Immigrating to the US

Overview

A permanent resident is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a “green card.” You can become a permanent resident several different ways. Most individuals are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States. Other individuals may become permanent residents through refugee or asylee status or other humanitarian programs. In some cases, you may be eligible to file for yourself.

The steps to become a permanent resident are different for each category and will depend on if you are currently living inside or outside the United States. The main categories are listed below. More information is available in the links to the left.

• Green Card Through FamilyHow to apply for permanent residence when a family member petitions for you·
• Green Card Through a JobHow to apply for permanent residence based on a job offer or employment.
• Green Card Through Refugee or Asylum StatusHow to apply for permanent residence when you have been granted refugee or asylum status·
• Other Ways to Get a Green CardLearn about the many other ways that you may qualify for permanent residence

If you are unsure which immigration path best fits your particular situation, see the “Green Card Processes & Procedures”.

There are many different ways to get a green card (permanent residence). Each category will have specific steps and procedures to follow. Below are some general processes and procedures to help you apply to get a green card either while in the United States (known as “adjustment of status”) or while outside the United States (known as “consular processing

Green Card Eligibility

Determine if you are eligible for permanent residence. Review the eligibility requirements needed before applying for your green card.

You may be eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence) through your family, a job offer or employment, refugee or asylum status, or a number of other special provisions. In some cases, you may even be able to self petition or have a record created for permanent residence on your behalf. In general, to meet the requirements for permanent residence in the United States, you must:

• Be eligible for one of the immigrant categories established in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
• Have a qualifying immigrant petition filed and approved for you (with a few exceptions)
• Have an immigrant visa immediately available
• Be admissible to the United States

Each requirement is detailed below.

Eligibility for an Immigrant Category

Individuals who want to become immigrants (permanent residents) through their qualified family member, a job offer or employment, or a special category will generally be classified in categories based on a preference system. Except for immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen who are given the highest immigration priority and a few other exceptions, Congress has set a finite number of visas that can be used each year for each category of immigrants. The general categories are listed below. For more specific information under each general category, see the links to the left.

Family Based

Some relatives of U.S. citizens, known as immediate relatives, do not have to wait for a visa t

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