Introduction
Getting a U.S. Green Card means becoming a lawful permanent resident, allowing you to live and work in the United States. Learn more about the benefits of a Green Card. But how can you get one? There isn’t a single way — eligibility depends on your family connections, job, refugee status, or other special categories.
At ImmigrationDirect, we help immigrants understand their options and guide them through the steps to permanent residency. In this guide, you will learn the main paths to get a Green Card, eligibility requirements, and tips to choose the right option.
Main Paths to Get a Green Card
There are several primary ways to become a permanent resident in the U.S.:
1. Family-Based Green Card
If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, you may qualify.
- Eligible relatives include: spouses, parents, children, and sometimes siblings.
- U.S. citizens can sponsor more family members than permanent residents.
- Requires filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
Family-based sponsorship is one of the most common ways immigrants receive Green Cards. For a more detailed explanation, check our “Obtaining a Green Card Through Family” guide.
2. Employment-Based Green Card
Workers with certain skills or job offers can apply for a Green Card through employment.
- Categories include: EB-1 (extraordinary ability), EB-2 (advanced degree/professional), EB-3 (skilled or unskilled workers).
- Typically requires employer sponsorship through Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
- Some categories allow self-petition (like EB-1A for extraordinary ability).
Employment-based Green Cards are ideal if you have a job offer or exceptional skills.
3. Refugee or Asylee Green Card
If you were granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S., you may apply for a Green Card after one year of being admitted.
- Use Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
- Refugees and asylees can also include spouses and children in their applications.
This path ensures protection for those escaping persecution while giving a route to permanent residency. Learn more about the asylum and refugee green card process and its benefits.
4. Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery randomly selects applicants from countries with low immigration to the U.S.
- Requires education or work experience eligibility.
- Winners may apply for permanent residency without employer or family sponsorship.
This is a competitive route but available for eligible applicants each year.
5. Special Categories
Other less common paths include:
- Investor Green Card (EB-5) – For those who invest in a U.S. business.
- Special Immigrant Categories – Religious workers, Afghan/Iraqi translators, etc.
Special categories are highly specific and may require legal guidance.
Conditional vs. Permanent Green Cards
Some paths issue conditional Green Cards:
- Conditional Green Card (2 years): Usually for spouses of U.S. citizens or investors (EB-5).
- Permanent Green Card (10 years): Most family-based and employment-based Green Cards.
Conditional holders must file an I-751 petition to remove conditions before the 2-year period ends to maintain permanent status.
Choosing the Right Green Card Path
To select the best option, consider:
- Your relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident – Family sponsorship may be easiest if eligible.
- Your employment skills – If you have extraordinary skills, employer sponsorship may be faster.
- Humanitarian needs – Refugees or asylees can adjust status after one year.
- Eligibility for lottery or special categories – Check diversity lottery or EB-5 requirements.
Once you know your path, the next step is understanding the Green Card process, which we explain in our Green Card Process guide.
FAQs On How to Get Green Card
1. Can I apply for a Green Card if my relative is not an immediate family member?
No. Only specific family relationships qualify for a Green Card—such as a U.S. citizen’s spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents, and sometimes siblings. Relatives like cousins, nieces, nephews, or in-laws usually don’t qualify unless another immigration category applies.
2. What if I have a U.S. job offer but my employer doesn’t want to sponsor me?
Most employment-based Green Cards require employer sponsorship. If your employer won’t file for you, you may explore self-petition options such as the EB-1A (extraordinary ability) or EB-2 National Interest Waiver, which do not need an employer sponsor.
3. What mistakes cause Green Card delays or denials?
Common mistakes include incomplete forms, missing signatures, wrong fees, expired documents, or missing supporting evidence. Be sure to double-check everything before submission.
4. What is a conditional Green Card?
It’s a two-year Green Card given to certain spouses of U.S. citizens or investors. Before it expires, you must remove the conditions to become a permanent resident.
5. What does “one year of being admitted as a refugee or asylee” mean?
It means one year has passed since you entered the U.S. as a refugee or were granted asylum status. You become eligible to apply for a Green Card (Form I-485) after that one-year period.
6. Can my employer withdraw my Green Card application?
Yes. If your employer withdraws before you receive your Green Card, your case may be canceled. In some cases, if your I-140 was approved and you’ve waited 180+ days, you may keep your priority date and transfer to a new employer.
7. Can my spouse and children also get Green Cards with me?
Yes. Eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can be included in your application or file as “derivative beneficiaries.” Their process depends on your category and immigration status.
Next Steps
After determining which path fits you, you can:
- Start your petition or application forms.
- Gather the required documents.
- Prepare for any interviews or background checks.
Ready to take the first step? Start your Green Card journey with ImmigrationDirect. Our experts help you determine your best eligibility path and guide you through the application process.
