Other green card categories

Additional pathways to permanent residence that do not fit into the major families above, including registry, persons born to foreign diplomats in the U.S., American Indians born in Canada, and the INA 245(i) filing overlay.

Next step for this family

Use the process guides to understand how this family usually moves forward. Check checklist coverage only after you know which pathway and process fit the case.

Open process guides See what this guide covers for every pathway

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Process guides

These guides cover the processes most relevant to this pathway family.

Checklist support

At least one pathway in this family has supported checklist support today. Exact support still depends on the specific pathway, processing context, and, for consular cases, sometimes the interview post.

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Pathways in this family

Registry (continuous residence since before January 1, 1972)Individuals who have continuously resided in the United States since before January 1, 1972, are of good moral character, and are not inadmissible on certain grounds.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of statusForms hint: I-485 (with registry basis)Open pathway →American Indian born in CanadaPersons with at least 50% American Indian blood who were born in Canada. They may freely enter and reside in the United States under the Jay Treaty provisions and may adjust status.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of statusForms hint: I-485; specialist review recommendedOpen pathway →Born in the U.S. to a foreign diplomatPersons born in the United States to accredited foreign diplomatic officers who are not U.S. citizens by birth and seek adjustment to permanent residence.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of statusForms hint: I-485; specialist review recommendedOpen pathway →INA 245(i) filing overlayNot a standalone pathway. INA 245(i) allows certain individuals who entered without inspection or overstayed to file for adjustment of status if they are the beneficiary of a qualifying petition filed on or before April 30, 2001, and pay a penalty fee.This is not a standalone immigrant category. It is an overlay that affects filing eligibility for adjustment of status only.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of statusForms hint: I-485 with Supplement A; requires underlying immigrant basisOpen pathway →

Coverage note: Pathway overviews are available based on official USCIS guidance. These are uncommon categories: consult an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.