U.S. Permanent Resident Card

Permanent residency in the United States, granting the right to live and work permanently.

What is the Green Card?

A Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) grants an individual the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green Card holders can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. There are multiple pathways to obtain a Green Card, including family sponsorship, employment, investment (EB-5), and the diversity visa lottery.

Eligibility Requirements

Family-based: Immediate relatives or family preference categories

Employment-based: EB-1 through EB-5 categories

Investment-based: EB-5 program ($800,000 or $1,050,000 investment)

Diversity Visa Lottery (DV program)

Special categories: Refugees, asylees, and other humanitarian programs

Application Process

Determine eligibility category

File a petition (I-130 for family, I-140 for employment, I-526E for EB-5)

Wait for visa number availability

Apply for adjustment of status (I-485) or consular processing

Attend biometrics appointment and interview

Receive Green Card

Duration of Stay

Permanent (renew card every 10 years)

Moving to New York?

This page is general information. Reinvent NY does not provide immigration or legal services and does not prepare or file visa applications; for your own case, consult a licensed immigration attorney. Once you are coming, we help with apartments, offices and setting up your business in New York.

Housing and business setup