A green card (lawful permanent residence) allows you to:

• Live permanently in the United States
• Work for most employers without restriction
• Travel in and out of the U.S. (with some limitations)
• Apply for U.S. citizenship when eligible

Family-Based Green Cards

Many individuals qualify through a qualifying family member. U.S. citizens can petition for:

• Spouse
• Parents
• Children regardless of age and marital status

Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) can petition for:

• Spouse 
• Children regardless of age, but the child must remain unmarried until they receive their green card status

Some categories allow for faster processing, while others involve waiting periods based on visa availability.

Employment-Based Green Cards

You may qualify through a U.S. employer or, in some cases, independently.

Common options include:

• Employer-sponsored green cards (PERM process)
• EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
• EB-1 for individuals with advanced qualifications

Each option involves different levels of documentation and strategy.

There are two main ways to receive a green card:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS): Applying from within the United States
• Consular Processing: Completing the process through a U.S. consulate abroad

Choosing the right path depends on your current status, travel history, and overall immigration history.

Even straightforward cases can become complicated depending on:

• Prior immigration history
• Unauthorized employment
• Travel outside the U.S.
• Prior visa overstays or denials

These are areas where careful review can make a difference.