Getting a Green Card.

The term "green card" refers to the document that grants an immigrant lawful permanent residence in the United States. There are two main channels for pursuing a green card: through an employer, or through a family member who has lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Immigrants may also participate in the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program, also known as the "green card lottery," to gain a green card. After holding a green card for five years, or for three years if married to a US citizen, an immigrant is eligible for US citizenship via the process of naturalization.