Immigration Blog

June 17, 2025

Green Card through Registry Provision

Two Latino seniors who may qualify for a Green Card through the U.S. registry provision based on long-term residency

The Green Card through Registry provision is a section of U.S. immigration law that allows individuals who have lived in the United States continuously since before January 1, 1972, to apply for lawful permanent residence (LPR), even if they are currently in the country without legal status. This option is available to people who meet specific requirements, primarily focused on their entry date, continuous residence, and moral and legal standing.

Eligibility:

To qualify for a Green Card under the registry provision, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Entered the U.S. before January 1, 1972
  • Have resided continuously in the U.S. since your entry
  • Be a person of good moral character
  • Eligible for naturalization (not barred from becoming a U.S. citizen)
  • Not removable or inadmissible under sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) due to criminal, subversive, or immigration-related violations

Application Process:

To apply, you need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The application must include several forms of documentation that prove your eligibility under the registry provision.

When submitting Form I-485, include the following:

  • Two passport-style photos
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Birth certificate
  • Copy of passport visa page (if available)
  • Copy of passport admission stamp (if available)
  • Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (if available)
  • Evidence of U.S. entry before January 1, 1972
  • Proof of continuous residence in the U.S. since that entry

*Note: A medical exam is not required for registry applicants.

Applicants with a pending Form I-485 can also apply for:

  • Employment Authorization Document (Work Permit)
  • Advance Parole (Form I-131), which grants permission to leave and re-enter the U.S. lawfully while your I-485 is pending.

This process offers a path to permanent residence for long-term U.S. residents who may not otherwise have a legal status but meet the strict requirements outlined above. For additional information or a free phone consultation, contact Bailey Immigration, PC at 503-224-0950.