Permanent residents are taxed on their worldwide income. After a period of permanent residence, US citizenship may be acquired. Extended absence from the US is the most common way of losing permanent residence involuntarily. Those individuals who do not enjoy a family relationship with a US citizen or permanent resident must demonstrate either a US employment relationship or a job-creating investment. Most employment relationships require a showing that the prospective employee will immigrate to fill a position for which there is a shortage of available American workers.
Permanent residents can petition only for their spouses and single children.
US citizens, however, can additionally confer immigration benefits on parents, married children, or siblings. One year of prior executive or managerial experience with the related company abroad during the prior three years is the basic requirement. Outstanding professors and researchers, plus individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics are eligible for the same priority processing. Professionals with Bachelors degrees, skilled workers with at least 2 years of training or experience, and unskilled workers must also demonstrate a shortage of American workers. Married children of US citizens are subject to annual quotas which are now backlogged over one year or more, depending upon the country of origin.