A Green Card or formally known as the United States Permanent Resident Card, is an identification card attesting permanent residency status for an alien in the United States. It’s the first step towards becoming a naturalized citizen. Obtaining green card requirements are outlined in US immigration laws, but there’s only a limited number given out each year. While you could take the time to apply for yourself, the complicated application process and monitoring for open slots are often best handled by immigration law specialists like the Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff.

 If you’re looking for long-term residency in the United States, there’s always a waiting list for new green card holders. Sponsorship from a US citizen is the best way to get a green card. Employment-based and Family-based eligibility are the two most common and speediest routes open to you.

 Employment-based Green Cards

 The Employment-based path for permanent resident status starts with what is known as “Labor Certification”. It is a issued certificate by the U.S. Department of Labor for an employment determined by an American Business to be a job that has no adverse effects on the U.S. workers already employed. U.S.Immigration law have built in protection for American labor, so application for the certificate requires specific steps for the American business , or the employer offering the foreign worker the job.

 Only when these requirements are met and it is determined that the job will not affect the existing American Labor will the certificate issued for the employment of a foreign worker, but certain conditions and exemptions do exist in some cases. After receipt of the certificate will the foreign worker be qualified to file for or as a change to an immigrant work visa.

 Employment-based Green Cards have a preference list, with first preference for workers of extraordinary ability and management employees of multinational companies, with second preference for those with advanced degrees and those whole skills contribute to the US National Interest. Third preference for persons qualified to work in shortage occupations.

To get more information on employment-based green card application requirements see http://www.tasoff.com/employment-based-green-cards/