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What Are the Main Steps in the Green Card Application Process?

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January 13, 2026

What Are the Main Steps in the Green Card Application Process?

If you’ve determined that it’s time to pursue permanent residency in the United States, you may be both excited by the opportunities ahead and nervous about the application process for green cards. This process can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Understanding the basic steps is the first move toward achieving your goal of living and working permanently in the United States.

The green card application process can, in general, be broken down into five key stages:

  • File an Immigrant Petition: A sponsor, such as a family member or employer, usually files this for you.
  • Application Filing: Once the petition is approved and a visa is available, you file your application.
  • Biometrics Appointment: You’ll provide fingerprints, a photo, and your signature.
  • The Interview: You will attend an interview to answer questions about your application.
  • Receive a Decision: You will be notified of your application’s outcome.

At the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC, we understand the stress and uncertainty that often come with immigration matters. We are here to provide clear guidance every step of the way, from your first visa application to applying for a green card.

Who Can Apply for a Green Card?

Before you begin, the first step is to confirm your eligibility. U.S. immigration law provides various pathways to a green card, and the requirements can vary depending on the specific category you apply under. Common categories include:

  • Family-Based: Sponsorship by an immediate relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Employment-Based: Sponsorship by a U.S. employer.
  • Special Immigrant: Includes religious workers, certain international organization employees, and other specific groups.
  • Refugee or Asylee Status: For those who have been granted asylum or refugee status at least one year prior.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can complete the application process through either Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

If you are already in the United States, you may be able to apply for a green card through “Adjustment of Status.” This allows you to complete the entire process without leaving the country. You’ll file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In some cases, you can file your I-485 at the same time as the sponsored immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 for family members). After the forms are filed and your biometrics appointment and interview are completed, you will receive notice of USCIS’s decision.

When Is Consular Processing Required?

If you are living outside the United States, you will need to go through “Consular Processing” to apply for a green card. This means that your application will be processed at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. After your immigrant petition is approved, your case is sent to the National Visa Center, which will guide you through the next steps, including submitting documents and scheduling your interview.

What Makes Applying for a Marriage-Based Green Card Different?

Pursuing a green card based on marriage is a common application method. It involves the same steps as many other paths, including filing the necessary petitions, attending a biometrics appointment, and participating in an interview. However, it also comes with the requirements of proving a valid, authentic marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and submitting evidence of your relationship. At the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC, we offer Marrigration® services to help guide couples seamlessly through every stage of marriage-based green card applications, from preparing strong petitions and gathering evidence to navigating waivers, interviews, and consular processing.

We Can Help You Move Forward

The green card process is a journey toward a brighter future, and having an experienced, compassionate attorney by your side can make a big difference in its outcome. As a former USCIS Asylum and Immigration Services Officer, Marron Gebremeskel has a unique understanding of how the system works, and she is ready to put her insights to work for your green card application.

If you are ready to take the next step, contact the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC for a consultation. We are here to listen to your story and build a legal strategy that helps you succeed.

Let’s Move Forward Together

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step with
a team that puts your story at the center of everything we do.

We’ll help you explore pathways to a brighter future.

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Houston/Katy Office: 832-786-5527

Mansfield Office: 817-389-6824

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