If you are already in the United States, it is possible to obtain a green card without returning to your home country through a process called “adjustment of status.” (Generally, to be eligible for this, you must have been “inspected and admitted” or “inspected and paroled” into the country, but there are exceptions.) This involves submitting a petition associated with your application category, such as Form I-130 for those applying for a green card through a family connection. Although the rules for applying vary slightly by category, there are two general methods of applying for a green card: Applying from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, commonly abbreviated as USCIS. The primary agency with which an immigrant will interact during the application process is the U.S. Registry - For those who have resided in the United States since January 1, 1972ĭiversity - For those coming from countries with relatively few immigrants to the United States* Application Process Refugees – For those fleeing trauma or persecution* Religious Worker (Special Immigrant) - For those coming to the United States to work as ministers, or in other religious callings or occupations* Investment - For those who invest in businesses based in the United States Each of these categories has particular requirements that an applicant must meet, and that must be demonstrated, and sometimes documented, later in the application process.Ĭrime Victim - For victims of crime or human traffickingĮmployment - For those with pending offers of certain types of jobs, or with exceptional skills and abilitiesįamily - For spouses, fiancés and relatives of U.S. In general, the categories define some category of connection or contribution to the United States offered by the prospective immigrant, such as a family member already living in the country or a job offer with a company based in the United States.

There are different categories and subcategories under which people may apply for green cards, which are discussed in greater detail in the pages linked below. Applying from Outside the United States.Having a green card for at least five years is one of the ways immigrants can enter the process of becoming a citizen, called naturalization. A green card, however, does not allow holders to vote or serve on juries these are reserved for citizens only. They can live and work in the United States, travel in and out of the country, and obtain benefits like resident tuition at public universities. Green card holders have many but not all of the privileges of citizens. A green card allows a national of another country to obtain lawful residency in the United States.

Us green card renewal application