Getting a Green Card: Routes, Forms and Visa Availability
By Vekyo Editorial Team · Last reviewed: October 3, 2026 · Not reviewed by a legal professional
Overview
A green card is obtained either by adjusting status from inside the United States or through consular processing abroad. Family-based cases usually involve a petition on Form I-130 followed by Form I-485 or an immigrant visa application at a consulate.
Two routes to a green card
| Adjustment of status | Consular processing | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the applicant is | Inside the United States | Outside the United States |
| Main application | Form I-485 | Immigrant visa application at a U.S. consulate |
| Who decides | USCIS | A U.S. Department of State consulate |
| How permanent residence begins | USCIS approves the application | The applicant receives an immigrant visa and is admitted as a permanent resident on arrival |
USCIS states that a person who is not inside the United States must obtain the visa outside the country through consular processing.[1]
Visa availability shapes the timing
USCIS says that, in general, you may not file Form I-485 until an immigrant visa is immediately available in your category. The Department of State uses the priority date to decide a place in the visa queue, and immigrant visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are unlimited, so they are always available.[3], [4]
The Visa Bulletin guides in this site explain how to compare a priority date with the published cut-off dates.[4]
Forms you will meet
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-693, the medical examination report, and Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, which USCIS lists among the supporting documents for immediate relatives
Guides in this topic
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
What Form I-130 is, who can file it, what evidence USCIS expects and what the petition does and does not do, explained from USCIS guidance.
- Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status
What Form I-485 is for, when USCIS says you may file it, the initial evidence it asks for and what happens after filing, explained from USCIS guidance.
When to consider speaking with an immigration attorney
Immigration outcomes depend on individual facts that a general guide cannot see. Consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney if your history includes prior denials, unlawful presence, criminal charges, a deadline you may have missed, or anything else you are unsure how the rules treat. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Sources checked
Official sources this page was written from, in order of authority. See our sources policy.
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 24, 2026
Supports: adjustment of status is for people inside the United States
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 20, 2023
Supports: consular processing for people outside the United States
[3] I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated September 18, 2026
Supports: Form I-485 and the visa-availability rule
[4] Visa Availability and Priority Dates
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated January 24, 2025
Supports: priority dates and unlimited immediate-relative visas
[5] Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizen
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated January 30, 2026
Supports: supporting documents including I-693 and I-864
[6] I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 24, 2026
Supports: Form I-130
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated October 1, 2026
Supports: fees can change; the fee schedule
Page history
- — Initial publication.
Written by the Vekyo Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy. Please also read the immigration disclaimer.