Over 1 million people are granted lawful permanent residence in the United States every year, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. But for many, the road to that Green Card feels more like a guessing game than a legal process.
The rules seem to change constantly, and even one small mistake can lead to a rejection or a years-long delay. Whether you’re applying through family, a job, or another pathway, understanding how to apply for a green card is key to doing it right the first time.
This article breaks down exactly what you need to know so you can make smart moves, avoid red tape, and feel confident through every step.
Determine Your Eligibility
Before anything else, you’ll need to figure out which green card category applies to your situation. The U.S. offers several ways to apply, and eligibility depends heavily on your relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or your employment background.
There are four main categories under the immigration process for green cards:
- Family-based
- Employment-based
- Humanitarian (like asylum or refugee status)
- Diversity visa lottery
Each path has its own green card requirements. For instance, a U.S. citizen can petition for a spouse, child, or parent, while lawful permanent residents can sponsor a spouse or an unmarried child.
Employment-based options often require a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you. Meanwhile, humanitarian pathways tend to be more restrictive and subject to special qualifications.
The diversity visa program, on the other hand, is more or less a lottery, limited to countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. Only 55,000 diversity visas are made available each year.
Choose the Right Application Process
After determining eligibility, the next step is picking the correct process based on your location. You can apply through Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.
Adjustment of Status is for applicants who are already in the U.S. It lets them file a green card application without leaving the country. This path is usually quicker and simpler, especially for family-based applicants. It often takes about 8 to 14 months, depending on the local USCIS field office.
Consular Processing, in contrast, is for applicants who live outside the U.S. They’ll attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. That process might be slightly more rigid, yet for many, it’s the only choice.
So, how do you decide which to use? It mostly depends on where you’re living now and your immigration history.
For example, someone who overstayed a visa in the U.S. might not qualify for Adjustment of Status and would instead have to return home for consular processing. That choice affects timing, fees, and risks.
Submit the Petition
Submitting the petition is where your green card application process officially begins. This step is usually handled by a U.S. sponsor, either a family member or an employer.
If your petition is family-based, the sponsor files Form I-130. If it’s employment-based, the employer files Form I-140. Both forms serve to prove your eligibility and the relationship or job offer that supports your case.
Some documents typically needed include:
- Proof of the relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Employment verification or job offer letter
- Financial support documents (like tax returns or affidavits of support)
Common reasons petitions get delayed or rejected include missing documents, inconsistent information, or incomplete forms. That’s where working with a law firm can make a big difference. For instance, at Vanderwall Immigration, we offer fixed fees, flexible payment plans, and open communication, which helps clients avoid preventable mistakes and feel more confident during the process.
Wait for a Visa Number
Not everyone can move forward right away after the petition is approved. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens don’t have to wait for a visa number.
Everyone else goes into a queue. This includes preference categories, like siblings or adult children. These applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current, based on the Visa Bulletin issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
Some countries like Mexico, India, and the Philippines often experience much longer wait times due to high demand. So, it makes sense to check the Visa Bulletin regularly to see where your case stands.
File the Green Card Application
Once your visa number becomes available, you can file the green card application.
In the U.S., this means submitting Form I-485 to USCIS. Outside the U.S., applicants start by filing Form DS-260 through the National Visa Center.
At this stage, you’ll also need to:
- Complete a medical exam with an approved civil surgeon
- Attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting
- Prepare for a possible interview
Accuracy matters during this step. Mistakes here could delay your case for months. And unlike earlier stages, you’re now submitting more personal documentation, including your immigration history, criminal record (if applicable), and financial data.
Applicants often need help pulling everything together. That’s where an experienced immigration attorney really helps, especially when dealing with tight deadlines or past visa issues. This is the point where your U.S. residency application becomes much more paperwork-heavy.
Prepare for the Interview & Await Decision
The last major step is the interview, which either USCIS or a U.S. consulate will conduct. The purpose is to confirm your eligibility and the truthfulness of your documents.
Sometimes, they’ll request more information before making a final decision. This is called a Request for Evidence. It usually means they just need a little more documentation to move forward.
If everything checks out, your green card gets approved. After that, you’ll receive your Permanent Resident Card in the mail.
Let’s Discuss How to Apply for a Green Card
Applying for lawful permanent residency in the U.S. comes with paperwork, deadlines, and tough decisions, but now you know how to apply for a green card with more clarity and confidence. From eligibility to final approval, each step matters.
At Vanderwall Immigration, we do more than just file forms. As a team of attorneys who come from immigrant families ourselves, we bring compassion, fixed fees, flexible payment plans, and honest communication to every case. With offices in Beaverton and Salem, we’re ready to help clients across Oregon, Washington, and beyond. Schedule a confidential consultation today and find out exactly how we can help you move forward.
