Other Ways to Get a Green Card

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 green card (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)