How to Apply for a USA Green Card in 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide
1. Determine Eligibility
You can apply through different categories:
Family-based (spouse, parent, child, sibling of U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
Employment-based (job offer, special skills)
Diversity Visa Lottery (random selection from certain countries)
Refugee or Asylee Status
Other special categories
2. File a Petition
Usually, a family member or employer files a petition for you.
Common forms:
Form I-130 (family)
Form I-140 (employment)
Self-petition (for some categories like EB-1, EB-2 NIW)
3. Wait for Priority Date (if needed)
Some categories have visa number limits.
You must wait until your priority date becomes current (check Visa Bulletin).
4. File Green Card Application
Two ways, depending on your location:
Inside the USA: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Outside the USA: Go through Consular Processing at a U.S. Embassy
5. Attend Biometrics Appointment
Fingerprinting, photo, and background check.
6. Attend Interview (if required)
You may be called for an interview with a USCIS officer (or consulate officer).
7. Receive Decision
Approval = You’ll receive your Green Card by mail.
Denial = You may appeal or reapply (depending on reasons).
8. Get Your Green Card
Physical Green Card arrives.
You are now a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Processing Time:
6 months to several years depending on the category and country.
Application Fees (approx.):
Form I-130: $535
Form I-485: $1,140 + $85 biometrics (for most applicants)
Other fees may apply depending on category.
Official Green Card Application Resources
USCIS Green Card Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about Green Card eligibility categories, application processes, and more.
🔗 USCIS Green CardHow to Apply for a Green Card
Detailed guidance on the application steps, including forms to file and processes to follow based on your situation.
🔗 How to Apply for a Green CardUSCIS Online Filing System (myUSCIS)
Create an account to file forms online, track your case status, and receive updates.
🔗 USCIS Online FilingForm I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
If you’re applying from within the U.S., this is the primary form to file.
🔗 Form I-485Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program
For applicants from countries with low U.S. immigration rates, the DV Lottery is an alternative pathway.
🔗 Electronic Diversity Visa Program
📝 Application Steps Summary
Determine Eligibility: Identify the category under which you qualify (e.g., family, employment, refugee/asylee, DV Lottery).
File a Petition: Usually, a sponsor (family member or employer) files a petition on your behalf.
Wait for Priority Date: If applicable, wait until your priority date becomes current.
Apply for the Green Card: File Form I-485 if you’re in the U.S., or go through consular processing if you’re abroad.
Attend Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature.
Interview: Attend an interview if required.
Receive Decision: USCIS will notify you of their decision.
Receive Green Card: If approved, you’ll receive your Green Card by mail.
Key Points:
Official Name: Permanent Resident Card
Nickname: Green Card (because it was once green in color)
Benefits:
Live permanently in the U.S.
Work legally in the U.S.
Travel in and out of the U.S. (with some conditions)
Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements
Validity: Usually valid for 10 years (renewable). Conditional Green Cards are valid for 2 years.
How to Get a Green Card:
Family Sponsorship (by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative)
Employment Sponsorship (by a U.S. employer)
Asylum or Refugee Status
Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)
Other Special Programs
Appearance:
Credit card-sized ID with:
Photo of the holder
Alien Registration Number (A-number)
USCIS number
Expiration date