The United States Government offers a number of ways to get a green card. It is best to have an attorney who specializes or is highly familiar with immigration law to help you with your case. Before you see your green card attorney, there are a few things you should know about the different ways you can apply for your green card. Once you find the instance you feel best suits your particular situation, you can inform your attorney so they can make a more informative evaluation of your case.

Below are the main ways to apply for your green card:

1 - Family Based Application - If you have relatives in the United States who are American citizens, or who are themselves green card holders. These must be immediate family members. The members that would qualify you are: spouse, brother, sister, son, daughter, parent. You may also qualify if you have an under aged adopted child or stepchild.

2 - Employment Based Application - You may be able to get a green card through employment, but there is a hierarchy of preferences. They are listed below, and the higher on the list you are, the better your chances of being approved.

A - If you are outstanding in your field of work. For instance, professors, researchers, executives in a multinational company, persons with advanced degrees, persons or professionals with an exceptional ability involved in activities that would benefit the U.S. National interest.

B - Skilled or unskilled workers. Registered nurses, physical therapists, teachers, college teachers or any other workers on the list of shortage occupations.

3 - Investors Application - Foreign investors who are willing to invest $500,000 - $1,000,000 in a commercial enterprise that will create a minimum of 5 to 10 jobs.

4 - Refugee Application - individuals who have been displaced by famine, war, or civil unrest and can not return to their country for fear of persecution.

5 - Diplomatic Application - High ranking diplomats who are afraid to return to their country for fear of persecution.

6 - Adoption Application - Children under 16 years of age who have been adopted by U.S. Citizens or green card holders

7 - Special Immigrates - there is a list of special immigrates that may apply. Some, but not all of these include: religious workers, special agricultural workers, medical graduates, former employees of the U.S. Government or U.S. Armed forces.

There may be a few other options available that are not on this list; your attorney will know if you qualify.

Once you have gone over this list and decided which category fits you best, make an appointment to see a green card attorney to help you do your legal paperwork. They will listen to your qualifications, and then weigh things carefully before deciding which type of application would give you the best chance of being accepted.

You can find attorneys who specialize in immigration in the phone book or on the internet. If you are already in the U.S., it is important not to let your visa run out or this could hurt your chances of obtaining your green card.