Green Card Application

A Green Card Application (Form I-485) is a petition for lawful permanent residence in the United States, allowing foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the US. There are several paths to a green card: family sponsorship (immediate relatives of US citizens or family preference categories), employment-based (workers with specific skills, investors), diversity lottery, asylum/refugee status, or other special categories. The process typically involves: sponsor filing a petition, waiting for priority date to become current (except immediate relatives), applicant filing adjustment of status (if in US) or consular processing (if abroad), biometrics and interview, medical exam, and background checks. Processing can take months to years depending on category and country of origin. Green card holders have most rights of citizens except voting and holding certain government jobs. Conditional green cards (marriage-based, investor) require removal of conditions after 2 years. Green cards must be renewed every 10 years.