An immigrant visa, or lawful permanent residence – Green Card – is issued to people who want to live permanently in the United States. These immigrants are granted the status of lawful permanent resident and may live and work permanently in the United States.

A foreign citizen who wants to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States and obtain a “Green Card” must be sponsored by a family member who must be an American citizen or lawful permanent resident; or by a prospective American employer.

The process of becoming a lawful permanent resident varies depending on who the sponsor is and whether the beneficiary lives inside or outside the United States.