The Road to a Green Card: Every Main Path Explained

Immigration » Immigration resources » Road to a green card

There is no single route to a green card. The right path depends on your family, your work, your history and your country. This page lists the main paths and where to read more.

Family-based

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21. No waiting for a visa number.
• Preference categories: adult and married children of citizens, spouses and children of permanent residents, and siblings of citizens. These categories have waiting lines. See the Visa Bulletin.
• Fiance visas for those engaged to a U.S. citizen: K-1.
• Details: family-based green cards.

Employment-based

• EB-1A extraordinary ability, EB-1B outstanding professors and researchers, and EB-1C multinational managers (see L-1 to EB-1C).
• National interest waiver for those whose work benefits the country, without a job offer.
• EB-2 and EB-3 with PERM for employer-sponsored workers.
• EB-4 for religious workers and other special immigrants.
• Schedule A for nurses and physical therapists.

Humanitarian paths

• Asylum for those who fear persecution.
• TPS and parole provide temporary protection and may lead to other options.
• Other protections for victims of certain crimes or abuse can apply in specific situations. Contact us to review.

Diversity visa lottery

A limited number of visas are given by lottery to people from countries with low immigration to the United States. See diversity visa lottery.

Other paths

• Registry for people who have lived in the United States since a very early date, if they qualify.
• Special programs set by law for particular groups.
• Adjustment through Section 245(i) for those who are grandfathered.

Applying inside or outside the United States

Depending on your status and history, you apply either by adjustment of status in the United States or by consular processing abroad. Some people need a waiver.

After the green card

Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after the required period.

Related guides

• Immigration resources
• Visa Bulletin
• Visa categories overview
• Immigration FAQs

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This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, policies and fees change often. Last updated: November 2026.