Obtaining a Green Card (Permanent Residence) in the U.S.
(Separate Website)
The steps to becoming a Green Card holder (permanent resident) vary by category and depend on whether you currently live inside or outside the United States. Click here to read about the different categories and how to apply.
By: USCIS
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Apply For a Green Card
(Separate Website)
This booklet provides information on how to obtain a Green Card which is a document that says you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and gives you the right to live and work permanently in the U.S.
By: The Children's Aid Society
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Spanish / Español
Immigration Medical Examinations
(Separate Website)
Most applicants for adjustment of status are required to have a medical examination. The medical examination must be conducted by a civil surgeon who has been designated by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Here is a list of civil surgeons in New York State.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Q&A: Expedited Processing Available for Certain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Beneficiaries
(Separate Website)
Find out if you qualify for expedited processing.
By: USCIS
The HIV Ban
(Separate Website)
Find out whether being HIV positive will affect your immigration application.
By: Immigration Equality
Request for a Fee Waiver
(Separate Website)
If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee for your application, you can request a fee waiver.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
A Quick Guide to Public Charge and Receipt to Public Benefits
(Separate Website)
This guide provides a summary of how receiving public benefits in the United States may affect the "public charge" provisions of the immigration laws.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Do I Get A Green Card through a Family Member?
Immigration Through a Family Member
(Separate Website)
If you are interested in becoming a legal permanent resident and you have family that is a US Citizen that would like to sponsor you; read this to learn about the eligibility requirements and the application steps.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Can I Apply To Economically Sponsor Someone Who Wants to Immigrate to the US?
(Separate Website)
To show that the applying immigrant has enough financial support to live without concern of becoming reliant on U.S. government welfare they will need a US Citizen who will economically sponsor them.
Learn how to do this.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Getting a Greencard Through a Job
(Separate Website)
Information on who is eligible to apply for immigrant status based on employment, and what the process is like.
By: USCIS
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Do I Get a Green Card for My Child (Biological or Adopted)?
How Do I Bring My Relative To Live In the United States?
(Separate Website)
This resource explains how you may petition for relatives (or future relatives such as a fiancé(e) or a prospective adopted child) to immigrate to the United States.
By: USCIS
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Do I Get A Green Card If I am a Victim of Domestic Violence?
How To Get Permanent Residence If Your Spouse Abuses You
(Separate Website)
If you are a victim of domestic violence you may qualify to complete a Violence Against Women Application (VAWA Self-Petition). Read this brief brochure for more information.
By: Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
,
Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
Immigration - Questions and Answers
(Separate Website)
Explains how to get lawful permanent residency (green card) without your spouse's help. Explains your legal options as a immigrant victim of domestic violence.
By: WomensLaw.org
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Diversity Visa Lottery Program
(Separate Website)
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery? Read this to find out.
By: U.S. Department of State
Diversity Visa Lottery Instructions
(Separate Website)
The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the visa lottery, gives foreign nationals without family ties or employment sponsorship an opportunity to obtain lawful permanent residence.
By: U.S. Department of State
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) provides lawful permanent residency to eligible children dealing with juvenile court.
By: Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Greencards For Youth in Foster Care or Guardianships This pamphlet contains legal information, but it should not be considered legal advice and is not a substitute for speaking with a lawyer.
By: The Door - A Center of Alternatives
Read this in:
French / Français
,
Spanish / Español
How to get a Green Card If You Are Undocumented Learn about the eligibility requirements for getting a green card if you are in foster care or not.
By: Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Green Card Through Investment
(Separate Website)
10,000 immigrant visas per year are available for individuals who want to get their greencard and are participating in a new commercial enterprise. Learn about the requirements.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Finding the Status of Your Case
(Separate Website)
Use this online portal to find out the status of your immigration case.
By: USCIS
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Do I Appeal the Denial of My Petition or Application?
(Separate Website)
Learn about the steps you can take to appeal a denial of you application or petition.
By: USCIS
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I am a Permanent Resident....How Do I Know What My Responsibilities Are?
(Separate Website)
Learn what you need to to in regards to your tax returns, social security number, and other responsibilities.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I am a Permanent Resident....How Do I Help My Relative Become a Permanent Resident of the US?
(Separate Website)
This is a fact sheet on what to do if you are a permanent resident and you want to help a relative immigrate.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I am a Permanent Resident....How Do I Get A Reentry Permit?
(Separate Website)
Learn how to get a re-entry permit to prevent having your greencard become invalid for re-entry and having your permanent residence being considered as abandoned for absences shorter than 1 year.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I am a Permanent Resident...How Do I Change My Address with USCIS?
(Separate Website)
Legal Permanent Residents are required by law to notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of a change of address within 10 days after moving to a new address. This fact sheet explains how to properly inform Citizenship and Immigration Services about a change of address.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Do I Renew or Replace My Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)?
(Separate Website)
Learn about how and when to renew and/or replace your green card.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Immigration Rights and Services Manual
(Separate Website)
This manual provides important information on the rights and services available to immigrants in New York City.
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Spanish / Español
USCIS Application Service Centers
Learn more about what the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service centers and how to contact them.
By: Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
USCIS Field Office Locator: Find Out Where Your Local Immigration Office Is?
(Separate Website)
Simply put in your zipcode or search by state to find a local immigration office near you.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS Civil Surgeons Locator
(Separate Website)
Most applicants for adjustment of status are required to have a medical examination. The medical examination must be conducted by a civil surgeon who has been designated by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Use this website to find a civil surgeon in your area.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
Immigration Law Glossary
(Separate Website)
This is a glossary of commonly used words and phrases when talking about immigration law. Definitions for each word and phrases are provided.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
If you have a case in immigration court; Read this before you take legal advice
(Separate Website)
Read these tips to prevent you from being a victim of immigration fraud.
By: Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
Is Your Lawyer Licensed to Practice? You should check to make sure your lawyer is licensed to practice before you hire them to represent you. Find out what you can do!
By: Lawhelp NY
USCIS Information to Avoid Immigration Scams
(Separate Website)
This section of the USCIS website provides information on how to avoid scams, common scams, form filing tips, how to report immigration scams, and much more.
Diversity Visa Scam Alert
(Separate Website)
Learn about Diversity Visa Program scammers sending fraudulent emails and letters.
By: U.S. Department of State
I do not speak English, what is my right to receive information in my language?
Filing a Complaint Regarding an Immigration Court Interpreter
(Separate Website)
By: U.S. Department of Justice: Executive Office of Immigration Review
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Video: How to Work with Interpreters
(Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Complaints About Attorneys
(Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
How to Complain About Lawyers and Judges in NYC
(Separate Website)
An overview of how to file complaint against a Lawyer or Judge in NYC. Outlines client's rights and responsibilities.
By: City Bar Justice Center
Immigration Forms
(Separate Website)
Visit this website to download and learn more about the application process and charges for different types of immigration forms.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)