Green Card & Permanent Residence

Overview

Your path to lawful permanent residence

Lawful permanent residence — a “green card” — is granted to individuals who qualify through family, employment, humanitarian programs, or other categories. Once approved, a permanent resident may live and work anywhere in the U.S. and, in time, may become eligible for citizenship.

There are two main routes to a green card. Adjustment of status (Form I-485) is available to eligible applicants already in the United States, while consular processing takes place at a U.S. consulate abroad. The right route depends on how you entered, your current status, and your immigration history.

What we review for eligibility

• Basis the family, employment, or humanitarian category you qualify under.
• Entry & status how you entered the U.S. and your current immigration status.
• Admissibility any grounds that could require a waiver before approval.
• Presence your time in the U.S. and any departures.