How to Apply for a U.S. Green Card from Inside the Country
If you are in the United States on a temporary visa and become eligible for a green card, you may be able to apply without leaving the country. This process is called adjustment of status, and it is handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is different from consular processing, which means applying for a green card from outside the U.S., usually at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Adjustment of status allows eligible non-citizens in the U.S. on a temporary visa, such as a student or work visa, to apply for permanent resident status. To do this, you must meet specific requirements. First, you need to have entered the U.S. legally. You also need to have a valid reason to apply for a green card, such as a family relationship, a job offer, or another qualifying situation, and a visa must be available for your category. The Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin that shows when green card applications can move forward.
To apply, you file Form I-485. If USCIS accepts your application, they may also issue a work permit and travel document while you wait. Many applicants also attend a fingerprinting appointment and an in-person interview before getting a decision.
Not everyone can use adjustment of status. If you entered the U.S. without permission, overstayed your visa, or have certain immigration violations, you may not be eligible, though there are exceptions in some cases.
The USCIS offers full instructions, eligibility details, and filing information on its website at uscis.gov. The current Visa Bulletin is available at travel.state.gov.