Green card defnition
Green cards grant permanent residency and work rights in the US to non-citizens.
A green card is the unofficial name for a Permanent Resident Card, issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Green card holders are lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and have the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
Green card holders have many of the same responsibilities and protections as US citizens, but they do not have full political rights, such as voting or holding certain federal jobs.
How long is a green card good for?
Most green cards are valid for 10 years. Conditional green cards, typically issued to certain spouses of United States citizens and some business investors, are usually valid for two years.
While green cards must be renewed every 10 years, the expiration of the card itself does not affect permanent resident status. However, an expired card can make it difficult to travel internationally or prove work authorization.
Conditional green card holders may also apply for a removal of conditions on their residency and convert to a traditional green card.
Green card holders who leave the US for an extended period of time may lose their permanent residency status.
Sixty-two percent of the green cards issued in 2024 were family-sponsored.
Proportion of Lawful Permanent Resident status granted by category, FY 2014 to FY 2024 (Q1-Q3)
Can a green card holder get a US passport?
No, a green card does not entitle the holder to a United States passport. Only US citizens can obtain a passport.
However, green card holders can apply to become citizens after meeting eligibility requirements, including:
- Living in the US as a green card holder for at least five years (or three years if married to a US citizen)
- Demonstrating good moral character, English proficiency, and knowledge of US civics
