For many of us, obtaining a green card is the ultimate goal. But how can you go about acquiring one from your company?
In this article, we’ll show you how to write an email to your boss requesting a green card process to be started.
6 Ways to Ask Your Employer for Green Card Sponsorship
Check out these 6 examples of how to ask for green card sponsorship in an email:
- Would you be willing to sponsor me?
- I would require green card sponsorship to continue in this role
- It would mean a great deal to me to be considered for long-term sponsorship
- I would like to pursue permanent residence in the country
- Can we discuss the steps that must be taken to allow me to work here permanently?
- I am writing to request green card sponsorship
1. Would You Be Willing to Sponsor Me?
The most straightforward way to ask a company for green card sponsorship is to simply ask would you be willing to sponsor me.
This is an important question to ask during an interview for a job in a different country. Or, when you have been offered a job via email.
After all, if the role requires a long-term commitment, you will need to ensure that you can stay in the country legally for the duration of your employment.
Let’s see how you can use this phrase in an email example:
Dear Ms. Andrade,
I would like to accept your offer but, as I am not presently a US citizen, would you be willing to sponsor me in a green card application?
Kind regards,
Shane Stone
2. I Would Require Green Card Sponsorship to Continue in This Role
Perhaps you have worked at an organization for some time and have excelled in your role so far.
If you have been a valuable asset to your workplace, you may be able to convince your employer to apply for a green card to ensure that you can continue to work there.
The phrase I would require green card sponsorship to continue in this role is very clear and straightforward.
In addition, rather than asking for sponsorship, this alternative makes clear that your continued contributions to the organization are conditional.
However, this phrase does not come across as demanding. Nor does it imply that you are giving your boss an ultimatum.
Rather, it sets out the facts clearly and transparently.
Therefore, let’s see it in a sample email:
Dear Jurnee,
I have greatly enjoyed my time at the company and would be keen to keep working here.
However, as my current visa is about to expire, I would require green card sponsorship to continue in this role.
Could we meet to discuss this?
Sincerely,
Joaquina
3. It Would Mean a Great Deal to Me to Be Considered for Long-Term Sponsorship
When you ask your employer to sponsor a green card, it never hurts to express gratitude in your letter or email.
The phrase it would mean a great deal to me to be considered for long-term sponsorship comes across as a more sincere synonym for the phrase above.
This is a good thing. After all, you want to show your employer that you take your job seriously and will commit to it long-term in exchange for an H1-B Visa.
Moreover, this phrase maintains a suitably professional diction and comes across as genuine without being overly effusive.
Consider the following email sample:
Dear Mr. Goldwyn,
It has been a pleasure to work for you for the past year.
Thus, it would mean a great deal to me to be considered for long-term sponsorship so that I can continue to learn and contribute to your company.
Kind regards,
Padraic McCloud
4. I Would Like to Pursue Permanent Residence in the Country
Another way to ask a company for green card sponsorship during your interview phase is to mention your desire to become a permanent resident in the US.
This works particularly well if you can show that remaining in the country will allow you to carry out the requirements of the role more effectively.
The phrase I would like to pursue permanent residence in the country clearly sets out your desires and expectations from the outset.
Therefore, your potential employer can make an informed decision about whether to hire you and, in turn, sponsor you.
See the email template below:
Dear Miss Brewster,
Considering the hands-on nature of this role, I would like to pursue permanent residence in the country so that I may fully commit to developing my skills.
Is this something we can discuss during the interview?
Kind regards,
Kenjiro Mizuki
5. Can We Discuss the Steps That Must Be Taken to Allow Me to Work Here Permanently?
You can use the phrase can we discuss the steps that must be taken to allow me to work here permanently in two situations.
Firstly, you can use this alternative prior to your interview to let the hiring manager know that you are in need of sponsorship.
Secondly, you can use it if you have worked at a company for some time and will need further sponsorship to continue to do so.
Consider this email example:
Dear Andrea,
As this is intended to be a long-term role, can we discuss the steps that must be taken to allow me to work here permanently?
Kind regards,
Danielle Havens
6. I Am Writing to Request Green Card Sponsorship
Our final way to make a green card sponsorship request in an email is to state your intent clearly with the phrase I am writing to request green card sponsorship.
You can send this email directly to your boss or to the relevant department at your company.
This phrase is a great way to ask for a meeting to discuss your future at the company. Namely, by setting out plainly what you are asking for.
Let’s see this phrase in our final email sample:
Dear Oliver,
I am writing to request green card sponsorship from the company so that I can continue to work in the office.
Can we meet to discuss this possibility this week?
Kind regards,
Kelsey
Can You Get a Green Card From Your Employer?
It’s absolutely possible for your employer to sponsor your green card if you are not a citizen of the country you are working in.
This would allow you to be resident in your country of employment permanently or for a few years.
The best time to ask for green card sponsorship is during your interview. Or, when you are negotiating the terms of your new role.
However, it is also possible to ask for sponsorship if you have worked in a country for a number of years and are about to lose authorization to live there.
It is best to ask for green card sponsorship face-to-face with your boss or manager.
However, it wouldn’t hurt to broach the subject in an email and ask for time to discuss your future at the company in person.