Green Cards (Permanent Residency)

Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident - FAQ

Answers to common questions about the immigration rules and procedures concerning Adjustment of Status.

Factors That Might Prevent You From Getting a Green Card

Overview of how basic ineligibility, criminal charges and other grounds of inadmissibility, or difficulties in the application process prevent some applicants from success.

What Does a U.S. Green Card Get You?

A "green card" is just an identification card given to people who've been granted permanent resident status in the United States.

Problems Adjusting Status With a Criminal Record

If you're trying to become a legal permanent resident through the adjustment of status process and you've got any kind of criminal record, expect some (potentially serious) legal issues along the way.

Legal Options for an Undocumented (Illegal) Immigrant to Stay in the U.S.

An overview of the most likely ways for an undocumented alien to gain legal status in the United States.

Financial Responsibility of a U.S. Sponsor for an Immigrating Permanent Resident

A U.S. citizen or permanent resident who agrees to petition for someone to get a green card must agree to sponsor that person financially, as well.

Who Can Get a Green Card Through Adjustment of Status?

Learn about who is eligible to get a green card through the procedure of adjusting status from within the U.S.

Can You Get a Green Card If You Have a Criminal Record?

A criminal record can be a serious hurdle for anyone looking to become a permanent resident in the U.S.

Can You Get a U.S. Green Card? Eligibility Quiz

An introduction to whether you might be eligible for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent residence) based on family, employment, or other categories.

Can I Get a Green Card If I've Worked in the U.S. Unlawfully?

If you've worked in the U.S. without authorization, you may run into trouble when applying to become a permanent resident. Here's what to expect.

Factors That Might Prevent You From Getting a Green Card

Overview of how basic ineligibility, criminal charges and other grounds of inadmissibility, or difficulties in the application process prevent some applicants from success.

Who Can File an I-360 Green Card Petition?

The I-360 application is available to select groups of immigrants as a means of gaining permanent resident status in the U.S. Here is an overview of the various eligible groups.

Applying for a Green Card With a DUI or Reckless Driving Conviction

How a drunk driving conviction on record impacts a person's ability to obtain a U.S. green card.

Will a DUI Affect Your Permanent Resident Status?

While there are serious consequences for anyone charged with a DUI, the consequences for an immigrant can be more severe. Find out how a DUI may endanger a green card holder's status.

How Will a Drug Crime Charge Affect Your Green Card?

Immigrants with permanent resident status in the U.S. can face serious trouble if they're charged with a drug crime.

Can a Crime Be Waived So I Can Get a Green Card?

If your crime makes you "inadmissible" to the U.S., it's possible that it can be excused or, in legal language, "waived."

Paths to U.S. Permanent Resident Status

Learn about the most common ways a foreign national can become a permanent resident (get a green card).

Filing for a Green Card: Process Overview

An immigrant to the United States who has been granted the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently receives a permanent resident card, also known as a “green card.” But no one receives it right away.

Filing Form I-829 to Remove Conditions on EB-5 Status

If you received "conditional residence" through the EB-5 investor visa program, you will need to complete and submit for I-829 within the time limits to become a legal permanent resident.

If My Visa Expires Must I Leave the U.S. to Wait for My Green Card?

If your visa has expired, will you need to leave the country to wait for your green card? It depends on where you are in the application process.

Can I Apply for a Green Card If I'm in the U.S. on an Expired Visa?

Learn about the legal issues of a visa overstay when seeking to apply for a green card from within the United States.

Can an H-2B Visa Holder Get a Green Card?

Learn about the possibilities for becoming a permanent resident if you're in the U.S. on an H-2B work visa.

Can I Overstay a U.S. Visa While Waiting to Get a Green Card?

It is possible to get a green card (by adjustment of status) after overstaying a visa, but it's risky.

Applying for a Green Card With an E-2 Visa

After having invested in a U.S. venture and been allowed to enter the U.S. to oversee your investment, you’re perhaps now thinking that you want to make your U.S. stay more permanent.

Does My Tourist Visa Still Expire If I'm Applying for a Green Card?

If you have found a way to apply for a green card, you're still limited to the time allowed by your U.S. visitor (B-2) visa.

Can a J-1 Visa Holder Get a Green Card?

The J-1 visa has certain restrictions that can impact your ability to apply for a green card.

Can a Temporary Visa Help You Get a U.S. Green Card?

A nonimmigrant (temporary) visa can help you get into the United States, but if you're looking to become a permanent resident, it might not be a good idea.

Traveling Outside of the U.S. as a Green Card Holder

Once you've become a permanent U.S. resident (green card holder) traveling abroad and returning to the U.S. becomes easy. Even so, there are rules you should be aware of, particularly if you might get stuck outside the United States.

Must Green Card Holders Pay U.S. Taxes on Foreign Income?

When must you pay U.S. taxes as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)?

Working Outside the U.S. With a Green Card

If you have a green card and are going to work outside of the U.S., learn how to avoid abandoning your permanent residence, or disrupting your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

Will a Misdemeanor Affect My Green Card Renewal?

Find out when a misdemeanor can make you deportable, which will be discovered upon applying to renew a green card.

Legal Issues Renewing Your Green Card With a Felony Conviction

If you've been convicted of a felony since you received (or last renewed) your green card, your permanent residency could be at risk when you renew again.

Process to Renew Your Green Card

If you're a legal permanent resident, you must remember to renew your green card as required by law. Here's some basic procedural information you need to know.

How to Renew Your U.S. Green Card

A step-by-step overview of when and how to renew your green card using the Form I-90.

Documents Needed for Filing an I-751 Form With USCIS

Learn about the documents you'll need to prove your right to go from conditional to permanent resident.

Conditional Residents: When to File I-751 Form With USCIS

Timing the filing of you I-751 petition is important. Filing to early can delay your green card, and filing too late can lead to serious problems with USCIS.

Traveling Outside the U.S. as a Conditional Resident

If you have conditional U.S. residence (a "temporary green card") you are generally free to travel wherever you like, but be wary of extended stays.

When Your Conditional Residence Can Be Revoked

A conditional green card (conditional U.S. residence) is valid for two years, at the end of which getting a permanent green card (permanent U.S. residence) is contingent upon the person fulfilling specific conditions and successfully filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Filing Form I-829 to Remove Conditions on EB-5 Status

If you received "conditional residence" through the EB-5 investor visa program, you will need to complete and submit for I-829 within the time limits to become a legal permanent resident.

Abandonment of Residence by U.S. Green Card Holders

The immigration rules on when a U.S. permanent resident is considered to have "abandoned residence."

Failed to Renew Your Green Card in Time?

Forgetting to renew your green card is usually not hard to remedy. However, there are some legal issues to be aware of.

Why Voluntarily Abandon Your Green Card? I-407 FAQ

In some cases it might be beneficial to give up (abandon) your U.S. green card and permanent resident status. It's done using Form I-407.

Applying for a U.S. Green Card After Abandonment of Residence

As a green card holder, if you are overseas and wish to return to the U.S, and you realize that you are likely to have a problem with appearing to have abandoned your residence, you can potentially apply for what's called a returning resident (SB-1) visa.

Can a Mexican Citizen With TN Status Get a Green Card?

Although certain work-authorized statuses, such as the H-1B or L-1 classifications, benefit from the concept of “dual intent,” the law says that a TN nonimmigrant cannot have dual intent. Here's how this plays into your quest for a green card.

U.S. Permanent Residency (Green Card) Rules for Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens have long enjoyed special rules for entering the United States on various types of visas. Most notably, the majority of Canadian citizens do not need to visit a U.S. consulate in advance of their travel in order to obtain a visa to enter the United States for a temporary stay.

Can a Canadian Citizen on TN Status Get a Green Card?

TN visas are a great way for Canadians to work in the U.S. temporarily, but can be a problem if permanent residency becomes the goal.