How do I get a green card?
Learn how to get a Green Card in the U.S. through family, employment, the Diversity Visa Lottery, or asylum. Find eligibility, application steps, fees, and processing times.
How to Get a Green Card in the U.S. – Complete Guide
A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. It is a crucial step toward U.S. citizenship for those who wish to naturalize later.There are multiple ways to apply, each with specific eligibility criteria and application processes. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to get a Green Card in the U.S.
1. Ways to Get a Green Card
There are several paths to obtaining a Green Card, including family sponsorship, employment, refugee/asylum status, and special programs.Family-Based Green Card
- U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
- U.S. Green Card holders (permanent residents) can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children.
- Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, minor children of U.S. citizens) have no waiting period and can apply right away.
- Other family categories fall under preference categories, which may have long waiting periods.
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) – Filed by the U.S. citizen or Green Card holder.
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) – If the applicant is already in the U.S. and a visa is available.
- Consular Processing – If the applicant is outside the U.S., they must go through a U.S. embassy.
Employment-Based Green Card
- Issued to skilled workers, professionals, and investors.
- Requires employer sponsorship or self-petition in specific cases.
- EB-1: Priority workers (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational executives).
- EB-2: Advanced degree holders or individuals with exceptional ability.
- EB-3: Skilled workers and professionals.
- EB-4: Religious workers and special immigrants.
- EB-5: Investors who invest $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. business and create at least 10 jobs.
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) – Filed by an employer.
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) – If inside the U.S. and a visa is available.
- Labor Certification (PERM) – Required for some categories.
Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)
- Conducted once a year, offering 50,000 Green Cards to people from underrepresented countries.
- No family or job sponsorship needed.
- Submit an application at dvprogram.state.gov when the lottery opens.
- Selection is random, and winners proceed with Green Card processing.
Refugee or Asylee Green Card
- Available to people granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S.
- Refugees and asylees can apply for a Green Card after one year of living in the U.S.
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) after one year.
Special Immigrant Green Cards
- Includes victims of abuse (VAWA), human trafficking (T visa), crime victims (U visa), and certain Afghan/Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. military.
- Various forms, including Form I-360 (Special Immigrant Petition) for some categories.
2. Step-by-Step Green Card Application Process
The application process varies based on how you qualify. Below is a general step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
- Identify which category (family, employment, lottery, asylum, etc.) applies to you.
- Ensure you meet the qualifications before applying.
Step 2: File the Required Petition
- Family-Based Green Card: File Form I-130 with USCIS.
- Employment-Based Green Card: Employer files Form I-140.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: Apply through the DV Lottery system.
Step 3: Wait for USCIS Approval & Visa Availability
- Some Green Card categories have waiting periods based on country and category.
- Check visa availability at the Visa Bulletin.
Step 4: File for Green Card Application
- If inside the U.S., file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
- If outside the U.S., go through Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy.
Step 5: Attend the Green Card Interview
- USCIS or the U.S. embassy will schedule an interview.
- Bring supporting documents (passport, medical exam results, relationship proof, etc.).
Step 6: Receive Your Green Card
- If approved, you’ll receive your Green Card by mail.
3. Green Card Processing Times & Fees
Processing Times:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens:6 months – 2 years.
- Family-preference categories:2–10+ years (varies by country).
- Employment-based Green Cards:1–5+ years.
- Diversity Visa Lottery:1–2 years.
Green Card Fees (Approximate):
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Family-Based Green Card | $1,200 – $1,760 |
| Employment-Based Green Card | $1,500 – $10,000+ (varies by case) |
| DV Lottery Fee | $330 (if selected) |
| Adjustment of Status (I-485) | $1,140 |
| Consular Processing Fee | $325 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 |
4. How to Check Your Green Card Application Status
Visit USCIS Case Status and enter your receipt number.Check the Visa Bulletin to see priority date movement.
5. Maintaining Your Green Card
Once you receive your Green Card, you must follow certain rules to keep it: Renew your Green Card every 10 years (file Form I-90). Avoid long trips outside the U.S. – More than 6 months abroad may affect your residency status. Pay U.S. taxes and follow immigration laws. Consider applying for U.S. citizenship after 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).6. Need Legal Help?
For complex cases, consider consulting an immigration attorney.Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 for official guidance.