How to Get a Green Card to Become a U.S. Citizen
U.S. green card holders are eligible for citizenship after a certain amount of time. Typically, one must have a green card for at least five years to be eligible.
There are several paths to permanent residence, however, the most popular are through family-sponsored and employer-sponsored green card categories. Other individuals may become permanent residents through refugee or asylum status or other humanitarian programs. In some cases, the applicant may be eligible to file for himself/herself.
Steps to Get a Green Card to Become a U.S. Citizen
Family-sponsored Green Card:
A family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor an applicant for a green card.
1. The applicant’s relative or family member in the U.S. files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
This is accompanied by proof of relationship between the sponsor and applicant, and other documents.
2. Once USCIS receives the completed I-130 petition, it mails a receipt called I-797C, which can be used for tracking the application online.
3. Once the I-130 petition is approved, the applicant files the appropriate application, depending if he/she is in the U.S. or abroad.
If the applicant is already in the U.S. while filing for green card, then he/she must file Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status or Register Permanent Residence, after the I-130 petition is approved.
If the applicant is living abroad, he/she must file a visa application, either Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application or Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application, depending on the type of visa the applicant is applying for.
4. The applicant makes an appointment for an interview.
If living in the U.S., the applicant interviews at a USCIS office.
If living abroad, the applicant interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
5. If the interview is successful, the applicant is granted a green card (if living in the U.S.) or a visa (if living abroad).
Applicants living in the U.S. receive their green card in the mail.
Applicants living abroad will receive a green card once they enter the U.S. In the case of K visa applicants, they will have adjust status with Form I-485 once in the U.S.
Employer-sponsored Green Card:
The applicant’s employer in the U.S. can sponsor him/her for a green card.
1. The applicant’s employer submits Labor Certification Application (ETA-750) to the Department of Labor (DOL).
2. The employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Worker, with USCIS.
3. Once the I-140 is approved, the applicant files the appropriate application, depending if he/she is in the U.S. or living abroad.
If the applicant is already in the U.S. while filing for green card, then he/she must file Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status or Register Permanent Residence, after the I-130 petition is approved.
If the applicant is living abroad, he/she must file a visa application, either Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for K visa applicants), or Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application (for Immediate Relative and Family Preference Visa applicants).
4. The applicant makes an appointment for an interview.
If living in the U.S., the applicant interviews at a USCIS office.
If living abroad, the applicant interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
5. If the interview is successful, the applicant is granted a green card (if living in the U.S.) or a visa (if living abroad).
Applicants living in the U.S. receive their green card in the mail.
Applicants living abroad will receive a green card once they enter the U.S. In the case of K visa applicants, they will have adjust status with Form I-485 once in the U.S.
