Green Card & citizenship

A US government program that makes immigrant visas available each year, through a free electronic lottery, to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

The process for someone already inside the United States in an eligible situation to apply for a green card without leaving the country, using Form I-485.

The route by which a person outside the United States, backed by an approved petition, is processed and interviewed at a US embassy to receive an immigrant visa and become a lawful permanent resident on arrival.

The process by which a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder, becomes a US citizen, filed on Form N-400.

Holders of F2 visas cannot directly apply for a Green Card, although they may be able to do so by switching to F1 status or receiving an EAD.