The Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident Status) is the ultimate goal for millions seeking to live and work permanently in the United States. The application process is multi-faceted, requiring careful attention to eligibility, location, and documentation based on official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines.
Step 1: Establish Eligibility (The Immigrant Petition)
Before you can apply for the Green Card itself, you must be eligible under one of the specific immigration categories (family, employment, humanitarian, etc.). For most applicants, this requires a U.S. citizen or employer to file an Immigrant Petition on your behalf.
- Family-Based: A U.S. citizen or current Green Card holder typically files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
- Employment-Based: An employer typically files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
This approved petition secures your spot in the visa queue, which is monitored via the monthly Visa Bulletin (except for Immediate Relatives of U.S. citizens, who don’t have a wait time).
- Read also:-
- U.S. Family-Based Immigration: A Detailed Guide to Visa Procedures
- How to get a U.S. Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
- How to check your US immigration case status and find processing times.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Path
Once an immigrant visa is available (or immediately available, if applicable), the application process proceeds based on your location:
A. Applying from Inside the U.S.: Adjustment of Status (AOS)
If you are currently in the United States under a lawful nonimmigrant status, you may be eligible to file for Adjustment of Status (AOS).
- Process: You file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, directly with USCIS. In certain cases (Immediate Relatives), you can file the I-485 concurrently with the initial petition.
- Where to Apply: USCIS receives and adjudicates the application, including scheduling a biometric appointment and an interview at a local field office.
B. Applying from Outside the U.S.: Consular Processing (CP)
If you live outside the United States, you must use Consular Processing (CP) through the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
- Process: After USCIS approves the initial petition, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC processes initial documents and fees, and then forwards the case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country for an interview.
- Where to Apply: You attend the final interview at the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Fees and Processing Times: What to Expect
The duration and total costs of the Green Card process vary widely depending on the category and the USCIS field office/service center handling the petition.
| Aspect | Estimated Cost (Example) | Duration |
| I-130 Petition | Approx. $675 | Varies significantly (months to years) |
| I-485 Application (AOS) | Approx. $1,440 (Adult, incl. biometrics) | Highly variable (7 to 25+ months) |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 (Paid after approval) | N/A |
We strongly advise all applicants to verify the current filing fees on the USCIS Fee Schedule, as fees change frequently.
To determine how long your application might take, you must regularly check the official Case Processing Times tool using your receipt number and the relevant USCIS office.
The Next Step: Becoming a U.S. Citizen
A question often asked is: “How long must I stay in the U.S. after getting my Green Card?”
Once you have your Permanent Resident status, you must generally live in the U.S. and maintain your status. The requirement to apply for Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship) is typically five years of Lawful Permanent Residency (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen) before you can file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This time requirement is for citizenship, not for keeping your Green Card, which requires maintaining continuous residence and avoiding prolonged trips abroad.
