There are several ways to obtain permanent residence status in the US, formally known as a Green Card. One of the types of immigrants eligible for permanent residency in the US includes the special immigrant category. This article will focus on explaining the kinds of individuals who are eligible to apply for this special kind of Green Card and what sets it apart from other immigration means, along with describing how one might apply for it.
What is a Special Immigrant Green Card?
A Special Immigrant Green Card in the US means permanent residence awarded to a few categories of foreign nationals who have fulfilled specific requirements. Unlike more general U.S. Green Card ways into the country, family-based, or employment-based visas, the Special Immigrant category slices out specific niches to provide individuals in those niches the opportunity for permanent residence and work in the United States.
Categories of Special Immigrant Green Card
1. Religious Workers
One of the major groups that can receive a Special Immigrant Green Card into the US includes religious workers. These individuals should have been employed by a non-profit religious organization in the United States in a religious capacity for at least two years. This may be in the capacity of a minister, a professional in a religious vocation, or other religious workers involved in activities of the organization.
2. Special Immigrant Juveniles
An example of this may be a Special Immigrant Green Card for minors who have become victims of their parents’ abuse, abandonment, or neglect. This category is very timely to avoid further harm on the vulnerable child in situations when reunion with the family in their country of origin is not possible and when permanent residency in the United States is of immense importance.
3. Afghan and Iraqi Translators/Interpreters
A translator or interpreter for the US government or armed forces in Iraq or Afghanistan may also be eligible for a Special Immigrant Green Card in the United States. Except in unusual circumstances, these individuals will have risked their lives to an extraordinary degree in providing such service for the US government; this Green Card will not only signify recognition for their service but also a reward.
4. International Broadcasters
Any employee of the United States Agency for Global Media or a grantee organization to this agency who has served as a broadcaster may apply for a Special Immigrant Green Card. This category is for media professionals who work in promoting freedom and democratic principles around the world.
5. International Organization Employees
Another example is a Special Immigrant Green Card, which is available to specific staff from international organizations, such as the United Nations, and their family members. This category represents an acknowledgement of the fact that international cooperation is very much required and grants permanent residency to so many who have served these international institutions.
The Diversity Visa and Its Differences
Another method of acquiring a Green Card in the United States is through the Diversity Visa, often referred to as the US Diversity Visa or simply the DV Lottery, though there are ways in which it is very dissimilar from a Special Immigrant Green Card. The purpose of the Diversity Visa is to promote immigration from countries with low levels of immigration to the USA. Available from the month of October each year, 50,000 visas are provided each year to individuals from certain eligible countries by a random drawing.
Unlike the Special Immigrant Green Card, which is directed toward certain groups for which eligibility has been clearly defined, the Diversity Visa opens application to a more general population. Applicants need to have completed a high school education or its equivalent, and also meet other requirements basically, but they would not have to belong to any particular profession or social group.
How to Apply for a Special Immigrant Green Card
The step-by-step process for obtaining a Special Immigrant Green Card in the US is as follows:
1. Filing a Petition
The applicant shall first file a petition to the USCIS. The applicant or, depending on the category, the applicant’s employer may be the petitioner. In the case of religious workers, the filing will be done by the employing religious organization.
2. Approval and Availability of Visa
After the petition is granted, one has to wait for a visa number to be available. These Special Immigrant Green Cards are within specific visa categories, which have yearly caps. Depending on demand, a waiting period may apply.
3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
The applicant who already is in the United States can get an adjustment of status to permanent residency. Those aliens outside the US shall have to process their application at the US embassy or consulate in the country of residence.
4. Medical Examination and Interview
The application process for all applicants should include a medical examination and an interview. The interview confirms the eligibility of the applicant and whether all documents are in order.
5. Receipt of Green Card
In case of successful interview and on approval, an applicant gets his/her Special Immigrant Green Card in the US giving him permanent residence.
The Special Immigrant Visa in the US has provided a large pathway to permanent residence for so many special groups, from the highly contributing to vulnerable situations with the United States. Be it as a religious worker, special immigrant juvenile, Afghan or Iraqi translator, international broadcaster, or employee of an international organization knowing eligibility and the application process is essential.
While the US Diversity Visa offers another avenue to a Green Card in the USA, it has a different purpose and applies to a different, larger group of people. Both directions show that the land has primarily been embraced by the United States of America and highly recognize the distinct contribution made by each immigrant.
In search of more detailed advice, one should take the interest to consult an immigration attorney or any other professional dealing with the cases of US immigration. This will help to provide personal assistance and increase the possibilities of success in the application process.
Trust Oasis Resource Management to be your partner in making your American dream come true. Reach out to us today to help make the first step in achieving your permanent residency in the United States.
