Moving to the United States permanently is a goal for many people. Some want to join family members, others want to build their careers, and some hope to create better opportunities for their businesses.
But before making plans, you need to understand how to get a green card and which immigration route fits your situation.
A US green card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, allows eligible foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. However, getting one isn’t as simple as applying for a regular visitor visa. You must qualify under an approved immigration category and complete the required process.
Here’s what you need to know about how to get a green card in the US in 2026.
1. Understand the Main Ways to Get a Green Card
There isn’t one application that works for everyone. Your eligibility depends on factors such as your family relationships, employment, qualifications, and immigration circumstances.
Here are some of the main routes.
Family-Based Immigration
One way to get a green card is through an eligible family relationship with a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Depending on the relationship, a qualifying relative may be able to sponsor you. Eligible relationships include certain spouses, parents, children, and siblings of US citizens, as well as certain relatives of permanent residents.
The rules and waiting times differ by relationship. Having a relative in the US does not automatically make you eligible.
Read the official US family-based immigration guidance to understand how sponsorship works.
Employment-Based Immigration
If you have specialised skills, professional qualifications, or an eligible job opportunity, employment-based immigration may offer a route to permanent residency.
Some categories require a US employer to sponsor the applicant. Others allow eligible individuals with extraordinary ability or certain qualifications to apply without a traditional job offer.
The requirements depend on the specific category, so check the USCIS employment-based immigration information before deciding whether this route suits you.
The Diversity Visa Program
The Diversity Visa Program is a lottery-based immigration programme for eligible applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Eligibility can depend on your country of birth, and applicants must also meet education or qualifying work-experience requirements.
Important 2026 update: As of August 31, 2026, the US Department of State says it has paused the issuance of Diversity Visas. Applicants should check the official Diversity Visa guidance for the latest instructions before making plans.
Selection in the lottery does not guarantee a green card.
Other Immigration Categories
Certain people may qualify through humanitarian or other special immigration provisions, including eligible refugees, asylees, and special immigrants.
These categories have specific legal requirements. If you believe one applies to you, review the relevant US Citizenship and Immigration Services guidance.
2. Check Whether You Qualify
Before starting a green card application, identify the category that applies to your circumstances.
Depending on the route, you may need to provide:
- A valid passport and identity documents.
- Birth, marriage, or other civil certificates.
- Evidence of a qualifying family relationship or employment opportunity.
- Educational or professional records, where required.
- Financial sponsorship documents, where applicable.
- Police certificates, medical examination results, and other supporting documents required for your case.
Not every applicant needs the same documents. Review the instructions for your particular immigration category before submitting anything.
3. Complete the Green Card Application Process
Once you’ve established your eligibility, the next steps depend on whether you’re applying from outside the United States or are already in the country and eligible to apply for permanent residency.
If you’re applying from outside the US, the process generally involves an eligible petition where required, processing through the National Visa Center, submitting the immigrant visa application, providing supporting documents, attending a medical examination, and completing an interview.
If you’re already in the US, you may qualify to apply for permanent residency through a process called adjustment of status. This commonly involves Form I-485, but eligibility depends on your immigration category and individual circumstances.
You can review the official immigrant visa application process or check the USCIS green card eligibility categories for the applicable requirements.
4. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Green Card?
The cost of getting a green card depends on your immigration category and the forms you need to submit.
Expenses may include government application fees, medical examinations, document preparation, translations, and other required services. Some applicants may also need to pay for legal assistance.
There isn’t one fixed price for every green card application. Check the latest USCIS fee schedule and the instructions for your specific visa category before budgeting.
If you’re relocating from Nigeria, remember to budget separately for travel, accommodation, and other moving expenses. Our guide to paying relocation expenses from Nigeria can help you think through the financial side of an international move.
If your relocation also involves eligible international payments, VitalSwap offers cross-border payment services for individuals and businesses. You can explore VitalSwap and review the applicable transfer fees when planning your expenses. Always use the payment methods specified by the relevant US government agency for immigration fees.
5. How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
There is no single processing time for every applicant.
Some applications may move faster than others, while certain family-based and employment-based categories have waiting periods because demand exceeds the available number of immigrant visas.
Your timeline can depend on your immigration category, country of chargeability, application completeness, background checks, and visa availability.
Check the USCIS processing times tool and, where applicable, the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for current information.
Be cautious of anyone promising a guaranteed approval or a specific timeline in exchange for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a green card without a job in the US?
Yes, depending on your circumstances. Certain family-based, humanitarian, and other immigration categories do not require a US job offer. However, you must qualify under the specific category.
Can I apply for a green card while visiting the US?
Being in the US on a visitor visa does not automatically make you eligible for permanent residency. Some people may qualify to adjust their status, but the rules depend on their circumstances, and entering the US as a visitor with a pre-existing intention to immigrate can raise serious legal issues.
Does winning the Diversity Visa lottery guarantee a green card?
No. Selection only allows you to proceed to the next stages, subject to eligibility, visa availability, and the programme’s current rules. As noted above, the Department of State announced a pause in Diversity Visa issuance in August 2026, so check its latest guidance.
Can I pay someone to guarantee my green card?
No legitimate adviser can guarantee that the US government will approve your application. Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed approval or claiming to have special access to immigration officials.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to get a green card starts with identifying the immigration category that fits your situation. Family sponsorship, employment, and certain humanitarian or special immigration provisions may offer routes to permanent residency, but each has different eligibility requirements and procedures.
Before applying, review the official requirements, prepare your documents carefully, and budget for the relevant fees and relocation expenses. Immigration rules can change, so rely on official US government sources for the latest information.
The most important step is to establish which route you genuinely qualify for before spending money on an application.
