Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
A green card is the common name for the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), which proves that a person is a lawful permanent resident of the United States and may live and work there indefinitely.
How people get one
The main routes are family sponsorship, employer sponsorship, investment (EB-5), refugee or asylee status, and the diversity visa lottery (paused as of 2026). You either apply from inside the US through adjustment of status or from abroad through consular processing.
Most cards are valid for 10 years and are renewed on Form I-90. A conditional permanent resident gets a 2-year card. The card expiring does not end your status, but you need a valid card to prove it.
Green card holders can usually apply for citizenship after 5 years (3 if married to a US citizen). Start with our green card overview.
Frequently asked questions
Is a green card the same as permanent residence?
The card is the proof. Permanent residence is the status itself.
Can I lose my green card?
Yes, for example by living abroad for long periods, committing certain crimes, or through fraud.
Why is it called a green card?
Early versions of the card were green. The name stuck even though the design has changed.
Official sources
- USCIS: Green Carduscis.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.