Visas 101
The Green Card Breakdown
What is a Green Card?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the U.S. government that grants the holder permanent resident status. This status allows the individual to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely and provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship after a specified period (typically 3-5 years). The two most common pathways to gaining permanent residency is through employment-based sponsorship and family-based sponsorship. A Green Card can also be received through humanitarian programs, through individual filing, or by winning the diversity visa lottery. As a US permanent resident, you are eligible to pursue citizenship.
Is a green card the same thing as a visa?
No, a visa and a green card are two different things. Green cards provide certain benefits that a visa does not.
Who Is Eligible for a Green Card?
You can get a green card through the following avenues:
Employment-Base Green Card
You’re eligible for an employment-based green card if:Your employer is willing to sponsor youYou have an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, You’re a professor, researcher, manager, or executive,You have an advanced degree, orYou’re a skilled professional.
Family-Base Green Card
You’re eligible for a family-based green card if:You’re a spouse, unmarried child under 21 years, parent, widow, or widower of a US citizen, orYou’re a child or sibling of a US citizen, or you’re a spouse, child or sibling of a US lawful permanent resident
Humanitarian-Base Green Card
You’re eligible for a humanitarian-based green card if you’re:An asylee, refugee, human trafficking victim, crime victim, victim of abuse, orAn individual who qualifies under a specific humanitarian program or category e.g. Cuban Adjustment Act, American Indian Born in Canada
Diversity Lottery Green Card
You must meet certain criteria to enter the Diversity Green Card Lottery:
You must register within a specific time window, typically September-October each year.
The Green Card lottery 2025 (DV-2027) opens late October 2025. After you enter DV-2027, find out if you’ve won mid-2026, then interview and enter the US in from 2026 to 2007.
Registering for the DV lottery is free, but if you win there will be an application fee when you apply for a Green Card. Also, beware of scams and fraudulent sites - the only legitimate place you can register for the lottery is on the official US Department of State (DOS) registration site.
Individual Filing
You’re eligible for a Green Card under the following miscellaneous categories:Special immigrants, e.g. religious workers, international broadcasters.
The Green Card Application
There are two different applications process for a green card: one for applications from within the U.S., and one for applications outside the U.S.
Green card application (from within the US): You need to complete Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status). This is the form used by those who are inside the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa already, are eligible through family or employment, or have been selected for a diversity visa.
Green card application (from outside the US): You need to complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application). The form is used by those looking to get an immigrant visa from outside the US, either through employer sponsorship, family, or the diversity visa program.
The Application Process
The specific steps will vary based on your individual situation. However, most Green Card applicants will follow this general process:
Petition Filing: Someone must usually file an immigrant petition for you (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you). In some cases, you may be eligible to file for yourself.
Application Submission: Once your petition is approved by USCIS, and a visa is available in your category, you file either a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State.
Biometrics Appointment: You go to a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature.
Interview: Attend an interview with immigration officials.
Decision: You receive a decision on your application
Depending on the type of Green Card you’re applying for and where you are applying from, this process can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Below are some estimates.
Applying from within the United States
For spouses and immediate relatives (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens applying from within the United States through Adjustment of Status, the wait is approximately 9 months.
Applying from outside the United States
For spouses and immediate relatives (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens applying from within the United States via Consular Processing, the wait is approximately 15 months.
How Much Does a Green Card Cost?
The government filing fee for a family-based green card is $3005 USD for an applicant applying from within the United States, and $1340 for an applicant living outside the United States.This does not include the cost of the medical exam, which varies by provider.
More Information
For more information on applying for a Green Card see USCIS - How to Apply For a Green Card
