Quick answer: There are five main ways to get a US green card: through a close family member, through a job or your own extraordinary achievements, through investment, through the Diversity Visa lottery, or through humanitarian protection such as refugee or asylum status. Most people need a petition first (Form I-130 from a relative or Form I-140 from an employer), then apply for the green card itself with Form I-485 inside the US or through a US embassy abroad.
This guide explains every main path, who qualifies, the forms involved and realistic timelines, including the options that don’t depend on marriage. Last reviewed October 2026 against USCIS and State Department sources.
The main ways to get a green card
| Path | Who qualifies | Key forms |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate relative of a US citizen | Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of citizens 21 or older | I-130, then I-485 or consular processing |
| Family preference | Adult children and siblings of citizens; spouses and unmarried children of green card holders | I-130, wait for the Visa Bulletin, then I-485 or consular |
| Employment (EB-1 to EB-3) | Workers with a US job offer, or self-petitioners with extraordinary ability or national-interest work | PERM (most EB-2/EB-3), I-140, then I-485 or consular |
| Special immigrants (EB-4) | Religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, certain Afghan and Iraqi nationals and others | I-360, then I-485 or consular |
| Investor (EB-5) | People who invest the required amount in a US business that creates jobs | I-526E, then I-485 or consular |
| Diversity Visa lottery | Nationals of eligible countries selected in the annual draw | DS-260 or I-485 |
| Refugee or asylee | People admitted as refugees or granted asylum, after one year | I-485 |
| Other routes | VAWA self-petitioners, T and U visa holders, registry and special laws | Varies |
1. Family-based green cards
A US citizen or green card holder files Form I-130 for you.
- Immediate relatives have no annual cap, so they’re the fastest family path.
- Preference relatives (siblings, married or adult children, and relatives of green card holders) must wait for their priority date in the monthly Visa Bulletin, often for years.
- Fiancé(e)s of US citizens can enter on a K-1 visa, marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card.
2. How to get a green card without marriage
Marriage is only one route. If you’re not marrying a US citizen, these are the realistic options:
- Through a job. A US employer sponsors you, usually through PERM labor certification and Form I-140. Nurses often qualify faster under Schedule A; see EB-3 for nurses.
- By petitioning for yourself. People with outstanding achievements can use EB-1A, and professionals whose work benefits the US can use the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. Neither needs an employer.
- Through other family. A US citizen parent, adult child (21+) or sibling can petition for you.
- Through investment. See our EB-5 investor visa guide for costs and real risks.
- Through the Diversity Visa lottery, if your country is eligible that year.
- Through protection. Refugees and asylees can apply one year after admission or grant.
3. Employment-based green cards
- EB-1: extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational managers. See EB-1C.
- EB-2: advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including the National Interest Waiver.
- EB-3: professionals with a bachelor’s degree, skilled workers with two years’ experience, and other workers.
Most EB-2 and EB-3 cases start with PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor, then Form I-140. People born in India and China face the longest waits because of per-country limits.
4. Applying for the green card itself
- Inside the US: file Form I-485 (adjustment of status) once a visa is available. Include the I-693 medical exam. See our I-485 guide.
- Outside the US: complete the DS-260 with the National Visa Center and interview at a US embassy or consulate.
- The interview: many cases, especially marriage cases, include one. Prepare with our green card interview questions.
How long it takes
Immediate relatives usually wait about 1 to 3 years. Preference and employment cases often take several years, and longer for some countries. Our full breakdown is in how long it takes to get a green card.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering on a tourist visa with the hidden intent to stay. This can be treated as misrepresentation.
- Traveling abroad while an I-485 is pending without advance parole.
- Paying “agents” who promise guaranteed green cards or lottery wins. The DV lottery is free to enter on the official State Department site.
- Letting your status lapse while you wait.
FAQ
What is the easiest way to get a green card?
For most people, being the spouse, parent or minor child of a US citizen, because those categories have no annual cap. Without that, an employer sponsorship or a self-petition is usually the most realistic option.
Can I get a green card without a job offer?
Yes, through family, EB-1A extraordinary ability, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, EB-5 investment, the DV lottery or humanitarian protection.
How much does a green card cost?
It depends on your path and current USCIS fees. Check the USCIS fee calculator before filing, plus the medical exam and any attorney fees.
Can I apply for a green card on a tourist visa?
Immediate relatives of US citizens may be able to adjust status after entering lawfully, but entering with a pre-planned intent to immigrate can cause serious problems. Get legal advice first.
Official sources to check before you apply or travel
Visa rules, fees, processing times and entry requirements change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website, or with the embassy or consulate, before you apply, pay or travel. One Visa Center is an independent information site, not a law firm or government agency, and this article is not legal advice. Read how we research, fact-check and use AI tools in our Editorial Policy.
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