Getting a green card, also known as permanent resident status in the United States, can be a long and complicated process. A green card allows you to live and work permanently in the U.S. There are several different ways to get a green card, but some methods have a higher success rate than others.
Family-based green cards
One of the most common ways to get a green card is through family relationships with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This is often the fastest and easiest way to get a green card. To qualify for a family-based green card, you need a qualifying relative who is willing to sponsor you. Qualifying relatives include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of adult U.S. citizens
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders
- Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
- Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens (with significant waiting times)
Getting a family-based green card involves your relative filing an immigrant petition on your behalf. If approved, you can then apply to adjust your status and get your green card. Family green cards allow you to live and work permanently in the U.S. They also make it easier for you to eventually become a U.S. citizen.
Employment-based green cards
Another common path is getting a green card through employment. An employer can sponsor you for permanent resident status if you have desirable skills, education, or experience. There are five preference categories:
- EB-1: For people of extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational managers or executives
- EB-2: For advanced degree holders and those with exceptional ability
- EB-3: For bachelor’s degree holders, skilled workers, and professionals
- EB-4: For religious workers
- EB-5: For investors who invest at least $900,000 (or $1.8 million in rural/high unemployment areas) in a qualifying U.S. business
The employer must get an approved labor certification and immigrant petition for you. You can then apply for your green card. Employment green cards allow you to live and work in the U.S. permanently. The EB-5 investor green card has a faster process than other employment-based categories.
Green card through investment
The EB-5 immigrant investor program provides green cards to those who invest substantial capital in the U.S. economy. You must invest at least:
- $900,000 in a qualifying business
- Or $1.8 million if investing in a rural or high unemployment area
You must demonstrate that your investment will create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The investment capital cannot be from a loan or other financing. After your petition is approved, you can apply for a conditional green card first. After two years, if you meet all program requirements, the conditions will be removed and you’ll have a permanent green card.
Green card through asylum or refugee status
If you are seeking refuge in the United States from persecution in your home country, you may be able to get a green card through asylum or refugee status. To qualify for asylum, you must be physically present in the U.S. or arriving at a port of entry. You must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applying for asylum can be a lengthy process with long wait times.
Refugee status involves applying from outside the U.S. You must demonstrate persecution or fear of persecution. Less than 1% of global refugees are resettled each year. After one year in refugee status in the U.S., you can apply to adjust your status to a permanent resident.
Green card through a special program
There are also some special programs through which you may be able to get a green card:
- Diversity visa lottery: The DV lottery makes 55,000 green cards available annually to people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. You must have a high school education or equivalent or two years work experience in the past five years that requires training.
- Special immigrant juvenile status: For immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. A court must determine it’s not in the child’s best interest to be made to return home.
- Special immigrant visa for Iraqis and Afghans: For Iraqis and Afghans who supported U.S. armed forces or U.S. missions as translators or interpreters. Allows up to 25,000 principal applicants per year.
While less common than family-based or employment-based green cards, these special programs offer valuable options if you qualify.
Green card through marriage
Marrying a U.S. citizen or green card holder provides a direct path to getting your own green card. After legally marrying, your spouse can petition for you to get a green card. To avoid issues, the marriage must be legitimate and not just for the purpose of getting a green card. The process includes:
- Your spouse files Form I-130 to establish your relationship
- You file Form I-485 to adjust your status to a permanent resident
- You attend a green card interview to verify the details of your marriage
- If approved, you receive a conditional green card first
- After two years, you apply to have the conditions removed
Once conditions are removed, you’ll have a permanent green card. As immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, spouses can get their green cards processed quickly without long wait times.
Steps you can take to increase your chances
While getting a green card ultimately comes down to fitting into one of the available categories, there are some steps you can take to help increase your chances across the board:
- Hire an experienced immigration attorney – Having expert legal guidance can help avoid mistakes and present your case in the best light possible.
- Start gathering necessary documents early – Getting documents like police certificates and medical exams can have long lead times.
- Make sure all information provided is truthful and consistent – Any discrepancies can lead to delays or even denial.
- Be prepared for interviews – Study up on the process and have answers ready for detailed questions about your background, relationship, employment, etc.
- Meet financial requirements – Having strong financial documentation helps demonstrate you won’t become a public charge.
- Check your immigration history – Issues like prior overstays or removals can impact your eligibility.
While not guaranteed, taking these steps helps avoid common pitfalls and maximize your chances for getting approved for permanent U.S. residence.
Conclusion
Getting a green card can be complicated, but many options exist. Family-based petitions provide the most common path, but employment-based and other categories also offer solid opportunities. Hiring an attorney, diligently gathering documents, thoroughly preparing, and meeting all eligibility requirements gives you the best chance for success. With strategic preparation and patience navigating the process, getting approved for U.S. permanent residence is an achievable goal.