Permanent residence enables people to live and work in the United States indefinitely as long as they do not abandon their status or engage in conduct which renders them “inadmissible.” An immigrant visa (green card) is proof of permanent resident status in the United States and, usually after three or five years, a permanent resident may apply to naturalize and become a citizen of the United States. Permanent immigrants to the U.S. are divided generally into four general categories:
Immigration Visas
Family Based Green Cards
- Green Card for an immediate relative: Spouse, unmarried child under 21, parent
- Green Card for a family member of a U.S. citizen: unmarried children over 21, married child of any age, siblings
- Green Card for a family member of a U.S. permanent resident: Spouse, unmarried child
Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes 50,000 diversity visas available annually, drawn from random selection among entries of individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Asylum/Refugees
If you were admitted to the United States as a refugee or as a qualifying family member of an asylee, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence (a green card) 1 year after your entry into the United States. If you were granted asylum in the United States, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence 1 year after the grant of your asylum status.