Permanent Resident status (Green Card) grants the privilege to permanently reside in the United States as an immigrant. Permanent Resident status does not grant:

• citizenship of the United States
• right to vote
• automatic entry in the United States (permanent resident has to demonstrate he is admissible)
• a guarantee that a person cannot be deported

Lawful Permanent Residence can be obtained based on several options:

Family Sponsored permanent residence - U.S. citizens may petition for spouses, parents, children and siblings. Permanent residents may petition for spouses and children.

Employment-based permanent residence categories:

• EB-1 Foreign Nationals of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers and Multinational Executives and Managers
• EB-2 Workers with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts or Business
• EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals
• EB-4 Religious Workers
• EB-5 Investor/Employment Creation Visas

DV Visas (the "Green Card Lottery")

Permanent Residence based on refugee or asylee status