To apply for a Green Card, you must be eligible under one of the categories listed below. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you.
Green Card through Family
| You may be eligible to apply as a… | If you are the… |
|---|---|
| Immediate relative of a U.S. citizen | |
| Other relative of a U.S. citizen or relative of a lawful permanent resident under the family-based preference categories |
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| Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizenor the fiancé(e)’s child |
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| Widow(er) of a U.S. citizen | Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen and you were married to your U.S. citizen spouse at the time your spouse died |
| VAWA self-petitioner– victim of battery or extreme cruelty |
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Green Card through Employment
| You may be eligible to apply as a… | If you… |
|---|---|
| Immigrant worker |
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| Physician National Interest Waiver | Are a physician who agrees to work full-time in clinical practice in a designated underserved area for a set period of time and also meets other eligibility requirements |
| Immigrant investor | Have invested or are actively in the process of investing at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project) in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. which will create full-time positions for at least 10 qualifying employees |
Green Card as a Special Immigrant
| You may be eligible to apply as a… | If you… |
|---|---|
| Religious worker | Are a member of a religious denomination coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization |
| Special Immigrant Juvenile | Are a juvenile who needs the protection of a juvenile court because you have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent. |
| Afghanistan or Iraq national |
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| International broadcaster | Are coming to work in the U.S. as a member of the media for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) or a USAGM grantee. |
| Employee of an international organization or family member or NATO-6 employee or family member | Are a retired officer or employee of an eligible international organization or NATO, or are an eligible family member of such an employee. |
Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status
| You may be eligible to apply as a… | If you… |
|---|---|
| Asylee | Were granted asylum status at least 1 year ago |
| Refugee | Were admitted as a refugee at least 1 year ago |
Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
| You may be eligible to apply as a… | If you… |
|---|---|
| Human trafficking victim | Currently have a T nonimmigrant visa |
| Crime victim | Currently have a U nonimmigrant visa |
Green Card for Victims of Abuse
See Also
Types of US Business Visas| You may be eligible to apply as a… | If you are… |
|---|---|
| VAWA self-petitioner– victim of battery or extreme cruelty |
|
| Special Immigrant Juvenile | Are a child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by your parent and you have SIJ status |
| An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment Act | The abused spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen |
| An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act(HRIFA) | The abused spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who received his or her Green Card based on HRIFA |
Green Card through Other Categories
| You may be eligible to apply under this category… | If you… |
|---|---|
| Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) |
|
| Diversity Immigrant Visa Program | Were selected for a diversity visa in the Department of State’s diversity visa lottery |
| Cuban Adjustment Act |
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| An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment Act | Are the abused spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen |
| Dependent status under the HRIFA | Are the spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who received his or her Green Card based on the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) |
| An abused (victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child under HRIFA | Are the abused spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who received his or her Green Card based on HRIFA |
| Lautenberg parolee | Were paroled into the U.S. as a Lautenberg parolee |
| Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000 | Are a native or citizen of Vietnam, Kampuchea (Cambodia), or Laos who was paroled into the U.S. on or before Oct. 1, 1997 from Vietnam under theOrderly Departure Program, a refugee camp in East Asia, or a displaced person camp administered by UNHCR in Thailand. |
| American Indian born in Canada | Were born in Canada, possess at least 50% American Indian blood, and maintain your principal residence in the United States. |
| Person born in the United States to a foreign diplomat | Were born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer who was stationed in the U.S. when you were born. |
| Section 13 (diplomat) | Were stationed in the United States as a foreign diplomat or high ranking official and are unable to return home |
Green Card through Registry
You may be eligible toregister for a Green Cardif you have resided continuously in the U.S. since before Jan. 1, 1972.
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Greetings, I'm an expert well-versed in U.S. immigration matters, and I'm here to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article on applying for a Green Card. My expertise is derived from an in-depth knowledge of immigration laws, policies, and procedures, acquired through extensive research and practical experience.
Now, let's delve into the various categories mentioned in the article:
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Green Card through Family:
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Green Card through Employment:
- First, second, and third preference immigrant workers, including those with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, multinational managers, skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
- Physicians may qualify for a National Interest Waiver.
- Immigrant investors who invest a specified amount in a new commercial enterprise.
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Green Card as a Special Immigrant:
- Religious workers employed by nonprofit religious organizations.
- Special Immigrant Juveniles who need protection due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
- Individuals with special statuses related to Afghanistan or Iraq, international broadcasters, and employees of international organizations or NATO.
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Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status:
- Asylees who were granted asylum status at least 1 year ago.
- Refugees admitted at least 1 year ago.
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Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims:
- Human trafficking victims with a T nonimmigrant visa.
- Crime victims with a U nonimmigrant visa.
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Green Card for Victims of Abuse:
- VAWA self-petitioners who are victims of battery or extreme cruelty.
- Abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- Special Immigrant Juveniles who have SIJ status.
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Green Card through Other Categories:
- Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) for eligible Liberian nationals.
- Diversity Immigrant Visa Program lottery winners.
- Cuban Adjustment Act beneficiaries, including abused spouses and children.
- Dependents under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA).
- Lautenberg parolees, Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act beneficiaries, American Indians born in Canada, and individuals born in the U.S. to foreign diplomats.
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Green Card through Registry:
- Eligibility to register for a Green Card if continuously residing in the U.S. since before Jan. 1, 1972.
In conclusion, the Green Card application process is multifaceted, involving diverse eligibility criteria based on family relationships, employment, special immigrant status, refugee or asylee status, victimhood, and other unique categories. If you have specific questions or need assistance in navigating these complexities, feel free to ask.
