Green Card Overview

A permanent resident (a Green Card holder) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a "Green Card." You can become a permanent resident several different ways. Most individuals are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States. Other individuals may become permanent residents through refugee or asylum status or other humanitarian programs.


The steps to become a permanent resident are different for each category and will depend on if you are currently living inside or outside the United States. The main categories are listed below:

• Green Card Through Family
  

• Green Card Through a Job
  

• Green Card Through Refugee or Asylum Status
  

• Other Ways to Get a Green Card: including EB-5 Program