Immigration laws in the United States provide immigrants with various methods for getting a Green Card. Your eligibility category will determine which path to a Green Card is most relevant to you. Aside from marrying a U.S. citizen, there are several ways to obtain permanent residency in the U.S, including:
a petition from an employer – your employer can be part of your petition for a Green Card if you’ve received a job offer for permanent employment in the United States.
a petition based on extraordinary abilities – this Green Card is known as an EB-1A Visa. These applicants are considered the best in their field.
sponsorship by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident – if you’re a close relative to a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder, they can petition for you to obtain legal permanent residency (spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, or parents of U.S. citizens who are over 21 years old)
the U.S. Department of State diversity lottery program – this program allows those from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to enter for a chance to apply for a U.S. immigrant Visa.
being a Refugee or an Asylee – refugees and asylees can apply for a Green Card one year after receiving their grant of asylum or refugee status.