Green Card and Adjustment of Status: Your Questions Answered

What a green card is, adjustment of status versus consular processing, how long it takes, what changes afterward and whether a spouse or children can be included.

This page answers the basic questions about lawful permanent residence: what a green card is, how you can get one from inside or outside the United States, how long it takes and who else in the family can benefit. It is for people considering a family, employment or other green card path. The answers are general, and timelines vary by category and over time.

What is a green card?

A green card (lawful permanent residence) allows you to live and work in the U.S. permanently. You may obtain one through family, employment, asylum, or other special categories.

What’s the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?

Adjustment of status is done inside the U.S. Consular processing involves attending an interview at a U.S. embassy abroad. Your eligibility and location determine which process is appropriate.

How long does it take to get a green card?

Timelines vary by case type. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, the process may take 8–14 months. For others, such as siblings or married adult children, the wait can be several years.

What happens after I get my green card?

You’ll be a lawful permanent resident, free to work and travel. In most cases, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after 3–5 years.

Can my spouse or children get a green card too?

Yes. Immediate relatives may be eligible as derivatives, depending on your status and the type of application.

How Claudette helps with this

Claudette begins with an interview to find which green card category fits your family and immigration history, and whether adjustment of status or consular processing applies. She builds your document plan (civil documents, proof of the relationship, sponsor’s financial papers, medical exam), prepares the forms such as the I-130 and I-485 from your answers, and audits the package for gaps and inconsistencies before filing. You review everything, and attorney review is available as an optional add-on, which is especially worth considering if there is any past immigration violation or criminal history.