Usually, you must go through the following multi-step process:

• The USCIS must approve an immigrant visa petition, I-130 for Foreign national Relative, for you. This petition is filed by your relative (sponsor) and must be accompanied by proof of your relationship to the requesting relative
• The Department of State must determine if an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, even if you are already in the United States
• When an immigrant visa number becomes immediately available to you, you may apply to adjust to permanent resident status if you are in the U.S. If you are outside the United States when an immigrant visa number becomes available, you will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa