A Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. This guide explains what a Green Card is, who can apply, how to apply step by step, costs, benefits, and how to maintain your status — plus answers to the most common questions.
What Is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an official identity document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that gives you the status of a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
With this card, you have the legal right to live, study, and work permanently in the United States, as long as you follow U.S. laws and meet certain conditions.
In simple terms, a Green Card is your ticket to long-term residency — a stepping stone toward becoming a U.S. citizen if you later choose to naturalize.
2. Why Is It Called a Green Card?
The name might sound curious — and yes, it’s literally about color.
When the U.S. government first issued these cards in 1946, they were printed on green paper, hence the nickname “Green Card.”
Over the decades, the design changed several times, but the term “Green Card” stuck, even when the card wasn’t actually green. Today’s modern version has returned to a greenish hue again.
3. What Does a Green Card Allow You to Do?
Here’s what you can do once you become a Green Card holder:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Live permanently in the U.S. | You can live anywhere in the U.S. indefinitely. |
| Work legally | You can work for any U.S. employer without needing a separate work visa. |
| Travel abroad | You can travel outside the U.S. and return, as long as you don’t stay abroad too long. |
| Sponsor relatives | You can sponsor certain family members for their own Green Cards. |
| Path to citizenship | After 3–5 years (depending on category), you may apply for naturalization. |
4. Types of Green Cards
There isn’t just one kind of Green Card. In fact, the U.S. offers several categories depending on your reason for immigrating:
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Family-Based Green Cards
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Employment-Based Green Cards
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Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)
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Humanitarian Green Cards (Refugee, Asylee, etc.)
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Special Immigrant Green Cards
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Longtime Resident or Registry Green Cards
Let’s look at the most common ones.
5. Family-Based Green Cards
This is the most common path to getting permanent residency.
You can apply if you are:
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An immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (spouse, child under 21, or parent)
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A family preference relative (e.g., unmarried adult children, siblings)
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A spouse or child of a Green Card holder
Example:
If your brother is a U.S. citizen, he can sponsor you for a Green Card — though the wait time may be several years.
6. Employment-Based Green Cards
If you have skills or job offers that benefit the U.S. economy, you may qualify through your employment.
There are five main categories (EB-1 to EB-5):
| Category | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| EB-1 | Priority workers (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, executives) |
| EB-2 | Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers, professionals, or unskilled laborers |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants (religious workers, broadcasters, etc.) |
| EB-5 | Immigrant investors who create jobs through U.S. business investment |
7. Diversity Visa (Lottery) Green Card
Each year, the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Lottery) allows about 55,000 people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. to apply for permanent residency.
It’s a free lottery, but only certain countries are eligible each year. Winners are randomly selected but must meet education and work requirements.
8. Refugee or Asylee Green Cards
If you entered the U.S. as a refugee or were granted asylum, you can apply for a Green Card after one year of living in the country.
This path provides safety and permanent protection for individuals escaping persecution.
9. Green Card Through Marriage
If you marry a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, you can apply for a Green Card based on your marriage.
However, you must prove that the marriage is bona fide — not just for immigration purposes. USCIS carefully reviews documents, interviews, and relationship evidence.
Tip:
You’ll receive a conditional Green Card (valid for 2 years) first. Later, you must apply to remove the conditions to get a 10-year Green Card.
10. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Green Card
Here’s a simplified step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Decide which category (family, employment, refugee, etc.) applies to you.
Step 2: File a Petition
Usually, someone (a family member or employer) must sponsor you by filing a petition:
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Form I-130 (Family-based)
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Form I-140 (Employment-based)
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Form I-526 (Investor)
Step 3: Wait for Visa Availability
If you’re not an immediate relative, you’ll wait until your priority date becomes current (check the Visa Bulletin monthly).
Step 4: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
If you’re already in the U.S., you’ll submit Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident.
If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy.
Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
Step 6: Go to the Interview
An officer will review your documents and ask questions about your eligibility.
Step 7: Receive a Decision
If approved, congratulations! You’ll receive your Green Card in the mail.
11. Required Documents for a Green Card Application
You’ll generally need:
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Valid passport
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Birth certificate
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Proof of relationship or employment offer
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Police clearance (if applicable)
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Medical examination report (Form I-693)
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Financial support form (Form I-864, Affidavit of Support)
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Two passport-sized photos
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Proof of lawful U.S. entry (if applying inside the U.S.)
12. How Much Does a Green Card Cost?
| Application Type | USCIS Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family-based (I-485) | $1,440 (including biometrics) |
| Employment-based | $1,440 + petition fees |
| DV Lottery | $330 (visa application fee) |
| Renewal (I-90) | $540 |
| Replacement | $540 |
Note: Fees may change — always check the latest rates on the USCIS website.
13. How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
Processing time varies based on category and country of origin:
| Category | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Marriage-based | 10–18 months |
| Employment-based | 1–3 years |
| Family preference | 2–10 years |
| DV Lottery | 1–2 years |
14. How to Check Your Green Card Application Status
You can check online at uscis.gov/case-status using your receipt number.
USCIS will update your case status, from petition filing to final decision.
15. How to Renew or Replace a Green Card
If your Green Card is expired or lost, you must file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).
Steps:
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Complete and submit Form I-90 online or by mail.
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Pay the fee ($540).
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Attend biometrics (if requested).
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Receive your new Green Card (usually within 6–12 months).
16. Green Card vs. U.S. Citizenship
| Feature | Green Card Holder | U.S. Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Can vote | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Can be deported | ✅ Yes (under certain conditions) | ❌ No |
| Passport | ❌ None | ✅ U.S. Passport |
| Stay outside U.S. | Limited (up to 1 year) | Unlimited |
| Sponsor relatives | Limited | Unlimited |
17. Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders
Rights:
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Live and work permanently in the U.S.
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Protection under U.S. laws
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Access to Social Security benefits
Responsibilities:
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Obey all U.S. laws
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File income taxes every year
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Register for Selective