If you are already within the United States, you can apply for a Green Card by requesting an adjustment of status. This is done through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. There are many different Green Card eligibility categories, and understanding which one best fits your situation is the first step in the application process. An immigration attorney can talk with you about your background and goals and help you choose the category that makes the most sense for your circumstances.

Once you’ve identified which category you’re eligible under, the next step is to file your petition. In many cases, someone else will need to sponsor you, which means they start the process by filing a petition on your behalf. Once you have an approved petition, you can file Form I-485, which is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Before your adjustment of status can be approved, you will need to go to a biometrics appointment to provide identifying information, such as your photo, fingerprints, and signature. You may also be required to attend an immigration interview. Once all of these steps are completed, you will receive a decision on your application.