Categories of Green Cards

Asylees and Refugees

Those receiving asylum may apply for a Green Card. They usually can apply for green card using adjustment of status process, one year after asylum is granted. Refugees can apply for green card one year after being admitted to the U.S.

Human Trafficking and Crime Victims

Those who have previously received a temporary visa as a victim of Human Trafficking (T visa) or Crime (U visa) can apply for a Green Card by applying for adjustment of status as long as certain criteria are met.

Victims of Abuse

In addition to family based VAWA category, additionally, some children who have been designated as victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment can apply for a Green Card and adjust their status as Special Immigrant Juveniles.

Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is perhaps the best known of these categories. Each year, 50,000 visas are set aside for people from countries with low rates of immigration and winners are selected by lottery. Most of those selected are living outside the U.S. and receive their Green Card through consular processing.

Other Categories

There are a handful of other ways to qualify for a Green Card, most of which apply to people from certain countries who meet very specific conditions like certain Cuban natives, Liberian Refugee program, American Indian born in Canada, Diplomat, etc.

Green Card through Registry

Those who have been living continuously in the U.S. since Jan. 1, 1972 are eligible for Green Cards by applying for Adjustment of Status. Unlike other categories, such applicants are not required to have a medical exam.

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