How to Get a U.S. Green Card
A green card makes you a lawful permanent resident, able to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Most people qualify through a family or employment category (or humanitarian programs or the diversity lottery), and get it either through adjustment of status (Form I-485) if already in the U.S., or consular processing if abroad.
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 24, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
Immigration is federal law and policy changes frequently. This is general information, not legal advice — verify current rules at uscis.gov and consult a qualified immigration attorney.
A “green card” gives you lawful permanent residence (LPR) — the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently, and the foundation for eventually applying for citizenship.
The main categories
- Family-based. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — the spouse, an unmarried child under 21, and the parent of a citizen who’s 21+ — have unlimited visas (no waiting list). Other relatives of citizens and permanent residents fall into numerically limited family preference categories (F1–F4).
- Employment-based. Five preferences, EB-1 through EB-5 — from extraordinary ability and advanced-degree professionals to skilled workers, special immigrants, and immigrant investors.
- Humanitarian. Includes refugees and asylees adjusting to permanent residence, among other programs.
- Diversity Visa lottery. A limited program for people from certain countries.
Two paths to get it
How you actually obtain the green card depends on where you are:
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) — used when you’re already in the United States.
- Consular Processing — used when you’re abroad, completing the process at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
A note on fees and timelines
Filing fees and processing times change and vary by category, so we don’t state them here as fixed facts — check current figures on USCIS and the Department of State before relying on them. Because eligibility rules are detailed and case-specific, connect with a lawyer.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- What is a green card?
- It's the card showing you're a lawful permanent resident (LPR) — you can live and work in the United States permanently, and after enough time you may apply for citizenship.
- Who counts as an 'immediate relative' for a family green card?
- The spouse of a U.S. citizen, an unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older. Immediate-relative immigrant visas are unlimited, so they don't wait for a visa number.
- What's the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
- Adjustment of status (Form I-485) is used when you're already in the U.S. Consular processing is used when you're abroad — you complete the process at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The path depends on where you are.
- How long does getting a green card take?
- It varies widely by category and circumstances, and waits change over time — we don't list specific timelines because they're not fixed. Check current information on USCIS and the Department of State.