A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows someone to live and work permanently in the United States. It proves that the holder is a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).

What Does a Green Card Do?

With a Green Card, you can:

  • Live anywhere in the U.S.
  • Work legally for almost any employer
  • Travel in and out of the country (though extended trips can affect your status)
  • Apply to become a U.S. citizen after a certain number of years (usually 5)

You must carry your Green Card with you at all times and renew it every 10 years.

How Do People Get a Green Card?

Common paths to getting a Green Card include:

  • Family sponsorship (e.g., spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen or LPR)
  • Employment-based immigration
  • Asylum or refugee status (after 1 year of being granted)
  • Special immigrant categories, like victims of crime or abuse
  • Diversity Visa Lottery

Conditions and Responsibilities

Some Green Cards are conditional, such as those based on recent marriage. These must be converted to permanent status after 2 years.

As a Green Card holder, you must:

  • Pay U.S. taxes
  • Follow U.S. laws
  • Avoid certain crimes or long trips abroad, which could lead to losing your status

Additional Resources

This page is for informational purposes only and does not offer legal advice.

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