¿Cuáles son los diferentes tipos de tarjetas verdes (Green Card o Tarjeta de residente permanente)?

Kevin Swartz • September 8, 2022

Click here to read this article in Portuguese and English

Si bien hay muchos tipos diferentes de visas, se dividen en dos categorías: inmigrantes y no inmigrantes, es decir, permanentes y temporales. Esta publicación de blog cubre la visa de inmigrante, también conocida como la "tarjeta verde". Hay muchos tipos de tarjetas verdes y se dividen aproximadamente en cuatro categorías:

1. Basado en la familia

Para aquellos cuya familia incluye a un ciudadano estadounidense, se aplican las siguientes visas:

Visa IR-1: si es cónyuge de un ciudadano estadounidense
Visa IR-2: si es hijo soltero de un ciudadano estadounidense y tiene menos de 21 años.
Visa IR-3: si es un niño adoptado en el extranjero por un ciudadano estadounidense
Visa IR-4: si es un niño adoptado dentro de los Estados Unidos (después de haber sido traído a los Estados Unidos) con el propósito de ser adoptado por un ciudadano estadounidense.
Visa F3: si está casado y es hijo de un ciudadano estadounidense. Esto se aplica a su cónyuge e hijos también.
Visa F4: si es hermano de un ciudadano estadounidense. Esto se aplica a su cónyuge e hijos también.

Para aquellos cuyos familiares incluyen un residente permanente legal (LPR) en los Estados Unidos, se aplican las siguientes visas:

Visa F2A: si es cónyuge o hijos menores de un LPR
Visa F2B: si no está casado, tiene más de 21 años y es hijo de un LPR

2. Basado en el empleo

Para aquellos que tienen o tendrán un empleo dentro de los Estados Unidos. Se aplica lo siguiente:

Transferencia de Visa H-1B a Tarjeta Verde

Una vez que tenga una visa H-1B válida, su empleador debe presentar ante el Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos (DOL) una Certificación Laboral Permanente (PERM). El empleador debe demostrarle al DOL que no pudo encontrar un ciudadano estadounidense calificado para el puesto de trabajo. Hay varios pasos para que el empleador satisfaga este criterio, que incluye intentos reales de reclutar ciudadanos estadounidenses para el puesto y anuncios publicados para el puesto dirigidos a ciudadanos estadounidenses.

Visa EB-1 para Trabajadores Prioritarios. Esto incluye:

o Profesores académicos e investigadores excepcionales

o Gerentes y ejecutivos excepcionales

o Aquellos con habilidades excepcionales en los negocios, las artes, las ciencias, la educación o el atletismo

o Si se encuentra dentro de una de esas categorías, debe demostrarle a USCIS que está en la cima de su campo, según el cumplimiento de criterios específicos.

Visa EB-2 para aquellos con títulos avanzados o habilidades excepcionales. Esto incluye:

o Aquellos con habilidades extraordinarias en el arte, los negocios y la ciencia.

Esto es similar a un EB-1, y los requisitos son menos estrictos. Sin embargo, el tiempo de procesamiento para un EB-2 puede ser mucho más largo, necesitará una certificación PERM a menos que pueda demostrarle a USCIS que renunciar al requisito sería de interés nacional (también conocido como Exención de interés nacional), y necesitará un empleador actual o potencial para patrocinar su solicitud.

o Aquellos con títulos avanzados (por ejemplo, Maestría o Doctorado)

o Médicos que servirán en áreas desatendidas en los Estados Unidos.

Visa EB-3 para trabajadores calificados/profesionales. El tiempo de procesamiento puede llevar varios años. Al igual que el EB-2, necesita un empleador actual o potencial para patrocinar su solicitud. Esta visa se aplica a:

o Aquellos con títulos de licenciatura

o Trabajadores calificados con un mínimo de dos años de experiencia

o Trabajadores no calificados

Visa EB-4 para inmigrantes especiales y trabajadores religiosos. Esta visa basada en el empleo se aplica a:

o Aquellos que trabajan para el gobierno de los Estados Unidos en el extranjero

o Locutores

o Traductores iraquíes/afganos

o Empleados de organizaciones internacionales sin fines de lucro

o Médicos

o Ciertos miembros activos y retirados de las fuerzas armadas y sus cónyuges e hijos

Visa EB-5 para inversionistas. Esto incluye:

o Aquellos inversionistas que crearán un mínimo de 10 empleos de tiempo completo en los Estados Unidos e invertirán al menos $ 500,000 en la economía de los Estados Unidos.

3. Basado en residentes que regresan

Para aquellos que eran LPR pero abandonaron el país por más de un año (lo que cancelará una tarjeta verde válida). La siguiente visa se aplica a los LPR que abandonaron los Estados Unidos por más de un año debido a circunstancias fuera de su control:

Visa SB-1. Ejemplos de circunstancias fuera del control de uno incluyen:

i. Enfermedad repentina o enfermedad que impidió viajar de regreso a los Estados Unidos.

ii. Embarazo en el que el médico desaconsejó los viajes internacionales

iii. Sus documentos de inmigración le son retenidos en contra de su voluntad.

iv. El país al que viajaste prohíbe la salida

4. Basado en la diversidad

Comúnmente conocida como la "Lotería de la tarjeta verde", este tipo de tarjeta verde se otorga al azar a un porcentaje muy pequeño de los que la solicitan. El proceso de selección está diseñado para evitar que una nación extranjera tenga sustancialmente más visas otorgadas para sus ciudadanos que para las de otras naciones extranjeras. Hay muchas reglas, limitaciones y excepciones para quién puede presentar una solicitud. Pero en general, usted debe:

Ser de un país en el que menos de 50,000 nativos de ese país hayan emigrado a los Estados Unidos en los cinco años anteriores. En 2019, esto excluyó a los de Bangladesh, Brasil, Canadá, China, Colombia, República Dominicana, El Salvador, Haití, India, Jamaica, México, Nigeria, Pakistán, Perú, Filipinas, Corea del Sur y el Reino Unido (excepto Irlanda del Norte) y Vietnam.
Tener al menos 18 años
Haber completado la escuela secundaria y tener un diploma de escuela secundaria o título equivalente
Tener al menos 2 años de experiencia laboral en los últimos 5 años

Muchos de los que no son elegibles para una visa de inmigrante (tarjeta verde) pueden ser elegibles para una variedad de visas de no inmigrante. Si se otorga una visa de no inmigrante y el peticionario posteriormente se vuelve elegible para una tarjeta verde, la visa de no inmigrante no es una barrera para solicitar una tarjeta verde.

Este blog no pretende ser un consejo legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que lea aquí.

USCIS Updates Guidance on Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation

By Angelica Rice • October 17, 2024

On September 25, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently updated its guidance on the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) to clarify how an applicant’s CSPA age is calculated when extraordinary circumstances are involved. This update is designed to help Applicants and their families better understand how their eligibility for certain immigration benefits may be impacted by delays or special conditions during the process . The CSPA is a crucial law that helps protect children from "aging out" of the immigration process , meaning turning 21 years old while waiting for family-based immigration petitions to be processed. Normally, once a child turns 21, they may no longer qualify for a green card under certain family visa categories. However, the CSPA allows a special calculation of a child’s age to determine whether they can still be considered a "child" for immigration purposes, even if they have passed the age of 21. USCIS's recent update focuses on two key points: First , it clarifies how extraordinary circumstances may excuse an applicant from the usual requirement to apply for a green card (or "seek to acquire" permanent residency) within one year of their visa becoming available. If extraordinary circumstances, such as medical issues or other unavoidable situations, prevent an applicant from meeting this deadline, they may still qualify for CSPA protection as long as they can demonstrate these circumstances. Second , the guidance outlines how to calculate the applicant’s CSPA age in cases where these extraordinary circumstances apply . If an immigrant visa was available for a continuous one-year period, the CSPA age is calculated from the date the visa first became available. However, if the visa became available and then unavailable before the applicant could apply, the CSPA age calculation may still use the date the visa first became available—if the applicant can show they were unable to apply due to extraordinary circumstances. This update addresses an issue that was not previously covered in detail by USCIS policy. Before this clarification, it was unclear how the CSPA age would be calculated for noncitizens who had extraordinary reasons for not applying for a green card during the time their visa was available. By providing this updated guidance, USCIS aims to ensure that these cases are handled consistently and fairly. In conclusion, this recent USCIS update offers clearer guidance on how extraordinary circumstances affect CSPA age calculation. If you believe your family might benefit from this update, please reach out to one of our highly experienced immigration attorneys, who can help you understand how these changes apply to your situation. For more detailed information, you can visit the USCISPolicyManual or review the official USCISannouncement .

What Is the Affirmative Relief Announcement?

By Flavia Santos Lloyd • June 20, 2024

On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a series of immigration actions using the authority granted to him by our existing immigration laws. These actions will help certain undocumented individuals in the United States, including: Spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have been living in the United States for at least 10 years. You may be eligible to apply for your green card without leaving the United States, if, as of June 17, 2024: ○ You are in the United States after entering without permission; ○ You have lived in the United States for at least 10 years and have never left; ○ You are legally married to a U.S. citizen or have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen; and ○ You do not have certain criminal history or pose a threat to national security or public safety. If you meet these criteria, the government MAY grant you parole-in-place. Parole would be granted for a one-time period of three years. You may also be eligible for employment authorization for up to three years. If you are granted parole y ou may apply for your green card within three years of approval. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. College-educated DACA recipients and Dreamers who are qualified for nonimmigrant status, such as an H-1B specialty occupation visa. You may be eligible to apply for a temporary visa more easily, if: ○ You have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education; and ○ You have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to your degree. Please note that these programs have NOT YET begun. Details on how to apply are expected to be released by the end of the summer through a Federal Register notice. This means: You cannot submit an application at this time. An early-filed application will be rejected . You should not pay anyone a fee associated with filing an application at this time. Be patient and take the time to find the right help. The wrong advice could harm your chances of staying in the United States, getting lawful status, or becoming a U.S. citizen. Don't be fooled by notarios and other consultants who promise immediate results or special solutions in order to steal your money. Many unscrupulous individuals will cost more than licensed attorneys! If you are unsure if someone is qualified to help, ask for proof of their credentials and retain a copy of that evidence. This program could also be legally challenged, which could impact its implementation. This makes it even more important to have a qualified, knowledgeable attorney. USE AILA’s Find an Immigration Lawyer Search, ailalawyer.org , to find a licensed immigration attorney in good standing. Or find an accredited representative at: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-legal-representation . FONT: https://www.aila.org/library/information-and-guidance-on-new-actions-to-promote-family-unity

Taxation of U.S. Residents: Green Card vs Substantial Presence

By Olga Guzhva • March 21, 2024

If you are a U.S. resident within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 7701(b)(1)(A) , an immigrant needs to understand the U.S. tax obligations. When you are a permanent resident, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax the same way as a U.S. citizen. You are a resident of the United States for tax purposes if you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year. 1. “Green Card” Test means that you possess a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, also known as a "green card”, at any time during the calendar year. You continue to have U.S. resident status, unless: you voluntarily renounce and abandon your resident status, or your resident status is terminated, either by the USCIS, or by a U.S. federal court. If you meet the green card test at any time during the calendar year, but do not meet the substantial presence test for that year , your residency starting date is the first day on which you are present in the United States as a lawful permanent resident. In other words, if you have your green card for less than a full calendar year, your tax obligations could be less and are calculated as follows: 2. In order to meet the Substantial Presence test , you must be physically present in the United States on at least: 31 days during the current year, and 183 days during the 3-year period that includes the current year and the 2 years immediately before that, counting : a. All the days you were present in the current year, and b. 1/3 of the days you were present in the first year before the current year, and c. 1/6 of the days you were present in the second year before the current year. In other words, a look back applies when calculating a substantial presence test for the U.S. tax purposes. If a green card holder does not meet a substantial presence test, then he or she is subject to U.S. income tax the same way as a U.S. citizen BUT ONLY for a portion of the calendar year, from the date of becoming a U.S. permanent resident. Navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration and tax laws often requires professional legal guidance. Seeking assistance from an experienced immigration attorney well-versed in U.S. taxation can significantly enhance the chances of your successful immigrant planning, ensuring compliance with these intricate regulations and requirements. If you have any questions about what this means for you, please schedule a consultation with our office. We look forward to working with you!

Self-Sponsoring for Employment-Based Green Cards

By Kyle Huffman • December 7, 2023

In the landscape of U.S. immigration law, the pursuit of an employment-based green card can be a significant milestone for foreign nationals aspiring to establish their careers in the United States. Among the various pathways available, self-sponsorship for an employment-based green card stands out as an option that grants individuals the ability to sponsor their own immigration journey, offering a unique opportunity for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Traditionally, most employment-based green card categories require an employer to sponsor the foreign national, demonstrating the need for their skills or expertise. However, certain visa categories permit self-sponsorship, allowing individuals to petition for permanent residency without a specific employer's sponsorship. These include: 1. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability: Individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics may self-petition for an employment-based green card. They must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim, providing extensive evidence of their achievements in their field. 2. EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): This category enables individuals whose work is deemed to be in the interest of the United States to self-sponsor. Applicants must demonstrate their work's significance and how it benefits the nation as a whole. 3. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Entrepreneurs investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers can self-petition for an employment-based green card. They must meet certain investment thresholds and fulfill job creation requirements. While these classifications have the advantage of allowing an individual to self-petition, each of these applications have distinct, stringent requirements to meet. This route can be challenging, requiring substantial evidence and a compelling case to prove extraordinary abilities or qualifications. Additionally, meeting the high standards set by USCIS for self-sponsorship can be demanding, necessitating thorough preparation and documentation. Navigating the complexities of immigration law, especially concerning self-sponsorship, often requires professional legal guidance. Seeking assistance from experienced immigration attorneys or consultants can significantly enhance the chances of a successful self-sponsored green card application, ensuring compliance with the intricate regulations and requirements. If you have any questions about what this means for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We look forward to working with you.

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USCIS Gender Policy Shift Raises Concerns for Asylum Applicants Based on Gender Identity

By Angelica Rice • April 17, 2025

On March 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a policy update that limits gender marker selections on all immigration forms and systems to two biological sexes: male and female. This change eliminates the option for applicants to select a non-binary or “X” gender marker—an option that had previously been permitted on some forms. While USCIS emphasizes that this update does not change who qualifies for immigration benefits, it may significantly impact how certain applications—particularly asylum claims based on gender identity-related persecution—are understood and evaluated. What Has Changed? Under the revised policy, applicants may now only choose “Male” or “Female” when completing USCIS forms. The ability to select a non-binary or third-gender option is no longer available. Applicants may still request to change their gender marker with USCIS, but only within the male/female binary. Supporting documentation, such as medical or legal records, is not required to make the change. This means that transgender individuals can still align their gender marker with their identity—if it falls within the two binary categories—but non-binary individuals are no longer represented. The change follows guidance issued by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which called for greater consistency in the collection of sex and gender data across federal agencies. Impact on Asylum Applicants This policy update is especially important for individuals applying for asylum based on persecution related to their gender identity. Under U.S. immigration law, asylum is available to people who have suffered persecution—or fear future persecution—based on their membership in a “particular social group.” This includes people targeted for being transgender, gender non-conforming, or otherwise not aligning with socially expected gender roles in their home country. Although the legal standard for asylum remains unchanged, the removal of the non-binary gender marker could make it harder for some applicants to clearly present and document their identity. In asylum cases, credibility and clarity are crucial. The ability to accurately reflect one’s gender identity on official forms can play an important role in establishing the foundation of a persecution claim. Now, applicants who identify as non-binary or outside the traditional male/female categories may be forced to select a gender that does not align with their lived experience. This could lead to confusion in their case file or require additional explanation during interviews or hearings. This policy could weaken the strength of some asylum claims—not because the underlying facts have changed, but because the official forms now fail to reflect the applicant’s true identity. For example: A non-binary person applying for asylum after being targeted in their home country may now have to select “Male” or “Female” on their asylum application, despite not identifying as either. This mismatch may lead adjudicators to question the applicant’s identity, possibly weakening the strength of the claim or requiring added clarification and documentation. In defensive asylum cases—where applicants are in removal proceedings—such inconsistencies could create unnecessary hurdles and complicate the evidentiary presentation. What Can Applicants Do? Despite the change, individuals can still pursue asylum based on gender identity. The underlying eligibility criteria remain the same. However, applicants should be prepared to clearly explain any differences between their stated identity and the gender marker required on USCIS forms. Applicants are encouraged to: Include a personal declaration explaining their gender identity in detail and how it relates to their fear of persecution. Provide evidence such as affidavits, country condition reports, or expert testimony that supports the claim. Work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help present the claim effectively and prepare for any questions that might arise from the new form limitations. The new USCIS policy on gender markers may seem like a technical update, but for asylum seekers fleeing gender-based persecution, it has real implications. While individuals are still legally eligible to seek protection, the limitation to binary gender options could make it more difficult to fully and clearly present their case. If you or someone you know is facing immigration challenges related to gender identity—or is concerned about how this policy may impact an asylum claim—please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We’re here to help ensure your voice is heard and your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves.

Extreme Vetting – What Is It and What Are the Impacts?

By Santos Lloyd Law Team • April 10, 2025

In 2025, the immigration landscape continues to shift under the weight of national security concerns, ushered in by Executive Order “ Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. ” This directive tasks federal agencies—including the U.S. Department of State—with implementing enhanced screening and vetting protocols for all foreign nationals seeking visas or other immigration benefits. The result? A dramatically intensified vetting process, along with mounting concerns from immigrants, attorneys, and civil liberties advocates alike. Traditionally, airport security focused on verifying travel documents and screening for prohibited items, while consular officers assessed the legitimacy of visa petitions and the admissibility of applicants. Extreme vetting, however, represents a significant shift toward a far more invasive and comprehensive investigative process. It now includes detailed background checks, biometric verification, digital forensics, and expansive scrutiny of an applicant’s online presence and criminal or financial records. Since President Trump’s second term began in January 2025, the implementation of extreme vetting has expanded rapidly. Today, border screenings go far beyond routine document checks, encompassing a full-scale evaluation of a traveler’s digital life. This pivot reflects the administration’s intensified focus on national security, but it has also triggered urgent discussions about privacy, due process, and the fairness of modern immigration enforcement. At U.S. ports of entry—especially airports—noncitizens are now subject to rigorous and invasive procedures, including: Inspection of cell phones, laptops, and other devices (including deleted content) Review of social media activity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) Biometric scanning, including fingerprinting and facial recognition These measures are no longer confined to travelers from high-risk countries. In practice, extreme vetting applies broadly across all nationalities, and increasingly affects lawful permanent residents as well. For noncitizens, this new landscape introduces a heightened level of uncertainty and vulnerability. Delays at U.S. consulates for visa issuance or renewal are becoming routine. Travelers must now be acutely aware of these changes, and those attending consular interviews or seeking visa renewals should be prepared to provide additional documentation verifying their maintenance of status, compliance with visa conditions, and the bona fide nature of their visa applications. It is critical to organize supporting materials in advance and be ready to answer questions about employment, education, travel history, and online activity. As the U.S. government continues to expand its use of data-driven risk assessment tools, travelers must adapt to a new normal, one where preparation is essential to navigating the immigration system without disruption.

Trading with the U.S.? You Might Qualify for a Visa

By Shirin Navabi • April 3, 2025

For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.