A Free, Independent Green Card Resource · 2026

Your complete path to a U.S. Green Card.

Every pathway, explained clearly. From family sponsorship to EB-5 investment to the DV Lottery — plain-language guides, USCIS form walkthroughs, and free interactive tools, all in one place. We're an independent information resource, not a law firm.

Explore Pathways
Free · 4 Minutes · Private

Personalized Eligibility Review

Answer a few questions and see which pathways fit your situation, with an estimated timeline — no account, no email required.

Every
Major Pathway
25 forms
Step-by-Step
Free
Interactive Tools
8 langs
Translatable
Independent & free · Always points you to official USCIS and State Department sources
EB-5 RURAL CURRENT· EB-5 HUA CURRENT· EB-2 INDIA 15 JUL 2014· EB-3 CHINA 01 SEP 2021· F2A SPOUSE 01 AUG 2024· F1 UNMARRIED 01 SEP 2017· EB-1 INDIA 01 APR 2023· DV-2026 FINAL CALL· MAY 2026 BULLETIN· EB-5 RURAL CURRENT· EB-5 HUA CURRENT· EB-2 INDIA 15 JUL 2014· EB-3 CHINA 01 SEP 2021· F2A SPOUSE 01 AUG 2024· EB-1 INDIA 01 APR 2023· MAY 2026 BULLETIN·
Six Major Pathways

Every route to U.S. permanent residency, compared.

Most sites bury the comparison. We lead with it. Whether you're sponsored by family, recruited by an employer, investing capital, or entering the DV Lottery — start by understanding your options.

PATH 02 / TALENT

EB-1A Extraordinary

No investment · Self-petition

For those at the top of their field. Self-petition. Current for most countries. Best path for high achievers wanting to skip backlogs.

1-3yrTo GC
3 of 10Criteria
CurrentMost
Explore EB-1A →
PATH 03 / ADVANCED DEGREE

EB-2 NIW

No employer needed · Self-petition

National Interest Waiver for advanced-degree professionals. Self-petition without labor certification. Heavy backlogs for India.

1-11yrTo GC
3-prongTest
VariesCountry
Explore EB-2 NIW →
PATH 04 / FAMILY

Family-Based

Spouse, parent, child, sibling

U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family. Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, minor child of citizen) skip the quota.

1-20yrRange
I-130Petition
VariesCategory
Explore Family →
PATH 05 / LOTTERY

DV Lottery

Free entry · ~55,000 visas/year

The Diversity Visa Program awards roughly 55,000 green cards yearly to natives of low-immigration countries. Entry is always free at the official government site.

FREEEntry
~55KVisas/yr
LowOdds
Explore DV Lottery →
PATH 06 / EMPLOYER

EB-3 Skilled

Employer sponsorship · PERM required

Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers sponsored by U.S. employer. Requires PERM labor certification. Major backlogs for India/China.

2-12yrRange
PERMRequired
EB-3Category
Explore EB-3 →
▶ YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Guides from this site, also on video.

Visa Bulletin analysis, USCIS form walkthroughs, pathway deep-dives, and policy-change explainers. Subscribe so you don't miss the monthly Visa Bulletin breakdown.

▶ Subscribe on YouTube Browse video library →
USCIS Forms

Plain-language guides to the USCIS forms you'll file.

Step-by-step explanations, common mistakes, and what to expect. Always file using the current official forms and fees at USCIS.gov — we link you there and explain what each form does.

View all form guides →
Free Interactive Tools

Tools that actually answer your questions.

No login required. No paywalls. Built around current USCIS data and the Visa Bulletin — and we always tell you to confirm against the official source before you rely on a result.

Decision Framework

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing.

The decision affects your timeline, work authorization, and travel flexibility. Here's what actually matters.

Factor
Adjustment of Status (AOS)
Consular Processing (CP)
Best For
Location
Inside U.S.
U.S. embassy abroad
Where you currently are
Form
I-485
DS-260
Work Permit
Yes — EAD in 3-6 mo
No until entry
Employment continuity
Travel During
Yes with Advance Parole
Stay abroad until interview
Global flexibility
Total Cost
Higher upfront
Generally lower upfront
Budget
Risk if Denied
May face removal proceedings
Stranded abroad
Risk tolerance
Read the full comparison
By Country

Country-specific green card guides.

Common pathways, visa-availability context, and document procurement notes for major immigration source countries.

From the Blog

Policy updates and strategic deep dives.

Browse all articles →
Finding Legal Help

Know when to get an immigration attorney — and how to find a good one.

We're not a law firm and we don't give legal advice. But one of the most useful things this site can do is help you understand when your case really needs a licensed professional, and how to find one you can trust.

  • Understand which cases are reasonable to self-file and which aren't.
  • Learn how to verify an attorney's license and avoid "notario" scams.
  • Know what questions to ask before you pay anyone.
  • Always free to read. We point you to official resources first.
Read: avoiding immigration scams

A quick, honest note

MyGreenCard is an independent information resource. We are not a law firm, we do not provide legal advice, and we are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.

For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited representative. For official forms, fees, and case status, always go to USCIS.gov and travel.state.gov.

Stay Updated

Monthly Visa Bulletin & policy updates.

A short, free email when the Visa Bulletin updates and when major policy changes happen. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Common Questions

What people actually ask.

What's the fastest path to a green card in 2026?+
It depends entirely on your situation. EB-1A can be fast if you're genuinely at the top of your field; EB-5 Rural is currently moving quickly if you have the capital to invest; marriage to a U.S. citizen is often the most direct family route. The DV Lottery is free but the odds are low. Family preference categories can involve multi-year waits. There is no single "fastest" answer — that's what the eligibility quiz helps you think through.
Do I really need an immigration attorney?+
For straightforward cases (an immediate-relative I-130, an I-90 renewal), many people self-file successfully. For employment-based, EB-5, asylum, or any case with prior immigration complications, experienced counsel is strongly advisable. We're not a law firm and can't advise on your specific case — but our guides can help you judge which situation you're in.
How does MyGreenCard make money?+
The site is free to read. We intend to support it through advertising and, in the future, clearly-disclosed sponsorships or referral arrangements with reputable service providers. Any paid or sponsored placement will always be labeled as such, and it never changes the information we publish. We don't sell your personal data.
Can I file my own forms without an attorney?+
Yes — USCIS forms are designed to be filed by individuals, and the forms are free at USCIS.gov. The risks of self-filing include missing deadlines, providing inadequate evidence, triggering Requests for Evidence, or overlooking inadmissibility issues. Straightforward cases (immediate relative I-130, I-90 renewal, I-765 renewal) are reasonable to self-file. Complex cases benefit from counsel.
What if my priority date is years away?+
There are several strategies worth understanding: cross-chargeability if your spouse was born in a country with shorter waits; upgrading to EB-1A if your achievements support it; considering EB-5 Rural, which is currently active for all countries; or, for F2A spouses of permanent residents, the possibility that the petitioner naturalizes and converts the case to immediate-relative. Which (if any) fits is case-specific — a good reason to read carefully and, for complex situations, consult counsel.
Are there scams I should watch out for?+
Yes — many. Watch for anyone "guaranteeing" a green card, USCIS impersonators demanding payment, DV Lottery agents (the lottery is FREE — never pay anyone to enter), unlicensed "notarios" practicing immigration law, and EB-5 projects with no real job creation. Always verify against USCIS.gov and work only with licensed attorneys. See our scam warnings page.
When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?+
Generally five years after becoming a permanent resident (three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen). You must meet physical-presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and take the oath. The application is Form N-400. Confirm current requirements and fees at USCIS.gov.