Family Sponsored
If you have a close relative (e.g. spouse, parent, adult/child, brother/sister) who is a US citizen, you may be sponsored by him or her for permanent residence. Green Card holders can only be sponsored by unmarried sons or daughters.

Employment Based
A US employer can petition for you based on an offer of employment approved by the US Department of Labor. There are several types of visas in this category depending on the experience or qualifications required for the position offered (e.g. professional or nonprofessional, skilled or unskilled). Recently, the Labor Department has been permitting fast-track labor certification, which is known as Reduction in Recruitment (RIR). This allows a sponsor to pre-advertise the position in order to demonstrate a shortage of US workers. Approvals are extremely fast (3-12 months).

Investment Based
If you have a considerable sum of money ($500,000 to $1,000,000) to invest in an existing business or to start a new one, you can enter the US with your family. Later, on the basis of your business, you and your family can obtain permanent residence (Green Card).

Religious Worker
If you are a religious minister, priest, or ordained religious person, you can qualify for Permanent Residence through sponsorship by a congregation (e.g. Mosque, Church, Temple, etc.).

Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery)
Every year the US provides for the distribution of 55,000 Green Cards to persons born in designated countries by means of a chance drawing. Applicants must have either 12 years (or more) of education or 2 years experience as a skilled worker.

Exceptional or Extraordinary Ability & National Interest Waiver
This allows scientists, artists, physicians, university teachers, musicians, researchers, etc. to obtain a Green Card either with or without a sponsor.