The short answer
Most green cards come through family, a job, the diversity (DV) lottery, or humanitarian protection. In most cases someone files a petition for you, you wait for a visa number if there is a line, and then you either adjust status in the U.S. or apply at a U.S. embassy.
What to know
- Family: a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative files a petition.
- Employment: an employer (or you, in some categories) files a petition.
- Diversity lottery: you enter free during the official registration period.
- Humanitarian: refugees, asylees and some others.
- Check the Visa Bulletin to see if your place in line has come up.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.