This comprehensive guide explains the essentials of the Green Card, including eligibility, application process, renewal, and benefits. Learn how to secure permanent residency and maintain your status with key tips and legal requirements.

Guide to Green Card: Key Facts You Must Know

Important Details About the Green Card
The Green Card, officially known as the permanent residence card, allows individuals to live and work in the country indefinitely. The application process involves three main steps. If you are 18 or older and already a permanent resident, you are required to carry your Green Card everywhere. Not doing so can lead to detention for up to 30 days and a $100 fine. Green Card holders must follow certain rules to prevent deportation.

The Green Card was initially called the Alien Registration Card, due to its distinct green color, a nickname maintained despite subsequent color changes.

Purpose of the Green Card

The Green Card provides official proof of legal permanent residency and identity, confirming the holder’s lawful status.

It grants benefits such as the right to live, work, and access certain social services.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants may qualify through family ties, employment, refugee or asylum status, victimization related to crime or trafficking, or through registry if residing continuously since January 1, 1972.

Additional categories include special immigrants and abuse victims.

Application Steps

Qualified candidates must fill out the Green Card application and submit an immigration petition.

Most applicants submit their own petition, but sometimes a sponsor or representative does it for them.

Typical Petition Types

Petition for a family member

Petition for an employee

Petition for refugee or asylum seeker relatives

Petition for special immigrants and entrepreneurs

Petition for temporary nonimmigrant status

How to Renew Your Green Card

Cards from 1977 to 1989 don’t require renewal since they have no expiration date.

Renewal for 10-year cards is done via Form I-90 online or by mail, at least 90 days before expiration.

Conditional residents receive a 2-year card, which must be replaced or the conditions removed before it expires.

Neglecting to remove conditions may result in losing permanent residency.