Permanent resident status, also called "green card", allows  foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States, as long as they do not violate other immigration laws that would make them removable from the U.S.

Foreign nationals present in the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa (temporary visa) may be eligible to adjust their status to permanent resident without returning to their home countries. Those who are outside the U.S., depending on the nature of their cases, may have their cases processed by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. embassy of their home countries before they can be issued a visa to come to the U.S. as permanent residents.

The following are the main basis upon which foreign nationals may be granted permanent resident status in the United States:

• Permanent Residency based on Family Relations  U.S. citizens may petition for their spouses, parents, children and siblings to become permanent residents. Permanent residents are allowed to petition only for their spouses and children.

• Permanent Residency for Abused Spouses/Children  Abused spouses /children of U.S. citizens or permanent resident may be eligible to apply for the green card without the help of their abusive relatives.

•  Permanent Residency based on Employment  Foreign nationals with certain education/skills may be eligible for permanent residency through employment offers, self-sponsorship or investment in the U.S.

• Permanent Residency based on Diversity Program (Lottery)  Each year the U.S. State Department offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas (green cards) to randomly selected applicants from eligible countries.

• Permanent Residency based on Asylee/Refugee Status  Asylees/refugees in the U.S. may be eligible to adjust their status to permanent residence one year after obtaining their asylee/refugee status.

DISCLAIMER: The information give in this website is intended as general information only and is not a substitute for the services of an immigration attorney in your specific case.

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Last modified: February 10, 2005