text: Under the current law, the answer depends on your circumstances.  If you entered with a visa and have no prior deportations, you should be able to get a green card in about 1 year.  Get a good lawyer! Dont get scammed.\nIf you entered illegally, you will not qualify for  a green card inside the US unless you were the beneficiary of a family or employment petition filed before 04/30/2001.  If you have been here illegally for more than 6 months and you leave the country, you will be barred from returning for 3 years (unless you are granted a waiver).  If you have been here illegally for more than 1 year and you leave the country, you will be barred from returning for 10 years (unless you are granted a waiver).  GET A GOOD LAWYER.  Good luck!.