The U.S. immigration system is an enormous bureaucracy, so it's vital that you understand it before attempting to apply for a green card. Making a mistake can lead to delays and other hassles or even ruin your chances for success.

How to Get a Green Card provides everything you need to know about qualifying for permanent U.S. residence if you don't have an employer sponsoring you.

Find out how to work with U.S. officials and prepare and present the right documents at the right time to get a green card through:

• parents, siblings, or adult children
• your spouse or fianc
• green card lotteries (diversity visa)
• political asylum or refugee status
• U visas, and
• other categories.

The 13th edition covers the wind-down of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and other new restrictions and procedural changes. It also includes samples of all the key application forms, updates on all required sponsor income levels, and more.