How to Get a Green Card in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

For millions of people, getting a U.S. green card represents stability, family unity, and opportunity. But the process can be confusing — with different categories, long wait times, and paperwork at every stage.

This guide breaks down the green card process into simple, clear steps to help you navigate with confidence.

What Is a Green Card?

A green card gives you lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States. This means:

You can live and work in the U.S. permanently
You can sponsor family members for immigration
You may apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 or 5 years

Step 1: Choose the Right Green Card Category

There’s more than one way to qualify for a green card. Here are the most common categories:

Family-Based: For spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders. This is the most common route and often the fastest for immediate relatives.
Employment-Based: For workers with job offers in the U.S. Typically requires a sponsoring employer and labor certification.
Asylum or Refugee: People who were granted asylum or refugee status may apply after 1 year.
Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery): Offered to people from underrepresented countries. Entry is random but eligibility is required.
Other Special Categories: Includes survivors of abuse (VAWA), U visa holders, and Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs), among others.

Step 2: File the Petition

To begin, a petition must be filed by you or your sponsor.

Family-Based: Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
Employment-Based: Form I-140
Special Categories: Forms vary

After submitting, USCIS will send a Form I-797 receipt notice confirming they received your application.

Step 3: Wait for a Visa Number (If Required)

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens don’t need to wait. But others — especially those from high-demand countries — may face longer waits due to annual limits and quotas.

Common countries with backlogs:

India
Mexico
Philippines

You can track your status using the U.S. Visa Bulletin, which updates monthly.

Step 4: Apply for Your Green Card

Once your petition is approved and a visa is available, it’s time to apply for the green card itself.

If you’re inside the U.S., use Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll go through Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate

You’ll also need to attend:

A biometrics appointment
A green card interview

Step 5: Receive Your Green Card

If approved, you will receive:

A welcome notice
Your green card by mail (usually within 30 days from date of approval)

Important: If you’re married and your marriage was less than 2 years old at the time of approval, you’ll receive a 2-year conditional green card. To keep your permanent status, you must file Form I-751 before it expires.

Common Questions

Can I travel while my green card is pending? Only if you have applied for Advance Parole (Form I-131). Otherwise, leaving the U.S. may cancel your application.
Can I work while I wait? Yes, if you apply for and receive a work permit (Form I-765).
What if my green card is through marriage? You’ll need to prove the relationship is real. If married under 2 years, you’ll get a conditional green card and must later remove those conditions.

Need Help?

At Brave Borders, we provide free, plain-language guidance for immigrants navigating complex systems. No law firm fees. No guesswork.

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