A green card is a document that an immigrant receives when he or she is granted permanent resident status in the United States. There are many different ways to apply for a green card. The most common ways are through a family connection, through a job or through refugee / asylee status.

Family green cards

Many people become permanent residents through family members already in the United States. Individuals may be eligible for a family-based green card (permanent residence) if they are:

  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children less than 21 years old and parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older
  • Family members of U.S. citizens who fall into "preference categories," including unmarried sons or daughters who are over 21 years old, married children, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older
  • Family members of permanent residents / green card holders, including spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents / green card holders
  • Family members who fall into a special category, such as battered spouses or children (who fall under the "VAWA" category), fiancĂ©(e)s of U.S. citizens (through a K nonimmigrant visa), children of foreign diplomats in the U.S., and widowers of U.S. citizens

The family member who is in the United States is called a "sponsor."

Employment green cards

Immigrants who have a job offer in the United States or who are otherwise employed in the U.S. can apply for a green card. Usually, an immigrant can only obtain an employment-based green card if he or she will not displace an American worker or is a worker of special talent. Individuals may be eligible for an employment-based green card (permanent residence) through:

  • A job offer, provided that the employer goes through a lengthy labor certification process and files immigration Form I-140
  • Investing in the U.S. in a way that creates a certain number of new U.S. jobs
  • Self petition, when the immigrant can be classified as an "Alien of Extraordinary Ability" or is eligible for a National Interest Waiver
  • Special job categories, such as Afghan/Iraqi translators, international organization employees and religious workers

Green cards and refugee / asylee status

Refugees can apply for permanent resident status one year after they enter the U.S. In fact, refugees are required to apply for a green card. Asylees can apply for permanent resident status one year after USCIS grants asylum status (though they are not required to do so). Qualifying family members of asylees can also apply for a green card one year after they enter the U.S.

Source: USCIS, "Green Card (Permanent Residence)," Last updated May 13, 2011.