siblings for permanent residency. Legal permanent residents can sponsor spouses, parents and unmarried children. Spouses and children of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives.
Immediate relative are eligible for immediate immigration to the United States.
Family members of legal permanent residents and siblings of U.S. citizens must often wait several years before they can live and work in the United States. You may also be eligible for legal permanent residency through your employment. Employers often look abroad for the talent needed to help their businesses succeed. Foreign-born people with extraordinary or exceptional ability in science, art, education, business, and athletics, and outstanding professors or researchers are highly desirable in the United States. They contribute to U.S. economy and society, and their contributions bring prestige to the nation.