How to Apply for a Green Card

A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) grants the right to permanently live and work in the United States. There are several main pathways to obtain one.

Family-Based Categories

• Immediate Relative (IR) — spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens. No annual visa cap.
• F1–F4 — other relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Wait times can range from 5 to 20+ years.

Employment-Based Categories

• EB-1 — persons of extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives/managers. Labor certification is often not required.
• EB-2 — professionals holding advanced degrees or persons with exceptional ability. A NIW (National Interest Waiver) allows self-petitioning without an employer sponsor.
• EB-3 — skilled and unskilled workers. Requires PERM Labor Certification.

Other Pathways

• DV Lottery — an annual lottery open to nationals of countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.
• Asylum / Refugee — eligible to apply 1 year after being granted status
• EB-5 Investor Visa — minimum investment of $800,000 in a targeted employment area

Assembling your document package is a critically important step. Errors and omissions can result in delays or denial.

Core Documents

• Passport (valid)
• Birth and marriage certificates (with certified translation and apostille)
• Police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived
• Medical examination (Form I-693) — must be completed by an authorized physician (civil surgeon)
• Photos meeting USCIS specifications (2×2 inches)
• Financial documents (Affidavit of Support, Form I-864)

Important

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English by a certified translator. Keep originals and copies stored separately.

The first formal step is the filing of an immigration petition by a sponsor.

Family-Based Petition — I-130

Filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident on behalf of a qualifying relative. Filing fee — $675 (or $625 when filed online). Processing time ranges from 6 months to several years.

Employment-Based Petition — I-140

Filed by an employer (or by the applicant themselves under NIW/EB-1A). Filing fee — $715. Premium Processing ($2,965) reduces the adjudication period to 15 business days.

After Approval

Once the petition is approved, the case moves to the next stage — either Adjustment of Status (if you are already in the U.S.) or Consular Processing (if you are abroad).

If you are already lawfully present in the United States, you may file Form I-485 to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident.

Who May File

Those who are in the U.S. in a lawful immigration status and whose priority date has become current according to the Visa Bulletin.

What the Package Includes

• Form I-485 — main application ($1,440)
• Form I-765 — Employment Authorization Document (EAD), included in the filing fee
• Form I-131 — travel document (Advance Parole), included in the filing fee
• Medical examination I-693

Biometrics and Interview

After filing, you will be scheduled for fingerprinting (biometrics) and, potentially, an interview at your local USCIS field office.

If you are outside the United States, once your petition is approved your case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then forwarded to the appropriate consulate.

Steps

1. Register with the NVC and pay required fees
2. Complete Form DS-260 (online)
3. Submit financial and civil documents
4. Receive an interview appointment at the consulate
5. Complete the medical examination (with an authorized physician)
6. Attend the consular interview
7. Receive your immigrant visa and enter the United States

After entry, your Green Card will be mailed to you within a few weeks.