The United States offers lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, through eight primary categories, each with distinct eligibility requirements. Applicants must qualify under at least one category to apply. Some pathways require a sponsor, while others do not.
Family-based green cards
Family sponsorship remains one of the most common pathways.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adult U.S. citizens — may apply without annual caps. Other eligible groups include unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens or green card holders, married children of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens, though these categories often face long wait times.
Additional provisions exist for fiancés of U.S. citizens, their children, widows or widowers, and certain victims of abuse within qualifying relationships.
Employment-based green cards
Employment-based immigration is divided into several preference categories.
The EB-1 category covers individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and certain executives; many applicants in this group do not require employer sponsorship and may apply from abroad.
The EB-2 category includes professionals with advanced degrees, while EB-3 covers skilled workers and other employees. These categories generally require employer sponsorship.
The EB-5 immigrant investor program allows applicants to obtain green cards by investing at least $900,000 in targeted employment areas or $1.8 million elsewhere, creating jobs in the U.S.
Special immigrant category
Certain individuals qualify under special provisions, including religious workers such as priests and pastors under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990.
Broadcasters employed by the U.S. Agency for Global Media may also qualify, with visas capped at about 100 annually. Employees of certain international organizations, including NATO, may also be eligible.
Refugees and asylees
Refugees admitted to the United States may apply for a green card after one year. Individuals granted asylum can also apply after one year of approval.
Applicants must demonstrate persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. A significant number of Nepali nationals have obtained status through asylum.
Victims of trafficking and crime
Victims of human trafficking may qualify for T visas, which can lead to permanent residency if they demonstrate severe hardship upon return to their home country.
Victims of certain crimes may qualify for U visas, which also provide a pathway to a green card, particularly for those who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse.
Victims of abuse (VAWA)
Under the Violence Against Women Act, certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders may self-petition for a green card without relying on the abuser.
Diversity visa lottery
The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery allocates up to 50,000 immigrant visas annually to applicants from eligible countries with low immigration rates to the United States.
Registry
Individuals who have lived continuously in the United States since before 1972 may qualify for a green card under the registry provision, even if they currently lack legal status.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult a licensed immigration attorney or qualified legal professional for guidance specific to their case.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
