For many immigrants, getting a green card—or lawful permanent residency—is one of the biggest steps toward building a stable, long-term life in the U.S. It means more than just a legal status. It means the ability to live and work here freely, travel with less worry, and start thinking about the future in a way that feels real. But getting there takes time, paperwork, and a solid understanding of the process.

At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we work with clients every day who are working toward this goal—through family, employment, humanitarian paths, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or getting ready to file, here’s what you need to know about the essentials of becoming a permanent resident.

What Is a Green Card?

A green card is proof that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It lets you live and work here permanently, although you don’t become a U.S. citizen automatically. Green card holders can travel, own property, get a driver’s license, and apply for certain public benefits. After a certain number of years—usually five, or three if you’re married to a U.S. citizen—you may be eligible to apply for naturalization.

That said, permanent doesn’t mean untouchable. You can still lose your green card for serious criminal offenses, long absences from the U.S., or immigration fraud. So once you have it, maintaining your status is just as important as getting it.

Common Ways to Qualify

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to permanent residency. Some of the most common categories include:

Family-based immigration: U.S. citizens and permanent residents can petition for certain relatives, including spouses, children, siblings, and parents.

Employment-based immigration: Some individuals can apply based on a job offer, sponsorship, or extraordinary ability.

Asylum and refugee status: Those granted asylum or refugee protection can apply for a green card after one year.

Diversity Visa Lottery: A limited number of green cards are issued each year through a random selection process to individuals from underrepresented countries.

Humanitarian programs: Applicants under VAWA, U visa, or TPS may qualify under specific conditions.

Every category has different eligibility rules, processing times, and supporting documentation. We’ve seen families wait years, while others receive approval in under a year. It all depends on your category and country of origin.

The Application Process

Applying for a green card usually involves a combination of Form I-130 (or other petition form), Form I-485 for adjustment of status, or consular processing if you’re outside the U.S. The basic steps typically include:

Filing a petition (like I-130 or I-140)

Waiting for visa availability (based on your priority date)

Submitting an adjustment of status or consular application

Attending a biometrics appointment

Completing an interview with USCIS or at a U.S. consulate

Receiving a decision

You’ll also need to submit supporting documents such as birth certificates, tax records, medical exams, and proof of your relationship or employment.

Throughout this process, it’s important to stay organized. A single missing document or overlooked detail can slow things down—or worse, lead to a denial. We’ve had clients come to us after trying to do it themselves, only to get stuck on something small that could have been avoided.

Conditional vs. Permanent Green Cards

Some green cards are issued on a conditional basis, especially those based on recent marriages or investments. These are valid for two years and require an additional petition (like Form I-751) to remove conditions and become permanent.

We see people forget about this step all the time, especially couples navigating new marriages. If you don’t remove the conditions in time, your green card can be revoked—even if your relationship is real. It’s one of those situations where planning ahead makes all the difference.

Travel, Work, and Other Benefits

Once you have a green card, you can live and work anywhere in the U.S. without needing employer sponsorship or visa extensions. You can also travel abroad, though long absences (especially those over six months) can trigger questions about whether you’ve abandoned your residency.

Green card holders can apply for travel documents, renew their cards when they expire (usually every 10 years), and sponsor other family members down the line. But with those benefits come responsibilities—like filing taxes and notifying USCIS if you move.

Let Us Help You Make It Official

Getting a green card is a major milestone, but it’s not always a straightforward one. At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we help clients across a wide range of immigration categories prepare, file, and maintain their status with confidence. Whether you’re starting with a family petition, switching from a temporary visa, or trying to fix a past mistake, we’ll help you understand your options and take the next step.

We serve individuals and families from all backgrounds and welcome questions from anyone navigating this process. Visit tourzanilaw.com to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you move forward—one step at a time.