Requirements to Get a Green Card

Becoming a lawful permanent resident in the United States involves obtaining a residency card, often referred to as a green card. Green cards may be issued to individuals who desire to live and work in the U.S., or as a first step towards American citizenship. Requirements to get a green card may depend on employment, country of origin, family, refugee status or how long an individual has lived in the U.S.

Family Requirements

An immediate family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen may apply for an individual to receive a green card. Family members that may be sponsored include children, siblings, parents and spouses.

Employment

If a foreign national is working in the U.S. or offered employment in the U.S., they may be sponsored by the employer. Priority is given to individuals with advanced degrees or those who are considered exceptional in their field of employment.

Length of Residency

The Registry Act was created to allow foreign nationals living for a long period of time in the U.S. a chance to apply for a green card. Individuals who have lived in the U.S. continuously since before January 1st, 1972 may apply.

Diversity Lottery

Each year, the U.S. has an immigration lottery allowing people from qualifying countries to apply for and obtain green cards in the U.S.

Asylum and Refugees

Under certain circumstances, qualifying individuals may apply for a green card through asylum or refugee status. People who may be or have been persecuted in another country due to race, religion, political opinion or other reasons may qualify.

Resources

• US Citizenship and Immigration Services