Moving to the United States permanently is a dream for many people, and getting a Green Card is one of the most important steps in that journey. A Green Card gives you the legal right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. But for most people, the process is not simple. It requires knowing which path fits your situation, collecting the correct documents, and understanding the steps in detail.
There are several ways to apply for a Green Card, depending on your relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, job offer, special immigration status, or even through the Diversity Visa (Lottery) Program. If you are applying from outside the U.S., your application will go through a U.S. consulate abroad. If you are already in the U.S., you will usually apply through a process called “adjustment of status.”
Below, you’ll find a clear and updated guide on how to apply for a Green Card in 2025. We’ll focus on the most common pathways, what documents you’ll need, and what you can expect at each stage.
Understanding What a Green Card Means
A Green Card is also known as a Permanent Resident Card. Once you get it, you have the right to:
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Live anywhere in the U.S. permanently
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Work legally for any employer
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Travel in and out of the country (with some limits)
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Apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain number of years
Green Cards are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and there are strict eligibility rules. It’s very important to choose the right application category.
Main Ways to Get a U.S. Green Card
There is no one single application for everyone. The process you follow depends on how you qualify. These are the main paths:
1. Green Card Through Family
This is the most common way people get Green Cards.
You may be eligible if you are:
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A spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen
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A married or unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen
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A spouse or child of a Green Card holder (permanent resident)
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A fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (after marriage, you can apply)
Steps:
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The U.S. relative files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
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You apply for the Green Card once the petition is approved
Processing Time: 8 months to several years, depending on the relationship and your country
2. Green Card Through Employment
If you have a job offer in the U.S., or are highly skilled in a needed profession, you might qualify for a work-based Green Card. This includes:
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Professionals and skilled workers
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Researchers and professors
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Executives or managers transferred from abroad
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Individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like science, art, or business
Steps:
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Employer usually files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
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In some categories, you can self-petition (e.g. EB-1A for extraordinary ability)
Processing Time: 10 months to several years
(Depends on your visa category and country)
More Info: USCIS Employment Green Card Categories
3. Green Card Through the Diversity Visa Lottery
Each year, the U.S. offers 55,000 Green Cards through the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, meant for people from countries with low immigration numbers to the U.S.
You must meet education or work experience requirements and be from an eligible country.
Steps:
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Apply online at dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period (usually in October)
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If selected, submit Form DS-260 and attend a visa interview
Processing Time: About 1 year from application to approval
This is a free lottery, and you can only apply once per year.
4. Green Card Through Asylum or Refugee Status
If you were granted asylum or entered the U.S. as a refugee, you can apply for a Green Card after one year of living in the U.S. under protected status.
Steps:
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File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence)
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Submit evidence of your current status and one year of presence
Processing Time: Usually under one year
5. Green Card Through Investment (EB-5 Program)
If you have access to large funds and plan to invest in a U.S. business that creates jobs, you may be eligible for the EB-5 investor visa. Minimum investment is $800,000 to $1,050,000.
Steps:
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Invest in a qualifying U.S. business or regional center
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File Form I-526, followed by Form I-485 or consular processing
This path is expensive but faster in many cases.
Steps to Apply for a Green Card in 2025
After choosing your category, the process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
You must first confirm which category fits your situation. You can review eligibility requirements at
👉 uscis.gov/green-card
Step 2: File the Right Petition
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If applying through family: Form I-130
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If through employment: Form I-140
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If self-petitioning: Form I-360 (certain categories)
This petition must be approved before moving forward.
Step 3: Wait for a Visa Number
For many categories, you must wait until a visa number becomes available (especially for countries with high demand). Check the Visa Bulletin here:
👉 travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
Step 4: Apply for the Green Card
If you are already in the U.S., file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
If outside the U.S., go through Consular Processing using Form DS-260.
You will need to attend a biometrics appointment, submit medical records, and later go to an interview.
Step 5: Wait for Approval and Receive Your Green Card
Once approved, your Green Card will be mailed to you, and you officially become a U.S. permanent resident.
Documents You’ll Need
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Passport (valid)
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Birth certificate
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Marriage/divorce certificates (if applying through family)
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Police clearance certificate
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Medical examination from an approved doctor
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Financial documents (to show you won’t become a public charge)
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Proof of relationship or job offer
Always check the exact list based on your category at
👉 uscis.gov/forms
Green Card Costs in 2025
Fees depend on how you apply, but here’s a general idea:
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Form I-130 (Family petition): $675
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Form I-140 (Employment): $715
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Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440 (includes biometrics)
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DS-260 (Consular processing): $325
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Medical exam: $200–$500 depending on the country
Always verify current fees directly from USCIS.
Final Advice for Green Card Applicants
Getting a Green Card is not about luck—it’s about understanding the process, preparing the right documents, and applying through the correct channel. If your case is complex or you’re unsure about the paperwork, it’s smart to get advice from a licensed immigration attorney. But avoid fake agents or services promising guaranteed Green Cards. There’s no shortcut.
Make sure to keep records of everything you submit, follow deadlines, and double-check all details before submitting your application. A small mistake can lead to delays or even rejection.
If you’re ready to start your Green Card journey, the most important step is choosing the right path. Whether through a family member, a job, or a special program like the Diversity Visa, every path starts with a decision—and the right information.