Although most immigrants come to live permanently in the United States through a family member’s sponsorship, employment, or a job offer, there are many other ways to get a greencard (permanent residence).
These special adjustment programs are limited to individuals meeting particular qualifications and/or applying during certain time frames.
For information about the categories below, see links to the left under “Other Ways to Get a Green Card.”
- Amerasian Child of a U.S. Citizen
- American Indian Born in Canada
- Armed Forces Member
- Cuban Native or Citizen
- Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
- Haitian Refugee
- Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act
- Informant (S Nonimmigrant)
- Lautenberg Parolee
- Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act
- Person Born to Foreign Diplomat in United States
- Registry
- Section 13 (Diplomat)
- Special Immigrant Juvenile
- Victim of Criminal Activity (U Nonimmigrant)
- Victim of Trafficking (T Nonimmigrant)
For information about the special categories below, see under the “Family,” Working in the U.S.” and “Humanitarian” links to the right.
- Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)
- Green Cards Through Special Categories of Jobs
Includes:
- Afghan/Iraqi Translator
- Broadcaster
- International Organization Employee
- Iraqi Who Assisted the U.S. Government
- NATO-6 Nonimmigrant
- Panama Canal Employee
- Physician National Interest Waiver
- Religious Worker
- Green Cards Through Special Categories of Family
Includes:
- Battered Spouse or Child (VAWA)
- K Nonimmigrant (includes fiancé(e))
- V Nonimmigrant
- Widow(er)
Source: USCIS
