¿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.

Similar Posts

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.
Show More

How Professional Athletes Can Immigrate to the United States: Visa Options for Champions and Competitors

By Shirin Navabi • June 12, 2025
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.

Understanding the Laken Riley Act: A Turning Point in U.S. Immigration Enforcement

By Denice Flores • June 5, 2025
In January 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Laken Riley Act , marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policy. The Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for theft-related offenses such as burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Under this Act, the Department of Homeland Security must detain an individual who: (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The Act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. It authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a: Decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody; Failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; Failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; Violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or Failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States. The Act's stringent detention requirements may lead to increased fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Individuals who are merely accused of certain crimes could face mandatory detention. The Act may also affect legal immigration processes. Increased detention and deportation efforts could strain resources, potentially leading to delays in processing visas and asylum applications. Given the evolving legal landscape: Stay Informed and/or Seek Legal Counsel - Consult with your immigration attorney to understand how new laws and policies may affect your situation and if you or someone you know is facing immigration-related legal issues. Know Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with your legal rights, especially concerning interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Community Engagement - Participate in community organizations that provide support and resources for immigrants, fostering a network of assistance and advocacy. If you have any questions or would like to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

ICE Issues OPT Warnings to F-1 Students for Unreported Employment

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • May 29, 2025
In a renewed wave of enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started sending formal alerts to certain F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), flagging that their records reflect over 90 days without any reported employment. These students have been advised to update their employment status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 15 days. Failure to take timely corrective action may lead to the termination of the student's SEVIS record, effectively marking them as out of status, and may ultimately trigger removal proceedings. The notices are intended as a warning that students who do not comply with OPT reporting obligations are at risk of serious immigration consequences. Understanding OPT and Its Unemployment Limits Optional Practical Training (commonly referred to as “OPT”) is a work authorization benefit that allows eligible F-1 international students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Students may apply for pre-completion OPT (while still in school) or post-completion OPT (after graduation), typically for up to 12 months. Those with degrees in qualifying STEM fields may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. To maintain valid F-1 status while on OPT, students must remain actively employed in a position related to their field of study. The amount of time a student may remain in the United States while on OPT without being properly employed is capped at: 90 days during the standard 12-month post-completion OPT, and 150 days for those on the STEM OPT extension, which includes any days of unemployment accrued during the initial OPT period. These unemployment limits are cumulative and enforced strictly through SEVIS monitoring. What Should F-1 Students Do? If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT and receive a warning or are unsure about your compliance status, act quickly: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to review and, if necessary, update your SEVIS record. Ensure all employment is properly documented and reported through your school’s international office. Do not ignore warning notices, as failure to respond may lead to SEVIS termination and potentially the initiation of removal proceedings. It is also advisable to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore available options and understand how enforcement actions may affect your status or future immigration plans. If you received a notice or have questions about your F-1 status, our attorneys are here to help you take the right steps to protect your future in the United States. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Show More