A Green Card, also known as lawful permanent resident status, allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. There are several pathways to obtaining permanent residence, including family-based sponsorship, employment-based immigration, the Diversity Visa Program, asylum, refugee status, and other humanitarian relief provisions established under U.S. immigration law. Each category has distinct eligibility requirements, application procedures, and processing timelines. Read below to learn more about each Green Card category and determine which pathway may best fit your immigration goals and circumstances.