How to get a Green Card from outside the U.S.
To live and work in the U.S. permanently, you will need a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Learn how to get one through consular processing if you are outside the U.S.
Your eligibility to get a Green Card depends on many factors. These include your employment plans and the citizenship status of a family member who would sponsor you.
- Visit the USCIS.gov website and learn about Green Card eligibility categories to see if you qualify.
- Select the category that applies to you.
- Expand the selected category that matches your situation under "you may be eligible to apply as a…" for eligibility and how to apply.
Apply for a Green Card through consular processing
Apply for a Green Card from outside the U.S. through a U.S. Department of State consulate. This procedure is known as consular processing.
- Determining what Green Card category you might be eligible for
- Filing your immigrant petition
- Finding which forms and documents you will need
- Preparing for in-person appointments you may have with the consular office
- Estimating when you will receive your Green Card
Find out the cost of getting a Green Card
You will need to pay a visa application processing fee and an affidavit of support fee when you apply for an immigrant visa.
