USA visas and residency

A permanent resident card or green card is a card that shows you are a lawful permanent resident of the USA. There are different categories to apply for a green card. The law requires refugees to apply for a green card after living in the USA for one year. If you are an asylee, you may also be able to apply for a green card after one year. 

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can petition for some of your family members to come to the United States to join you. This process of family immigration is called family reunification.

Avoid rejection of your USCIS form. Learn about the USCIS Fee Calculator, how to get a fee waiver, and prevent mistakes in your application.

Are you applying for a US visa, an extension to a visa, a green card, or change of status? This page will help you understand the public charge rule.

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is also called the DV lottery, the visa lottery, or the green card lottery. Every year from 1995 to 2020, the USA awarded 50,000 visas through the program. In 2021, 55,000 visas will be awarded. People get chosen by random selection (by chance) in the visa lottery. If you win a visa, you can live, work, and study in the USA. After 5 years, you can apply for citizenship.

Do you want to come to the USA? Are you in the USA and do you need to change your status? You will probably need a US visa. Read about the different types, find the best one for you, and learn how to apply.