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.
GREEN CARD THROUGH FAMILY
How to apply for permanent residence when a family member petitions for you•
Many people become permanent residents (get a green card) through family members. The United States promotes family unity and allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for certain relatives to come and live permanently in the United States. You may be eligible to get a green card through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or through the special categories described below.
There are two distinct paths through which you can get your green card. Many family members who are already in the United States may qualify for adjustment of status to permanent residence in the United States, which means they are able to complete their immigrant processing without having to return to their home country. Those relatives outside the United States or those who are not eligible to adjust status in the United States may be eligible for consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad that has jurisdiction over their foreign place of residence.
Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen
You may be able to get a green card as an immediate relative or as a family member in a preference category if your U.S. citizen relative files a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for you. You are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen if you are:
• The child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a U.S. citizen
• The spouse (husband or wife) of a U.S. citizen
• The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years or older)
Family Member of a U.S. Citizen in a Preference Category
You are a family member of a U.S. citizen in a preference category if you are:
• An unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a U.S. citizen
• A married son or daughter (any age) of a U.S. citizen
• A sibling (brother or sister) of a U.S. citizen
Family member of a permanent resident in a preference category
You may be able to get a green card as a family member in a preference category if your family member filed a Form I-130 on your behalf. You are a family member of a permanent resident in a preference category if you are:
• The spouse of a permanent resident
• The child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of permanent resident
• The unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a permanent resident
GREEN CARD THROUGH A JOB OFFER
You may be eligible to become a permanent resident based on an offer of permanent employment in the United States. Most categories require an employer to get a labor certification and then file a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for you.
GREEN CARD THROUGH INVESTMENT
Green cards may be available to investors/entrepreneurs who are making an investment in an enterprise that creates new U.S. jobs.
