QUESTION
How much English does one need to speak to qualify for a green card?
Asked on May 13th, 2015 on Immigration - Illinois
More details to this question:
My brother wants to immigrate to the United States from Mexico but does not speak any English. I know lots of people who have very low levels of English and I was wondering what his level of English needs to be in order to qualify for a green card.
6 ANSWERS
For a green card you do not need to have any English as a requirement. Of course, if he plans to get a job where speaking English is required (in most jobs) then it will be an issue if he speaks no English. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or how I can be of further assistance to you in this matter.
Answered on May 19th, 2015 at 2:53 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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He does not have to speak English to qualify for a green card. Citizenship, however, is another story and he must be able to communicate in English if and when he decides to naturalize.
Answered on May 18th, 2015 at 4:37 AM
Civil Litigation Attorney serving New York, NY
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Havens & Lichtenberg PLLC
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One does not need to speak any English to qualify for a green card - only becoming a U.S. *citizen* has an English language requirement. However, your brother will have a better life in the U.S. if he learns the language. If you are a U.S. citizen and will file an immigrant petition for your brother, he will wait 18 years for the permission to immigrate into the U.S. - enough time to learn English.
Answered on May 14th, 2015 at 3:37 PM
English language skills are not required to become eligible to be a Permanent Resident (to get a "Green Card"). There are, however, many other eligibility requirements. Note, if you are a U.S. citizen who wants to sponsor your brother, be aware that there is a VERY long backlog for visas in the Family-Based Fourth Preference (FB4) visa category - the category for siblings of U.S. citizens - and for this reason applying in the FB4 visa category rarely is a satisfactory strategy and it often is wise to explore other potential eligibilities and options.
Answered on May 14th, 2015 at 9:04 AM
Intellectual Property Attorney serving Menlo Park, CA
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Sheppard Mullin
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Generally no English requirement. However if he is applying for a category that requires certain education or skills, he may be required to speak English.
Answered on May 13th, 2015 at 3:20 PM
Immigration Attorney serving Chicago, IL
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Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC
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You do not need to know any English in order to qualify for a green card or lawful permanent residence in the United States. You only need to demonstrate English proficiency when applying for US Citizenship.
Answered on May 13th, 2015 at 2:26 PM