Determine Eligibility

• There are several ways to become eligible for a green card, including through family or via an employer. Parents, spouses and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens are eligible. Employment-based eligibility includes those with extraordinary abilities, those who hold advanced degrees, skilled professionals and those in religious vocations. Additionally, those with refugee status are eligible.
  
  

File Petition

• One you determine your eligibility you must have someone file a petition on your behalf. If you use a family member, you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. If you are taking the employer path, the employer must file Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. An entrepreneur who intends to start a business with a significant amount of capital can file Form I-520, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, on your behalf. Those filing under refugee status or through humanitarian programs do not need to file a petition; however, they may need to meet other requirements.
  
  

Check Visa Availability and File Form I-485

• Once a visa is available in the particular category under which you are applying, you can file for your green card using Form I-485. However, this form must be filed at the appropriate time. Read the form carefully and provide all the documentation called for in your specific category or your application could be delayed or denied.
  
  

Provide Fingerprints, Photo and Signature

• In the wake of filing Form I-485, an appointment will be made for you to appear at an Application Support Center where you will be required to provide fingerprints and signature and have your photo taken. This info will be used for mandated security checks and the creation of your green card and work permit.
  
  

Attend Interview

• You may receive notification of an interview at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. You will be required to answer question while under oath. If a family member filed on your behalf, he must attend as well. You must bring original copies all your documentation, including passport, travel documents and Form I-94.
  
  

Receive Final Decision by Mail

• After all the previous steps are completed, the USCIS will notify you of its decision in writing through the mail.