United States
US settlement & citizenship
The US settlement and citizenship category covers the longer-term outcomes of the immigration system — becoming a lawful permanent resident (a Green Card holder) and, later, naturalizing as a US citizen. Green Cards are obtained through employment, close family, humanitarian programs, or the Diversity Visa lottery; people already in the US in an eligible status may apply to adjust status (Form I-485), while those abroad use consular immigrant-visa processing. Most permanent residents can apply to naturalize (Form N-400) after five years — or three years if married to a US citizen — subject to residence, physical-presence and other requirements. This section groups these routes and links to the official USCIS and U.S. Department of State guidance so you can confirm what applies to you.
- SETTLEMENTGREEN CARDLOTTERYDiversity Visa (green card lottery)PopularA 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.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTGREEN CARDFROM INSIDE USGreen Card via adjustment of status (I-485)PopularThe 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.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTGREEN CARDFROM ABROADImmigrant visa (consular processing, DS-260)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.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTCITIZENSHIPNaturalization (US citizenship, N-400)PopularThe process by which a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder, becomes a US citizen, filed on Form N-400.View visa details