Green Card Guide

Your Path to Legal Permanent Residency

A green card gives you the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Learn about the different pathways and how to prepare your application.

Types of Green Cards

There are several pathways to obtaining a green card based on your situation

Family-Based Green Cards

For immediate relatives and family preference categories

Immediate Relatives (IR)No quota limit
F1: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens6-10 years
F2A: Spouses/children of permanent residents2-5 years
F2B: Unmarried adult children of permanent residents6-12 years
F3: Married adult children of U.S. citizens12-15 years
F4: Siblings of adult U.S. citizens14-23 years
Learn more about family-based green cards

Employment-Based Green Cards

For workers with U.S. job offers or extraordinary abilities

EB-1: Priority workersCurrent to 2 years
EB-2: Advanced degree professionals1-5 years
EB-3: Skilled workers2-6 years
EB-4: Special immigrantsVaries
EB-5: Investors2-4 years
Learn more about employment-based green cards

The Green Card Process

A typical green card application follows these major steps

1

File Petition

Submit Form I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment) to establish eligibility

Receipt in 2-4 weeks
2

Wait for Priority Date

Monitor visa bulletin for your priority date to become current

Varies by category
3

Apply for Green Card

File I-485 (adjustment) or complete consular processing

6-18 months
4

Biometrics & Interview

Attend biometrics appointment and immigration interview

2-6 months
5

Receive Green Card

Card mailed to your address after approval

2-4 weeks after approval

Common Documents Required

While specific requirements vary by case type, most green card applications require these documents. SureCitizen provides a personalized checklist based on your situation.

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Police clearance certificates
Medical examination (Form I-693)
Passport-style photographs
Proof of relationship (for family cases)
Employment verification (for work cases)
Financial documents (I-864)

How SureCitizen Helps

Personalized Checklist

Get a document list specific to your case type

Country Guidance

Understand requirements for documents from your country

Upload & Organize

Store all documents securely in one place

Risk Scan

Catch issues before you file

Start Your Application