How to get a Green Card

In general, to understand how to get a Green Card you should:

1. Verify your eligibility under one of the available categories, such as family, employment, asylum, humanitarian programs, or the diversity visa lottery.
2. File the correct form together with the required supporting evidence.
3. Wait for visa availability in the Visa Bulletin and follow USCIS processing timelines.
4. Complete the final step, either adjustment of status if you are in the U.S. or consular processing if you are abroad.
5. Receive your physical card and begin residing lawfully in the United States.

This guide explains clearly what a Green Card is, the most common ways to obtain it in 2025, what requirements must be met, how much it costs, how long the process takes, and what to do if your application is denied.

What should I know about how to get a Green Card in the United States?

The Green Card, also called the Lawful Permanent Resident Card, is the document issued by USCIS that grants an immigrant the right to:

• Reside permanently in the United States.
• Work lawfully for any employer without additional permits.
• Access certain public benefits and state programs, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Apply for U.S. citizenship after a period of residence (5 years in most cases, or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen).

However, obtaining a Green Card is not automatic. To obtain it, you must satisfy the requirements established by immigration law and fall within one of the approved categories.

Initial eligibility to get a Green Card

The first step in understanding how to get a Green Card is to verify whether you qualify under any of the eligibility categories established by U.S. immigration law.

Not everyone can apply, and each pathway requires meeting specific conditions. The principal categories include:

• Family: For spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents of a U.S. citizen. You may also petition for adult children, married children, and siblings, although these categories have longer waitlists. Lawful permanent residents may sponsor their spouses and unmarried children.
• Employment: For those with an approved job offer, who demonstrate extraordinary ability, or who make a significant investment in the U.S. (EB-5 program).
• Asylum or refugee status: For those who have received asylum or refugee status and have lived in the U.S. for at least one year before applying for permanent residence.
• Humanitarian programs: For immigrants who are victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, or certain serious crimes in the U.S.
• Other special categories: Such as the diversity visa lottery or programs for special immigrants (religious workers under an R visa, juveniles, Afghan/Iraqi programs, among others).

Before starting the process, it is advisable to seek immigration legal counsel to identify the correct category and avoid errors that could cause denials or years of delay in the process.

Main categories to apply for a Green Card

Once eligibility is confirmed, it is important to understand in detail the common categories that allow you to get a Green Card:

A) Family-based Green Card

This is the most common way to obtain a Green Card, although some categories are highly backlogged. Eligibility and benefits depend on the relationship:

• Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens have priority and are not subject to annual caps, which generally leads to shorter timelines.
• Parents of U.S. citizens over age 21 also qualify without a waitlist.
• Adult children and siblings fall within preference categories (F1, F3, F4), which frequently involve delays exceeding 10 years, particularly for applicants from high-demand countries.

Example: A Mexican sibling of a U.S. citizen may wait more than 15 years due to high demand in that category.

B) Employment-based Green Card

These are divided into EB (Employment-Based) subcategories, each with specific requirements:

• EB-1: Individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers.
• EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
• EB-3: Skilled workers, other workers, and professionals with a bachelor’s degree.
• EB-5: Investors contributing $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) or $1,050,000 elsewhere, creating at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.

Practical note: EB-2 and EB-3 often accumulate backlogs, while EB-1 and EB-5 may move faster if all requirements are met.

C) Green Card through asylum or refugee status

Those who have received asylum or refugee status may apply for lawful permanent residence after at least one year of continuous physical presence in the U.S. by filing Form I-485.

D) Diversity Visa Lottery

The Department of State annually allocates up to 55,000 diversity visas to individuals from countries with low immigration to the U.S.

Not all applicants are selected and the process is entirely random, but it remains a real pathway for thousands of immigrants.

E) Humanitarian programs

These programs include special pathways for:

• VAWA: For victims of domestic violence who can self-petition without relying on the abuser.
• T visa: Designed for victims of human trafficking who cooperate with authorities.
• U visa: For victims of qualifying serious crimes such as physical violence, sexual abuse, or kidnapping.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ): For minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents and who, by order of a state court, cannot return to them.

F) Gold Card (golden visa)

On September 19, 2025, the White House announced by executive order the Gold Card, an accelerated residence program based on significant donations to the U.S. Government. The agencies (Commerce, State, and DHS) have 90 days to define rules, fees, and a start date, consistent with the numerical limits in immigration law (8 U.S.C. 1151).

• Official amounts: $1 million (personal donation) or $2 million (if the donation is made by a company on the applicant’s behalf).
• Current status: In implementation, with potential legal challenges. As of today, the reliable pathway remains EB-5, which requires the creation of at least 10 jobs.
• Difference from EB-5: the Gold Card is based on a direct donation (as evidentiary support in EB-1/EB-2/NIW contexts with expedited processing), whereas EB-5 requires a productive investment that creates jobs, with minimums of $1,050,000 ($800,000 in TEAs).

In conclusion: the Gold Card may open a fast option for high-net-worth individuals, but it is not yet fully defined nor free from litigation.

What is the application process to get a Green Card?

After confirming eligibility, the next step in how to get a Green Card is to file the corresponding petition. This process varies by Green Card category:

Family-based

If your application is based on a qualifying family relationship, the process begins with a petition filed by your relative with USCIS:

• The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
• Proof of the qualifying relationship must be included, such as marriage and birth certificates or other documents demonstrating the relationship.

Employment-based

For those applying based on a job offer, the employer initiates the process:

• The employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
• In most cases, an approved PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) is required to show that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.

Investment-based (EB-5)

If you choose the investment route, the process begins with documenting the investment and its economic impact. To do so, you must:

• File Form I-526 with USCIS, which must include evidence of the amount invested; and 
• Create at least 10 full-time jobs in the United States.

Asylum or refugee pathway

Those granted asylum or refugee status may adjust to lawful permanent residence after one year in the U.S. To do this:

• The applicant must file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) directly with USCIS to request the Green Card.

Through humanitarian visas (VAWA, U, T, SIJ, etc.)

In cases of domestic violence, human trafficking, or certain crimes, the process is initiated by the applicant by filing: 

• Form I-360, or
• The form corresponding to the applicable category.

In all cases, if the petition is approved, USCIS assigns a case number and the matter appears in the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, which regulates visa availability by country and category.

Wait times to get a Green Card

Wait times are one of the most important aspects in analyzing how to get a Green Card, as they vary by category and country of origin. Below are the most common time frames and the current delays in 2025.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents of a citizen age 21+).
They are not subject to annual caps, so they do not depend on Visa Bulletin availability. They follow standard processing timelines.

Family preference categories (adult children, married children, siblings).
These are subject to annual caps, generating waitlists that vary by category and country of origin.

Employment (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).
Timing depends on whether PERM labor certification is required, the country of origin (India and China often have longer backlogs), and movement of priority dates in the Visa Bulletin.

Refugees and asylees.
They may apply for adjustment after one year of physical presence in the U.S. with that status. Processing times may vary.

Diversity Visa Lottery.
Selection is annual. Those selected must complete the process within the corresponding fiscal year or they lose the benefit.

Gold Card: program under implementation; timelines are yet to be defined until agencies publish official procedures.

Consular interview and adjustment of status in the process to get a Green Card

Once the petition is approved and visa availability is confirmed in the Visa Bulletin, the process to obtain a Green Card follows one of two paths, depending on whether the applicant is outside or inside the United States:

Consular processing (outside the U.S.)

Consular processing takes place at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country. Before attending this appointment:

• The NVC receives the case and the applicant completes the DS-260 online with supporting documentation.
• Finally, the applicant attends the consular interview, where an officer reviews:
  • Criminal background and the medical exam results.
  • The validity of the family or employment relationship supporting the petition.
  • Financial evidence (Affidavit of Support), when applicable.

If everything is in order, the officer approves the immigrant visa and explains the final steps to receive the Green Card after entering the United States.

Adjustment of status (inside the U.S.)

Adjustment of status allows you to obtain a Green Card without leaving the United States. The process includes:

• Filing Form I-485 with USCIS, together with supporting documentation.
• Biometrics and an interview at the local USCIS office, where an officer reviews the I-485, original documents, immigration history, and the family or employment relationship supporting the application.

If approved, USCIS issues the approval notice and the Green Card is delivered by mail, typically within 2 to 4 weeks.

Important: If you leave the country while an I-485 is pending without an advance parole (Form I-131), USCIS will deem the application abandoned.

Receiving your Green Card and first steps

Once the case is approved, the final step in how to get a Green Card is receiving the physical card. The process depends on whether you proceeded through consular processing or adjustment of status:

• Consular processing (outside the U.S.):
  • After the interview and approval, the applicant pays the USCIS immigrant fee ($235) before traveling.
    
• Adjustment of status (inside the U.S.):
  • USCIS sends an I-485 approval notice.
  • After approval, the physical Green Card is produced and mailed to the address USCIS has on file. Delivery time may vary depending on several factors.

Immediate recommendations after receiving your Green Card

Receiving the Green Card is only the beginning. To avoid issues and ensure everything is in order from day one, follow these recommendations:

• Verify that all data are correct: name, category, expiration date, and so on.
• If you do not yet have a Social Security Number, apply for one.

See the section “How to maintain your Green Card once obtained” to learn about your ongoing obligations.

Wait times and when to apply for U.S. citizenship

The time it takes to complete the process to get a Green Card depends on the category and the applicant’s country of origin:

• Marriage to a U.S. citizen: Typically between 13 and 37 months, depending on whether it is processed inside the U.S. or through consular processing and USCIS workload.
• Family preference petitions: May take 10 years or more, especially for applicants from high-demand countries such as Mexico or the Philippines.
• Employment (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3): If visas are available, the process may take 1 to 3 years, but for India and China the wait may exceed 10 years due to backlogs.
• By diversity visa lottery: If selected, you must complete the entire process within the assigned fiscal year, otherwise you lose the benefit.

Applying for U.S. citizenship

Once you obtain a Green Card, the next step for many immigrants is the process to become a U.S. citizen. The waiting period depends on how you obtained permanent residence:

• General rule: After 5 years as a lawful permanent resident.
• Marriage to a U.S. citizen: After 3 years, as long as the marriage remains valid and you live together.

In both cases, you must demonstrate continuous physical presence in the U.S. (30 of the last 60 months or 18 of the last 36 months, as applicable) and good moral character during the required period.

Green Card costs in 2025

The cost to obtain a Green Card depends on the pathway used, the filing category, and whether you need additional permits while your case is pending.

• I-485 (adjustment of status, includes biometrics): $1,440
• I-485 (under age 14 filing concurrently with a parent): $950
• I-130 (family petition): $625 online or $675 by mail
• I-131 (advance parole): $630
• I-765 (EAD with I-485 pending): $260 (full EAD fee is $520 on paper or $470 online)
• DS-260 (immigrant visa or consular processing): $325 (family), $345 (employment) or $205 (for other categories such as I-360 or SB-1)
• Affidavit of Support (AOS) review at NVC: $120
• USCIS Immigrant Fee (after consular visa approval): $235

Important update: Since July 18, 2025, new asylum fees have been added (Form I-589: $100 and Annual Asylum Fee: $100 per year). They do not directly affect the I-485 but are useful to know.

Update of September 19, 2025 – Gold Card: announced with contributions of $1 million (personal donation) or $2 million (if the donation is made by a company on the applicant’s behalf). The final fees and requirements will be published in regulations within the next 90 days.

Practical cost examples (excluding medical exam and translations)

To give you a clear idea of potential expenses, here are approximate costs for the most common scenarios (excluding medical exam and translations):

Marriage-based adjustment

Concurrent filing I-130 + I-485 + EAD + advance parole:

• I-130 online: $625
• I-485 (adjustment of status): $1,440
• I-765 (EAD): $260
• I-131 (advance parole): $630

Approximate total: $2,955

Family consular processing

Filing I-130 + NVC + DS-260 + Immigrant Fee:

• I-130 online: $625
• NVC AOS review: $120
• DS-260 (family): $325
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235

Approximate total: $1,305

Common additional expenses

• Medical exam (I-693): Between $200 and $500 (depending on the designated civil surgeon).
• Certified translations: Between $20 and $50 per page.
• Attorney’s fees: Typically $3,000 to $6,000 (depending on case complexity).
  

How to track your Green Card application

Once your application is filed, it is essential to monitor it to avoid delays or lost documents.

Primary methods

• USCIS Case Status Online: Use your receipt number (generally 3 letters + 10 digits) to check your case status on the official site.
• USCIS account: Creating an account lets you receive automatic updates and, if the card has been mailed, view a USPS tracking number.
• USPS Informed Delivery (where available): Allows you to preview incoming mail and packages, helping you identify when the Green Card is on its way.

What to do if there are issues?

While most Green Cards arrive without incident, delays or mailing errors may occur. In such cases, take the following actions:

• If the physical card does not arrive or is lost, you can request a replacement by filing Form I-90.
• If there is a prolonged delay after approval, you can contact USCIS through a “case inquiry” to investigate status.
• Ensure that USCIS has your correct address; report any change as soon as possible to avoid delivery to the wrong address.

Example: Due to high caseloads and USCIS fee adjustments this year, some applicants have experienced 4 to 6-month delays in receiving the physical card, even after approval.

Can I leave the U.S. while my Green Card application is pending?

It is possible to travel outside the U.S. while your Green Card application is pending, but only if you first obtain Advance Parole.

Departing without this authorization will cause USCIS to deem your adjustment of status application abandoned. With that in mind, consider the following:

• About Advance Parole:
  • Its validity varies by case and may authorize single or multiple entries; always verify the dates on the approved document.
    
• Exceptions and precautions:
  • Asylum applicants with pending cases should be very cautious, as leaving the country can be treated as abandonment. Even with advance parole, re-entry is not guaranteed.
  • Individuals with immigration history issues (such as prior unlawful entries or grounds of inadmissibility) may be refused admission at the port of entry even with an approved travel document.
    
• Practical tips:
  • Do not purchase airline tickets until advance parole has been approved by USCIS.
  • Always travel with your original travel document and the I-797 notice.
    

Updated note: USCIS is taking between 6 and 9 months to approve advance parole in many cases, so apply well in advance.

How to maintain your Green Card once obtained

Obtaining lawful permanent residence is a major achievement, but keeping your Green Card requires complying with several legal obligations:

Principal rules to preserve lawful permanent residence

• Maintain ties to the U.S.: It is important to reside in the country most of the time. Absences longer than 6 months may raise questions and even create a presumption of abandonment if there is no evidence of intent to return.
• Extended travel: Absences longer than one year generally require a reentry permit (Form I-131) to avoid a finding that residence was abandoned.
• Tax filings: You must always file as a resident (federal and state, if applicable). Filing as a “nonresident” may create immigration problems.
• Selective Service: Males between 18 and 26 must register if required by law.
• Change of address: You must notify USCIS within 10 days using Form AR-11.

Risks of losing the Green Card

• Voluntary abandonment: If USCIS determines you primarily live in another country or no longer intend to reside in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
• Serious crimes: Convictions that qualify for removal under immigration laws.
• Immigration fraud: Concealing information or submitting false documents can result in termination of permanent resident status.

Practical example

A resident who travels to their home country for 18 months without a reentry permit risks losing the Green Card. 

By contrast, another resident who travels for 14 months but previously obtained Form I-131 preserves their rights upon return.

Recent note: In 2025, USCIS has strengthened controls regarding extended travel and improper use of public benefits to determine whether a resident maintains the intent to live permanently in the U.S.

Can I renew my Green Card?

Once you have achieved the objective of understanding how to get a Green Card, remember that the document has a limited validity and must be renewed. For example:

• Most common cases:
  • Lawful permanent residents (10-year card): The Green Card is valid for 10 years and is renewed using Form I-90.
  • Conditional residents (2 years): The card is valid for 2 years. You do not renew with I-90; instead, you must file Form I-751 (marriage) or I-829 (investment) with USCIS to remove conditions.
    
• Recommended timelines:
  • File for renewal at least 6 months before a 10-year card expires.
  • If your Green Card has already expired, you may still renew it, although you could face obstacles when working, traveling, or completing state procedures.

What documents do I need to renew my Green Card?

To begin the renewal process with Form I-90, you must gather the necessary documentation and submit it with your application:

• Copy of the Green Card that is expired or expiring.
• Proof of payment of the applicable fees (I-90 + biometrics fee).
• Additional evidence if there have been changes to your name or personal information.

What are the consequences of not renewing the Green Card?

Failing to renew on time can lead to complications:

• Difficulties proving authorization to work.
• Potential problems when traveling outside the U.S. if you do not have valid proof of a pending renewal.
• Obstacles in completing state procedures (licenses, benefits, identification, among others).

2025 updated note: USCIS is offering temporary automatic extensions of 24 months via the I-797 receipt, preventing a lapse in documentation while the renewal is processed.

Is it easy to get a Green Card in the U.S.?

Many immigrants think they know how to get a Green Card, but in practice the process is often lengthy and complex.

Factors that influence difficulty

The complexity and timeline for obtaining a Green Card are not the same for everyone. These are the principal factors that may speed up or delay the process:

• Application category:
  • Marriage to a U.S. citizen: It may take several months if everything is in order and local backlogs are lighter, but it may extend beyond 1–2 years where there is significant backlog.
  • Employment: In many cases between 2 and 5 years, but for applicants from high-demand countries the period can be much longer.
  • Diversity visa lottery: Involves strict eligibility and depends heavily on the fiscal year, demand, and availability.
    
• Country of origin:
  • Applicants from Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines often face much longer waitlists.
    
• Immigration or criminal history:
  • Complicated backgrounds can delay approval or even lead to denials.
    

Example: If everything is favorable (correct documentation, no backlog, favorable category), a person could obtain a marriage-based Green Card in approximately 8 to 12 months. By contrast, an employment-based Green Card for an applicant from a backlogged country may take 5 years or more.

Immigration attorneys to obtain or renew a Green Card

Although many believe that getting a Green Card is only about filling out forms, the process actually involves numerous requirements, strict deadlines, and potential errors that can delay approval for years.

At Curbelo Law, Attorney Carolina T. Curbelo and her team have over 10 years of experience helping immigrants in New Jersey and across the U.S. obtain and maintain lawful permanent residence. We help you:

• Avoid costly errors in forms and supporting evidence.
• Represent you at interviews, Requests for Evidence (RFE), or appeals.
• Design a personalized strategy based on your category (family, employment, asylum, investment).
• Assist with renewals, card replacements, and removal cases.

Key 2025 data point: USCIS has increased denials due to filing errors, especially in adjustment of status cases. Having legal representation can dramatically reduce this risk.