For millions of people around the world, the Green Card—or “green card”—represents much more than a simple residence document: it is the key that opens the possibility of living, working and developing within the United States with legal stability.
This year, immigration experts identify five fundamental routes that can facilitate obtaining this status, as long as the applicant meticulously prepares their file and selects the most appropriate route for their profile.
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Obtaining permanent residency in the US not only provides the right to live in the country indefinitely, but also to work under regular conditions, access social benefits, and eventually apply for citizenship. But The process is complex: the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires compliance with legal, documentary and eligibility requirements, which can be slow or frustrating if the appropriate path is not chosen.
With the new immigration priorities and sectors that demand specialized labor, five main routes have been configured that, if well executed, will speed up processing times in 2025. Below, we analyze them one by one:
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1. Family reunification
The most traditional route is for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to sponsor an immediate family member—such as a spouse, child, sibling, or parent—by filing a petition with USCIS. But the link is not enough: the documentation must be solid. Birth certificates, marriage certificates and proof of relationship must be in order. The strength of the file can make the difference between months or years of waiting.
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This route usually has priority in certain immediate family cases, but in others, waiting lists can be long, especially for countries with high demand.
2. Job opportunity or specialized skills
For people with advanced professional training or highly in-demand skills—in areas such as technology, health, engineering, among others—sponsored employment may be a viable option. This route usually requires that a US employer submit a petition (for example, through an EB-2 or EB-3 visa) demonstrating that there are no local workers who can fill that position. The applicant must support their profile with educational certificates, work experience and credentials that demonstrate their specialization.
Although it may take time to obtain labor certification, this route has gained relevance given the talent deficit in certain sectors.
Green Card Process
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3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
Every year, The US government reserves about 55,000 diversity visas (DV) for citizens of countries with low immigration rates towards the United States.
Those who wish to participate must meet minimum requirements: have at least a high school education or work experience in specific occupations. Registration must be done within the deadlines stipulated by the program.
Although it is a “lucky” route, it can be an especially attractive alternative for those who do not qualify due to family or employment.
4. Refugee or asylum status
People who have been persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a social group can enter as a refugee or asylum seeker. After residing for one year under that status within the United States, they can apply for permanent residence.
This mechanism is designed to protect those who have suffered persecution in their countries of origin, and its processing requires clearly demonstrating a well-founded fear of return.
5. Investor Visa (EB-5)
The EB-5 route is for those who have significant capital and wish to invest in a business within the US. Traditionally, the minimum investment required is $1 million; However, there is a variant called “employment zone project” (TEA) that allows you to invest USD 500,000 if you install it in rural or high-unemployment areas. Besides, It is a requirement that the company generate at least 10 jobs for US citizens.
Although it requires a considerable amount of capital, This route offers a quick roadmap to resident status.
The procedures to obtain the Green Card.
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Tips to optimize the process
Choosing the correct route is not enough: documentary preparation is key. For this reason it is recommended:
Gather documents in advance such as birth certificates, employment certifications, academic records, marriage certificates or proof of family relationship.
Ensure that all documents are properly legalized or apostilledaccording to the requirements of the country of origin.
Rigorously comply with defined submission deadlines by USCIS or by programs such as the DV lottery.
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In complex cases, consult with a specialized immigration lawyer to avoid errors that delay or reject the request.
Thus, those who aspire to permanent residence could more safely choose the most appropriate route and avoid unnecessary delays. As experts point out, An informed decision and an impeccable document folder can make the difference between years of waiting and effective results in less time.
CONSTANZA GÓMEZ GUASCA
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS EDITORIAL
