Best to way to get a US Green Card??

[guilherme.rocha 0]

Hello everyone. I am 18 years old (from portugal) and about to end high school (IT), I would like to know what is the best way for me to find a visa sponsor and later on apply for a green card (how long would this process take)??

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

One option: Stay in school, get a high-level degree, then reach out to US companies who are seeking your skills.  

[Dashinka 24,480]

Definitely nothing is going to be fast.  You could look into the Diversity Visa program when your high school education is finished.  I believe Portuguese are eligible to apply.

[CMJuilland 485]

As @Dashinka said, DV is one option. Another option is to find out what skills are needed and in short supply in the U.S. market and pursue your education in Portugal on that path (what @Crazy Cat suggested). Make connections with U.S. and international employers early on (internships, exchange programs, etc.), and maybe that will lead you to your goal. However, none of this will be quick. Best of luck! 

Edited March 10, 2023 by CMJuilland

[Boiler 45,445]

Further education in the US, STEM subjects preferably, can lead to a GC

[kiwibean 45]

There are also temporary work visas - think like camp counselor or ski lift operator.  That would allow you to spend some time in the US and see what you think of living here.  Here's an example:

https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/camp-counselor

[OldUser 6,608]

Here are some possible routes are below.

 

Route 1.

1. Study in Portugal

2. Get job and experience in Portugal

3. Get H1B

4. Get Green Card

 

Route 2.

1. Play DV lottery every year

2. If you win, go through process and get visa, you get a GC after entry to the US

 

Route 3.

1. Get F1 to study in the US

2. See if you like US

3. Get OPT

4. Get H1B

 

For the route 3 though, you cannot plan on coming and staying in the US. This is only a hypothetical scenario, which gives you a chance to get education and work experience in the US.

 

You should also be aware that GC comes with responsibilities, such as (there's more than provided):

- Reporting income for tax purposes world wide, even if you moved out of the US.

- Selective service in US army for men between 18 and 26

- Living in the US on permanent basis. Trips overseas generally shouldn't exceed 6 months.

 

Edited March 10, 2023 by OldUser

[SalishSea 17,801]

5 hours ago, guilherme.rocha said:

Hello everyone. I am 18 years old (from portugal) and about to end high school (IT), I would like to know what is the best way for me to find a visa sponsor and later on apply for a green card (how long would this process take)??

There is no path to a work visa/green card with just a high school diploma.   Like the other have said, get your degree and then begin looking for US employers who are willing to sponsor you.

[Dashinka 24,480]

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

There is no path to a work visa/green card with just a high school diploma.   Like the other have said, get your degree and then begin looking for US employers who are willing to sponsor you.

DV only requires a high school diploma.  Hard to get though, but still an option.

[SalishSea 17,801]

5 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

DV only requires a high school diploma.  Hard to get though, but still an option.

Right, that is why I specified work visa.