A “green card” is the common name of an official U.S. document—a permanent resident card—that grants foreign nationals the right to live and work indefinitely in the United States.
The card earned its common name from its historical green color, which was used from 1950 to 1964 and reintroduced in 2010. Despite changes in card design and color over the decades, the “green card” nickname has remained the standard terminology among immigration professionals and the public.
This government-issued identification card contains the holder’s biographical information, photo, fingerprint, and expiration date. It functions as both proof of permanent resident status and a valid U.S. entry document, enabling cardholders to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.
For employers and business professionals, a green card represents verification that a foreign national can work without restriction in the United States. Green card holders enjoy most of the rights of U.S. citizens, including the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country while being protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Eligibility and types of green cards
The U.S. government offers several pathways to permanent residency through different green card categories, each designed for specific circumstances and qualifications.
Family-based green cards
This pathway enables U.S. citizens and permanent residents to file immigration applications for their family members seeking permanent residency.
- Immediate relatives. Covers the parents, spouses, and unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. citizens, with no annual visa limit.
- Family preference. Includes siblings, married children, and adult children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, subject to annual quotas.
Employment-based green cards
These categories support U.S. employers in recruiting and retaining international talent across various professional sectors.
- EB-1 priority workers. Available for individuals with exceptional abilities, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives.
- EB-2 advanced degrees. Designated for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in the sciences, arts, or business.
- EB-3 skilled workers. Reserved for professionals, skilled workers, and some unskilled workers with permanent job offers in the U.S.
- EB-5 investor program. For foreign nationals who invest $800,000 to $1,050,000 in U.S. businesses that create at least 10 full-time jobs.
Special immigrant green cards
This classification addresses unique circumstances for groups serving particular roles or facing special situations.
- Religious workers. Available for qualified religious workers serving in established religious organizations.
- International organization employees. Designated for retired officers or employees of qualifying international organizations.
- Special immigrant juveniles. Created for children and minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents.
Humanitarian green cards
These categories provide protection and permanent residence to individuals facing persecution or other humanitarian challenges.
- Refugees and asylees. Designed for individuals granted refugee or asylum status after one year in the U.S.
- Human trafficking victims. Available to victims of human trafficking and certain other crimes.
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners. Created for victims of battery or extreme cruelty caused by family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
This program promotes immigration diversity by offering opportunities to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates.
- Annual lottery. Provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates.
- Random selection. Winners are randomly selected and must meet standard eligibility requirements, including education or work experience.
Process for obtaining a green card
The path to permanent residency involves multiple steps and varies based on the applicant’s location, eligibility category, and country of origin.
Initial filing and sponsorship
Most green card processes begin with a petition filed by a qualifying sponsor. U.S. employers must first obtain labor certification—a Department of Labor verification that no qualified U.S. candidates are available for the position and that employment of the foreign worker won't adversely affect U.S. wages—and file Form I-140 for employment-based cases, while family members file Form I-130 for family-based cases. Some applicants, such as those with extraordinary abilities or investors, may self-petition.
Priority dates and waiting periods
After petition approval, applicants monitor their priority date—the date when United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) first receives their immigrant visa petition, which establishes their place in line for a green card. The priority date determines when the applicant can proceed with their application. This period varies by country and visa category, with some applicants from high-demand countries like India and China experiencing multiyear backlogs.
Application methods
Two primary paths exist for completing the green card process:
- Adjustment of status. For applicants legally present in the U.S., this involves submitting Form I-485.
- Consular processing. For applicants outside the U.S., visa applications must be made through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Required steps and documentation
The process includes several mandatory components:
- Medical examination conducted by an authorized physician
- Biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photos
- Background and security checks
- Supporting documentation submission
- Personal interview with immigration officials
Final steps
Upon approval, applicants receive a temporary green card valid for two years if based on marriage or investment or a 10-year card for other categories. Conditional residents with two-year cards must file Form I-751 (for marriage-based cases) or Form I-829 (for investment-based cases) within the 90-day period before their card expires.
This process requires providing evidence that the marriage remains valid or that investment requirements were met. Upon successfully removing conditions, these residents receive a permanent 10-year green card. These residents must file to remove any conditions related to their temporary card before it expires.
Rights and responsibilities of green card holders
A green card provides substantial privileges in the United States. Green card holders can live permanently anywhere in the country and work in most jobs without restriction. They receive legal protection under federal, state, and local laws equal to that of U.S. citizens.
Employment and benefits
Permanent residents can pursue nearly any employment opportunity, including positions requiring security clearances. When eligible, they qualify for federal benefits like Social Security and Medicare and can access educational assistance, including in-state tuition rates at many institutions.
Travel and mobility benefits
Permanent residents can travel freely within the United States and make temporary trips abroad. However, absences exceeding six months may raise questions about residency intentions. For international travel, permanent residents must carry their valid green card and may be required to return within 12 months to maintain their status.
Family and property benefits
Permanent residents can petition for certain family members to receive permanent residency, though with lower priority than U.S. citizen petitioners. They can also own property and attend public schools.
Core responsibilities
Permanent residents must:
- Make the United States their permanent home
- File annual federal, state, and local income tax returns on worldwide income
- Carry their permanent resident card at all times
- Register for Selective Service if male and aged 18–25
- Update their address with USCIS within 10 days of moving to a new address, whether moving within the same city, to another state, or anywhere within the U.S.
Maintenance requirements
Permanent residents must renew their card every 10 years. Those with conditional residence based on marriage or investment must file to remove conditions before their two-year card expires. Maintaining status requires avoiding extended absences and complying with U.S. laws, as status can be revoked for certain violations.
Green card vs. U.S. citizenship
A permanent resident card provides many rights and privileges, but U.S. citizenship offers additional significant advantages and protections.
While permanent residents can live and work indefinitely in the United States, only U.S. citizens have complete protection from deportation. Permanent residents must maintain their status and can lose their rights through extended absences or legal violations, while citizenship is typically permanent and irrevocable.
Citizenship advantages
U.S. citizens enjoy several exclusive benefits:
- The right to vote in federal elections
- Eligibility for federal jobs and elected positions
- Unrestricted travel with a U.S. passport
- Priority processing when petitioning for family members
- Access to all federal benefits and grants
- Protection from deportation
Path to citizenship
Most permanent residents become eligible for naturalization after maintaining their status for five years. Those married to U.S. citizens may apply after three years. The process requires:
- Continuous U.S. residence
- Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months within the five years, or 18 months for those married to U.S. citizens applying after three years
- Basic English language proficiency
- Knowledge of U.S. history and government
- Good moral character
Employment opportunities
Citizenship can significantly enhance career prospects. Naturalized citizens often see an 8–11% increase in personal earnings and gain access to government positions, security clearance roles, and federal contracts unavailable to permanent residents.
Travel flexibility
While permanent residents must maintain U.S. residence and avoid extended absences, citizens can travel abroad indefinitely without risking their status. Citizens also receive U.S. consular protection while overseas.
Family benefits
U.S. citizens are more able to help family members immigrate, with priority processing and additional categories of eligible relatives compared to permanent residents.
Green cards vs. other permanent residence cards
The green card differs from other forms of work authorization available to foreign nationals in the United States.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Unlike a green card, an EAD provides temporary work authorization, typically valid for 1–2 years. While EAD holders can work for any employer, they must maintain their underlying immigration status and regularly renew their work permission.
H-1B visa status
This temporary work visa differs from a green card because it is employer-specific and time-limited. H-1B visa status is valid for up to six years and requires employer sponsorship for each position. Unlike green card holders, H-1B professionals must maintain a specific job with an approved employer.
L-1 visa status
L-1 status, like the H-1B, allows for dual intent. This means visa holders can legally maintain their temporary non-immigrant status while pursuing permanent residency. The L-1 visa is specifically for intracompany transfers and has stricter employer requirements than a green card. L-1 holders are limited to working for the sponsoring employer, while green card holders can change jobs freely.
Trade NAFTA (TN) status
Available to Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA/USMCA, TN status provides temporary work authorization but lacks a green card’s permanent benefits and flexibility. TN holders must maintain temporary intent, unlike green card holders, who can demonstrate permanent residence intentions.
O-1 visa status
The prestigious O-1 status is for individuals with extraordinary ability and requires continuous evidence of achievement and employer sponsorship. A green card, once obtained, does not require ongoing proof of such ability or achievements.
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Disclaimer: The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. © 2024 Velocity Global, LLC. All rights reserved.
