Learn the timeline, cost, and types of green cards for U.S. permanent residence
If you or a loved one is looking to get permanent residency in the United States, you need a green card. This guide explores what green cards are, the multifaceted U.S. Green Card application process, associated costs, and timelines for green card applications for the United States.What Is a Green Card?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (commonly called a “green card” or “LPR card’), is a document issued by the U.S. government that grants the holder permanent resident status. The LPR card is the physical document that serves as proof of permanent resident status. A foreign national is a person from another country who can apply for a green card to become a permanent resident. This status allows the person to live and work in the U.S. permanently, as long as they maintain their LPR status and renew their green card as required. They are 10-year green cards and 2-year conditional green cards but, after the stipulated time (typically 3-5 years), the individual can apply for U.S. citizenship. Green Card holders also have the right to own property in the U.S., can qualify for home loans similarly to U.S. citizens, and are free to live anywhere within the United States.
Working with an experienced green card lawyer from Alonso & Alonso Attorneys at Law can significantly improve your chances of getting a green card, allowing you to gain lawful permanent resident status without the need to leave the U.S.
Is a green card the same thing as a visa?
No, a green card and a visa are different documents. While a visa grants temporary permission to enter or stay in the U.S. for a specific purpose, green cards provide permanent residency. Green card applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a different process than visa applicants. Green cards offer distinct benefits that visas do not, including the ability to live and work permanently in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship.
The Green Card Application Process
The green card process varies depending on whether you are applying from within or outside the United States. There are two main green card application pathways: Foreign nationals can pursue permanent residency through several ways, including family, employment, and humanitarian options.
Green card application (from within the US): Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status). This form is used by those who are already in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, have been selected for a diversity visa, or are eligible through family or employment. The required forms for the Adjustment of Status application are Form I-485 and can be filed once the priority date is current. An adjustment of status lawyer can guide you through this complex process, particularly when aiming to secure your status without leaving the country. The final step in the green card process is either filing the Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or completing consular processing after USCIS approval.
Green card application (outside the US): Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application). This form is used by those seeking an immigrant visa from abroad, either through family, employer sponsorship, or the diversity visa program, requiring consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Applicants for family-based green cards must submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
For employment-based green cards, the first step is often labor certification, which is required to demonstrate that there are no minimally qualified U.S. workers available for the position. Once the Labor Certification has been approved, the priority date for the applicant is established, which is important for further application steps. Employers play a crucial role in sponsoring foreign nationals for permanent residence, supporting their employees throughout the green card process.
Always review the latest USCIS requirements and procedures before applying.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Green Card?
The processing time for a green card ranges from a few months to several years, heavily dependent on the type of green card you’re applying for, your preference category, and where your application is processed. The preference category of the applicant determines the length of the wait, as each category has its own quota and backlog. In some cases, unused visas from one category may be reallocated to another, which can affect overall wait times. More precise estimates are provided below based on current processing times as of September 2025. The visa bulletin, issued monthly, provides the priority dates for individuals eligible to apply for immigrant status.
Applying from within the United States
For spouses and immediate relatives (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens applying from within the United States through adjustment of status, the current wait is approximately 8.2 months [1]. For spouses of U.S. green card holders, other relatives of U.S. citizens, and employment-based green cards, the wait can be considerably longer, typically two years or more, as these categories are often subject to visa bulletin backlogs.
Applying from outside the United States
For spouses and immediate relatives (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens applying from outside the United States via consular processing, the wait is currently 14.5 months [2]. All other green card categories are subject to country caps and preference categories, and wait times can vary dramatically, often extending to several years, especially for applicants from high-demand countries.
For spouses of U.S. green card holders applying from outside the United States, the current wait is 35 months [2].
What’s the difference between a Resident Card and a Green Card?
There is no functional difference — “Resident Card” and “Green Card” are two names for the same official document. Officially called a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), this card serves as proof that an individual is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. The term “Green Card” is simply a widely recognized and historical nickname, stemming from the card’s original green color.
How Much Does a Green Card Cost in 2025?
The government filing fee for a family-based green card is approximately $3,005 for an applicant adjusting status from within the United States, and $1,340 for an applicant undergoing consular processing outside the United States. It is crucial to note that these figures do not include the cost of the mandatory medical examination, which varies by provider, nor potential attorney fees. Government filing fees are regularly reviewed and updated.
For other green card categories, it is advisable to check the official USCIS fee page for the most accurate and up-to-date cost for your specific form, as the information is reviewed and maintained on the page. Additional fees may apply based on the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, which became effective for benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025.
Types of Green Cards
The U.S. immigration system offers numerous pathways to permanent residency for foreign nationals. The most common types of green cards include:
- Family-Based Green Cards: For relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- Employment-Based Green Cards: For individuals with specific job skills or investments. The number of employment-based green cards is subject to a quota, limiting the annual issuance. There are several sub categories within employment-based green cards, each with its own eligibility criteria.
- Humanitarian Green Cards: For those seeking protection, such as refugees, asylees, or victims of abuse/crime.
- Diversity Lottery Green Cards: For individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
- Longtime-Resident Green Cards: For individuals who have maintained a continuous presence in the U.S. since a specific date.
- Other Special Categories: Including various niche programs for specific groups.
How to Get a Green Card
While the specific steps may vary significantly based on your individual circumstances and the green card category, most green card applicants generally follow this sequence:
- Petition Filing: An eligible sponsor (e.g., family member, employer) typically files an immigrant petition on your behalf, or in certain cases, you may self-petition. Immigrant workers can apply for a green card using Form I-140. For employment-based green card applicants, the labor certification process requires demonstrating that there are no minimally qualified U.S. workers available for the position. In some cases, an applicant may file the I-485 application concurrently with the I-140, which can reduce the overall processing time.
- Application Submission: Once your petition is approved and a visa number is available in your category (if applicable), you file your Green Card application (Form I-485 for adjustment of status or Form DS-260 for consular processing).
- Biometrics Appointment: You will attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints, photographs, and signature for background checks.
- Interview: Most applicants are required to attend an interview with immigration officials at a USCIS office or U.S. embassy/consulate.
- Decision: USCIS or the Department of State will render a decision on your application.
This process can span from several months to many years, depending on your specific eligibility, country of origin, and current immigration policies.
Getting a Family-Based Green Card
Close relatives of U.S. citizens and current green card holders may apply for family-based green cards. Eligible family members typically include spouses, children (unmarried, under 21), parents (of U.S. citizens aged 21 or older), and siblings (of U.S. citizens aged 21 or older), as well as the spouses and children of some of these family members. These persons may qualify for family-based green cards if they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. Immediate family members of U.S. citizens usually do not face a waiting period due to the absence of an annual quota for this category.
Also included in this category are widows and widowers who were married to a U.S. citizen at the time of the citizen’s passing. A family immigration lawyer can provide crucial assistance in navigating the complex requirements for proving the authenticity of the familial relationship. Applicants must also demonstrate that the marriage or relationship was entered into in good faith, providing evidence that it is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
It’s important to note that many extended family members — such as cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents — generally do not qualify directly for family-based green cards unless they have a closer relative who is a U.S. citizen or current green card holder who can petition for them.
Getting an Employment-Based Green Card
Within the employment-based green card category, multiple subcategories allow various types of workers to apply for a permanent resident card. In many instances, the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of these principal applicants may also qualify for a green card.
Types of Employment-Based Green Cards
The following table outlines the primary employment-based subcategories and the types of professions they encompass:
Category | Jobs Included |
Priority Workers (EB-1) | Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim); Outstanding professors and researchers; Multinational managers and executives |
Professionals with Advanced Degrees (EB-2) | Positions requiring at least a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive experience; Individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business; National Interest Waiver (NIW) cases for those whose work benefits the U.S. |
Physicians (EB-2 with Special Waiver) | Physicians who agree to work full-time in medically underserved areas for a specific period and meet other rigorous eligibility criteria. |
Skilled and Professional Workers (EB-3) | Skilled positions requiring at least two years of training or experience; Professional positions requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent; Unskilled positions requiring less than two years of training or experience. |
Special Immigrants (EB-4) | Religious workers; Certain broadcasters; Afghanistan and Iraq nationals who assisted the U.S. government; Certain retired international organization employees; Panama Canal Zone employees; and other specific categories. |
Investors (EB-5) | Non-U.S. nationals who make a qualifying investment of at least $800,000 (or $1,050,000 in certain high-unemployment or rural areas) in a new U.S. commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. |
Extraordinary ability is demonstrated “through sustained national or international acclaim” with extensive documentation, according to USCIS.
Getting a Humanitarian Green Card
Humanitarian green cards are designed for individuals who have experienced significant hardship or are in need of protection.
For Military Family Members: Parole in Place (PIP)
Parole in Place (PIP) offers a vital pathway to lawful status for eligible military families. This program is available to undocumented spouses, parents, and children of U.S. military service members (active duty, veterans, or those in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve). Under PIP, eligible individuals can request parole without leaving the U.S., allowing them to then adjust their status to permanent resident if they meet all other qualifying criteria.
For Refugees and Asylees
Individuals who fear, or have experienced, persecution in their home country — due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group — can seek protection in the United States as refugees (from outside the U.S.) or asylees (from within the U.S.). Once they have maintained refugee status or asylum for at least one year and are physically present in the United States, they may apply for a U.S. permanent resident card.
For Human Trafficking Victims
Victims of severe forms of human trafficking living in the United States may apply for a T visa, which grants temporary legal status for up to four years. To qualify for a permanent resident card, the applicant must have physically resided in the United States for three years since receiving a T visa or for the duration of a human trafficking investigation or prosecution, whichever period is shorter, alongside other requirements.
For Crime Victims
Victims of substantial physical or mental abuse who have assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of certain crimes may seek protection by applying for a U visa. To qualify for a green card, the applicant must have maintained U visa status for at least three years and physically resided in the United States during that period, while also meeting other specific criteria.
For Abuse Victims
Victims of domestic violence and other abuses perpetrated by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child may apply for a green card through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioning process. Although named for women, VAWA protections extend to both women and men, and to both parents and children who are victims of abuse.
An abuse victim may apply for a permanent resident card independently — without the knowledge or permission of their abusive relative. USCIS is committed to confidentiality and will not notify the abusive relative of the application to ensure the victim’s safety.
Important: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse now, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
Diversity Lottery Green Card
Under the U.S. “green card lottery” (officially known as the “Diversity Immigrant Visa Program”), the U.S. government annually randomly selects up to 50,000 individuals from qualifying countries for permanent residency. Only people from countries that have had historically low rates of immigration to the United States in recent years may enter the lottery, offering a unique opportunity for those from underrepresented nations.
Getting a Longtime-Resident Green Card
Individuals who have physically lived in the United States since January 1, 1972, may apply for a permanent resident card through a special process called “registry.” To qualify for a green card through registry, the individual must meet specific criteria including continuous presence in the U.S., demonstrate good moral character, and establish eligibility for naturalization.
Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders
Green card holders, officially recognized as lawful permanent residents, enjoy a wide range of rights in the United States. As a permanent resident, you have the right to live and work permanently anywhere in the country, and you are eligible to apply for a Social Security number, which is essential for employment and accessing government services.
Permanent residents can also own property, start a business, and enroll in educational programs or public schools. Additionally, LPRs can register property under their names and live anywhere within the United States. Green card holders may sponsor certain family members for immigrant visas, and are eligible for some federal benefits after meeting specific residency requirements. However, with these rights come important responsibilities. Green card holders must obey all federal, state, and local laws, and are required to file tax returns and pay taxes on their worldwide income, just like U.S. citizens.
It is also mandatory to carry proof of your permanent resident status (your green card) at all times. If you are a male permanent resident between the ages of 18 and 25, you must register with the Selective Service System. Furthermore, you are required to notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any change of address within 10 days of moving, to ensure your immigration services records remain up to date. Green card holders are not permitted to vote in federal elections. Failing to fulfill these responsibilities can jeopardize your permanent resident status and future eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
Travel and Reentry with a Green Card
Traveling outside the United States as a green card holder requires careful planning to protect your permanent resident status. When leaving the country, you must carry your valid green card and passport from your country of citizenship, as well as any necessary visas for your destination.
You will need your green card to re-enter the U.S. after any trip abroad. If you plan to be outside the U.S. for an extended period—specifically, more than one year—you must obtain a reentry permit (Form I-131) before departure. This reentry permit serves as proof to immigration officials that you intend to maintain your permanent resident status and allows you to reenter the U.S. without needing a returning resident visa.
It’s important to note that absences of more than six months but less than one year may also raise questions about your intent to reside permanently in the United States, so it’s wise to keep documentation of your ties to the U.S. If you are in the process of a green card application and need to travel, you may be eligible for advance parole, which allows you to reenter the U.S. while your application is pending. Always apply for advance parole before leaving the country to avoid abandoning your application. By understanding and following these travel guidelines, green card holders can avoid complications and maintain their permanent resident status.
Conditional Residence: What It Means and How to Remove Conditions
Conditional residence is a temporary form of permanent residence status granted to certain green card holders, most commonly those who obtain their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or as an immigrant investor. This status is typically valid for two years and is intended to ensure that the basis for granting permanent residency—such as a bona fide marriage or a qualifying investment—remains legitimate.
To transition from conditional to full permanent resident status, you must file a petition to remove the conditions within the 90-day period before your conditional green card’s expiration date. For marriage-based cases, this is done using Form I-751, while investors use Form I-829. The petition must include evidence that you continue to meet the requirements of your original green card category, such as proof of a genuine marital relationship or documentation of your investment and job creation.
If your petition is approved, you will receive a new green card with a 10-year expiration date, confirming your status as a lawful permanent resident on a permanent basis. It is crucial to file your petition on time and provide thorough documentation, as failure to do so can result in the loss of your permanent residence status. Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help ensure your status application is properly prepared and submitted.
Why Choose Professional Legal Help
Applying for a green card is one of the most impactful legal actions an individual can take, with profound implications for their future safely, security and prosperity. The stakes are undeniably high, and the legal requirements are exceptionally complex and subject to frequent changes. Our experienced immigration attorneys at Alonso & Alonso have been helping individuals and families get permanent residency in the United States for over a decade, often facilitating status adjustment without requiring them to leave the country.
We recognize that every case is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized guidance and steadfast support throughout the entire journey. Whether you require assistance with adjustment of status, family-based petitions, employment visas, or humanitarian relief, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to start your green card journey with confidence? Contact us today for a confidential consultation. You don’t have to navigate this complex process alone.
Green Card FAQs
What is a legal permanent resident?
A legal permanent resident (LPR) is a citizen of another country who has been granted authorization to live and work lawfully and permanently in the United States. For tax purposes, holding a green card means you are considered as residing permanently in the U.S., even if you live abroad. Green card holders are required to file a U.S. tax return each year, regardless of where they live. All U.S. permanent residents qualify for a Social Security number. LPRs can secure many types of jobs just like U.S. citizens can. Male LPRs between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service System.
It is important to note that LPR’s cannot vote in federal elections and are subject to residency requirements.
Who can apply for a green card?
Eligibility for a green card varies significantly depending on the category. Generally, individuals can apply if they have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or LPR, a job offer from a U.S. employer, are seeking humanitarian protection, or are selected through the Diversity Visa Lottery. Applicants must submit Form I-130 to begin the process of sponsoring a family member for permanent residency.
How much does a green card cost?
The cost to obtain a green card depends on the type of application and whether it’s filed from inside or outside the U.S. For a family-based green card, government filing fees are approximately $3,005 for applicants adjusting status within the U.S. and $1,340 for those applying through consular processing.
How long until I can apply for citizenship after getting a green card?
Generally, you may apply for U.S. citizenship (naturalization) after holding a green card for five continuous years. This period is reduced to three years for those who obtained their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, provided they still meet specific marital and residency requirements.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to get a green card?
While not legally mandated, securing the services of an experienced green card lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of success. Immigration law is notoriously intricate, and even minor errors can lead to substantial delays or outright denials. An immigration attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Determining the most suitable green card category for your unique situation.
- Diligent preparation and accurate filing of all required forms and supporting documentation.
- Guiding you through complex legal requirements and policy changes.
- Representing you in interviews and hearings with immigration officials.
- Proactively addressing any complications or challenges that may arise during the process.
Many clients find that the expertise and peace of mind provided by a green card lawyer not only streamlines the process but often saves time and money in the long run.
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Christopher Alonso
Vanessa R. Alonso
