What Is Green Card & Permanent Residency?
A green card gives you the right to live and work permanently in the United States — obtained through family, employment, the diversity lottery, asylum, or other pathways.
Family-Based Green Cards
Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents): no annual cap, fastest processing, 12–24 months. Family preference categories (adult children of citizens, married children, siblings): annual caps with backlogs up to 10–20 years for certain countries.
Employment-Based Green Cards
EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, multinational executives): no labor certification, fastest. EB-2 (advanced degree or exceptional ability): PERM labor certification typically required unless NIW applies. EB-3 (skilled workers): labor certification, longer backlogs. Country of birth significantly affects timelines.
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
Adjustment (I-485): available if in the US legally — apply without leaving, concurrent EAD and Advance Parole available. Consular processing: if outside the US — through a US embassy in your home country. An attorney advises on the best approach for your situation.
The Green Card Interview
Most family-based applicants are called for an in-person USCIS interview. Employment-based cases are often approved without interview. Marriage-based interviews probe relationship genuineness. Attorney preparation is important.
What to Look for in a Immigration Law Provider
- Active state bar license — verify through your state bar's public lookup
- AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) membership — indicates specialization
- Experience specifically in your case type (family, employment, asylum, removal defense)
- No disciplinary history — check your state bar and AILA
- Clear written fee agreement before any work begins
- Responsive communication — immigration has strict deadlines that require timely attorney action
Find Green Card Experts Near You
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How long does it take to get a green card?
Immediate relative of US citizen: 12–24 months. EB-1: 12–24 months. EB-2/3 for most countries: 2–5 years. EB-2/3 from India or China: 5–50+ years. Diversity Lottery: 12–18 months. Family preference categories: 2–20+ years.