Green Card Explained: What Is It?

By Richard T. Herman, Esq.

Green card placed on a wallet with office supplies

The Green Card Guide

A green card is officially known as a Permanent Resident Card and is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants you permanent resident status.

As a green card holder, you can live and work in the U.S. and after a certain period (3-5 years) you can apply for United States citizenship.

The green card process can be tricky, but knowing the process and requirements makes it more doable.

Green Card: How to Read It?

Every few years, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS introduces different designs of the green card to reduce fraud and counterfeiting. The current version of the Permanent Resident Card (green card) was introduced in January 2023. But new green card designs do not invalidate old cards. The green card is still valid until the date on the front of the card.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has not changed the modern green card much in terms of the information and how to read a green card. Here, we will first make a breakdown of what information it contains.

The Front of a Green Card

The front of a permanent residence card contains several security features and personal information about the green card holder:

Name, Country of Birth, Birth Date, and Sex of the green card holder
Card Expiration Date: usually, the green card expires 10 years from the date of issuance.
USCIS#: The permanent resident alien registration number or “A-number”, an 8- or 9-digit unique number assigned to each permanent resident.
Category: The immigrant visa category is used to admit the immigrant as a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident, usually 1 or 2 letters followed by a number.
Resident Since: The date the green card holder was granted permanent resident status (this is important for those applying for U.S. citizenship)
Signature Waived: In some cases, the green card holder’s signature is waived, and the card will say “Signature Waived” on both front and back.

The Back of a Green Card

The back of a green card has more cryptic information used by government agencies for quick verification:

Form I-551 is in the top left corner to indicate it’s a green card.
Optical Stripe that can be scanned to retrieve all the information on the card.
Human-Readable Characters: The bottom portion has lines of characters with specific meaning:
- First Line of Characters:
  - Characters 1-2: C1 or C2 (C1 = Resident within the U.S.; C2 = Permanent Resident commuter living in Canada or Mexico)
  - Characters 3-5: Issuing country (USA)
  - Characters 6-14: 9-digit A-number
  - Characters 15: Application receipt number
  - Characters 16-30: Immigrant case number (first three letters represent the service center code) and the “<” symbol represents a blank space
- Second Line of Characters:
  - Characters 1-6: Birth date (in YY/MM/DD format)
  - Characters 7: Possible check digit
  - Characters 8: Sex
  - Characters 9-14: Expiration date (in YY/MM/DD format)
  - Characters 15: Possible check digit
  - Characters 16-29: Country of birth
  - Characters 30: Possible check digit
- Third Line of Characters:
  - Last name, first name, middle name, first initial of father, first initial of mother (spaced with “<<” between last name and first name). Depending on the name length, the father’s and mother’s initials may be omitted.

United States passport with a green card

How to Obtain the Green Card: Green Card Process

The process for getting a green card depends on whether you are applying from within the U.S. (adjustment of status) or outside the United States (consular processing).

The green card process is governed by U.S. immigration law, which outlines the eligibility requirements for different categories such as special immigrants, family-based green cards, and longtime resident green cards.

Applying for the Green Card from Within the United States: Adjustment of Status

Foreign nationals living in the U.S. with a nonimmigrant visa or selected for the Diversity Visa program can get a green card through adjustment of status by filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status.
Another way to obtain a green card is through the green card lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, which randomly selects 50,000 people from various geographic regions.
Approval of Form I-485 grants lawful permanent resident status, also known as a green card, which replaces your current status and leads to future U.S. citizenship.

Applying Green Card from Outside the United States: Consular Processing

If you are outside the U.S., consular processing is your path to permanent resident status. This process involves applying through a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
The first step is to fill out Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. Once submitted, you’ll be invited for an interview at the embassy or consulate – be prepared.

Green Card Timeline

The time it takes the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to process a green card can be a few months to several years depending on the type of green card and where you are applying.

For spouses and immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens: it can take up 10-23 months if they are applying from within the U.S., or 13.5-15 months if they are outside the U.S.

Employment-Based Green Cards: Obtaining an employment-based green card involves several steps, including the PERM/Labor Certification, I-140 Immigrant Petition, and Green Card Application. The wait can be 2 years or more depending on the applicant’s priority date and the availability of visa numbers.

Green Card Costs

The government filing fee, also known as the USCIS immigrant fee has been recently changed, and the exact amount of each USCIS form can be seen on the USCIS website.

Types of Green Cards

There are several types of green cards:

Family-Based Green Cards
Employment-Based Green Cards
Humanitarian Green Cards
Diversity Lottery Green Cards
Longtime-Resident Green Cards
Other Green Cards

Each type of green card grants permanent residence in the U.S. and comes with specific benefits and requirements.

Green Card Holder Eligibility

To apply for a Green Card, you must qualify under one of the categories listed below. Once you identify the category that applies to you, you need to check the eligibility requirements, the application process, and whether your family members can also apply.

Green Card through Family

You may be eligible to apply for the green card through the family as:

Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen: spouse, unmarried child under 21, parent
Family members of green card holders

Another eligible U.S. citizen’s family members or relatives of permanent residents under the family-based preference categories:

A family member of a U.S. citizen, meaning you are the:
- Unmarried child of a U.S. citizen and 21 or older
- Married child of a U.S. citizen
- Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older
A family member of a permanent resident, meaning you are the:
- Spouse of a permanent resident
- Unmarried child under 21 of a lawful permanent resident
- Unmarried child 21 or older of a lawful permanent resident
U.S. citizen’s fiancé(e) (K-1 nonimmigrant)
A person admitted to the U.S. as the child of a U.S. citizen’s fiancé(e) (K-2 nonimmigrant)
Widow(er) of a U.S. citizen who was married to the U.S. citizen spouse at the time of their death
VAWA self-petitioner– victim of battery or extreme cruelty: Abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Abused children (under 21 and unmarried), spouses or parents of a green card holder or a U.S. citizen

Green Card through Employment

You may be eligible to apply for an employment-based permanent resident card as:

Immigrant worker:

a first preference immigrant worker, meaning you:
- Have extraordinary ability in the sciences, art, education, business, or athletics, or
- Are an outstanding professor or researcher, or
- Are a multinational manager or executive who meets certain criteria
a second preference immigrant worker, meaning you:
- you are a member of a profession that requires an advanced degree, or
- Have exceptional ability in the sciences, art or business, or
- Are seeking a national interest waiver
a third preference immigrant worker, meaning you are:
- A skilled worker (meaning your job requires at least 2 years of training or work experience), or
- A professional (meaning your job requires at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent and you are a member of the profession), or
- An unskilled worker (meaning you will perform unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training or experience)

Physician National Interest Waiver:

If you are a physician committed to working full-time in clinical practice in a designated underserved area for a specified period and meeting additional requirements

Immigrant investor:

Have invested or are in the process of investing at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project)
The investment is made in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S., which will create full-time jobs for at least 10 qualifying employees

Green Card as a Special Immigrant

You may be eligible to apply as:

A religious worker who is part of a religious denomination, and is coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization.
A Special Immigrant Juvenilein need of juvenile court protection due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a parent.
An Afghanistan or Iraq national who has served as a translator or interpreter for the U.S. government:
- An Iraqi who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq on or after March 20, 2003, for a minimum of one year.
- An Afghan employed by the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
An international broadcaster planning to work with USAGM grantees or Global Media.
An employee of an international organization, or a family member, or a NATO-6 employee or family member who is a retired officer or employee of an international organization or NATO, or an eligible family member of such an employee.

Green Card as a Refugee or Asylee

You may be eligible to apply as:

Asylee if you have been granted asylum status at least 1 year ago
Refugee if you have been admitted as a refugee at least 1 year ago

Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims

You may be eligible to apply for a green Card for a Victim of Human Trafficking or Victims of Criminal Activity if you are:

Human trafficking victim who has a T nonimmigrant visa
Crime victim who has a U nonimmigrant visa

Green Card for Victims of Abuse

VAWA self-petitioner– victims of battery or extreme cruelty:
- Abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Abused children (under 21 years old and not married) of a U.S. citizen or green card holder
- Abused parent of a U.S. citizen
Special Immigrant Juveniles if you are a child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected by your parent and has SIJ status
Victims of battery or extreme cruelty (abused spouses or children under the Cuban Adjustment Act) if they are Cuban natives or citizens
Victims of battery or extreme cruelty (abused Haitian children or spouses who obtained the HRIFA-based lawful permanent resident status.

Green Card through Other Categories

More categories can make you eligible for the green card:

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF):
- if you have been physically present in the United States since Nov. 20, 2014, or
- are the spouse, child under 21, or unmarried son or daughter over 21 of a qualifying Liberian national
Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is for those selected in the Department of State’s diversity visa lottery.
Dependent status under the HRIFA for children or spouses of lawful permanent residents who received the Green Card based on the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA)
Lautenberg parolee is for those who were paroled into the U.S. obtaining this status.
Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000 applies to a native or citizen of:
- Vietnam, Kampuchea (Cambodia), or Laos who were paroled into the U.S. on or before October 1, 1997,
- Vietnam under the Orderly Departure Program, a refugee camp in East Asia,
- or a displaced person camp administered by UNHCR in Thailand
American Indians born in Canada who have at least 50% American Indian blood and reside in the United States
A person born in the United States to a foreign diplomat cannot get the U.S. citizenship but

Section 13 (diplomat):

Stationed in the U.S. as a foreign diplomat or high-ranking official and cannot return home

Green Card through Registry

You can register for a Green Card if you have been physically present in the U.S. since Jan. 1, 1972.

Conditional Green Cards

Unlike the standard 10-year green card, the conditional green card is valid for only two years. It grants you the same rights to live and work in the U.S., but it serves as a temporary status. To transition to a permanent green card, you’ll need to file a petition within a specific timeframe to remove the conditions of your residency. This is especially important for those who obtained their conditional green card through marriage-based immigration, where proof of a bona fide marriage will likely be required after two years.

Conditional Green Cards through Marriage

If married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder for less than 2 years at the time of green card approval, the card is conditional for 2 years. This means you initially receive a conditional green card, which requires transitioning to permanent residence status. To remove conditions and obtain permanent residence status, file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within 90 days before the card expires.

Conditional Green Cards through Investment (EB-5 Visa)

Investors who invest substantial capital in a U.S. business that creates jobs get a conditional green card for 2 years. To remove conditions, file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, within 90 days before the card expires.

Application form to register permanent residence

Replace Your Green Card

When to Replace Your Green Card

If you possess an older noncitizen registration card, such as USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103, or Form I-151, you are required to replace it with a current Green Card.

Besides that, permanent residents must replace their Green Card if:

Your Green Card is expired or will expire within the next 6 months.
Your previous card was lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed.
You received your card before you were 14 and you are now 14 or older.
You were a commuter and are now taking up actual residence in the U.S.
Your card has incorrect information.
You have changed your name or other biographic information on the card since you last received your card.
You never received the previous card issued to you.

Replacement Process

To replace your Green Card, initiate the process through Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, either online or by mail. When filing online, you can:

See when USCIS receives your application
Get online updates on your case
Contact USCIS directly

Always Carry Your Green Card

Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires permanent residents to carry their green card always. This might seem inconvenient, but it’s important for two key reasons:

Avoid Unforeseen Situations: Imagine being pulled over by the police or questioned by immigration officials during your daily routine. Having your green card readily available provides proof of your permanent resident status and helps avoid unnecessary delays or confusion.
Everyday Use: Your green card is often required for official interactions like applying for a driver’s license, opening a bank account, or enrolling in certain government benefits programs. Carrying your green card ensures you have the necessary documentation on hand when needed.

FAQs

What should I do if my green card is lost or stolen while I am outside the U.S.?

If your green card is lost or stolen while you are outside the U.S., contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and they will help you get travel documents to re-enter the U.S. Upon arrival in the U.S., file the I-90.

I filed for a green card through my employer. What happens if I lose my job before the process is complete?

Losing your job can complicate your green card application if it was filed through employment sponsorship. However, it doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. Consult an attorney to explore options, including finding a new U.S. employer willing to sponsor you or potentially switching to a different green card category (if eligible).

I’m worried about making a green card application form mistake. Are there any resources to help?

Absolutely! USCIS offers resources and even a tool called “Ask Emma” on their website to help with questions about forms and the application process. Additionally, consulting an immigration attorney can ensure your application is filled out accurately and avoid delays due to errors.

My green card application seems stuck. Can I expedite the process?

USCIS prioritizes certain green card applications based on specific criteria. You can inquire about your case status, but there’s generally no way to expedite the process unless you meet the emergency or humanitarian criteria outlined by USCIS.

I’m turning 21 soon. Will I age out of being eligible for a green card if my parents’ petition is still pending?

The good news is that the Child Status Protection Act protects unmarried children under 21 from “aging out” of eligibility for a green card if their parents filed a petition before they turned 21. However, it’s important to understand the specific requirements and consult an attorney if your situation is complex.

Can I travel outside the U.S. with my green card?

Yes, you can travel outside the U.S. with your green card. But if you will be outside the U.S. for more than a year, you should file for a re-entry permit using Form I-131. Also, if you have any criminal convictions after you became a permanent resident, consult with an immigration attorney before leaving the U.S. In some cases, immigrants with criminal convictions are detained and placed in removal proceedings by US Customs & Border Protection upon return to the U.S.

What are the security features of the green card?

Modern green cards have advanced security features such as improved tactile printing, enhanced optically variable ink, highly secure holograms, and more complex design elements to prevent counterfeiting and tampering.

Can I laminate my green card?

While laminating a green card may protect it, USCIS advises against it as it can be considered tampering. Instead, use a protective sleeve.

How do I check the status of my green card application?

You can check the status online using the USCIS case status tool or by calling the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Contact Center.

What if my green card expires while I’m outside the U.S.?

If your green card expires while you are outside the U.S., you may not be able to re-enter. Renew before you travel or contact a U.S. embassy or consulate if it has expired.

Can I use my green card for identification in the U.S.?

Yes, a green card can be used as identification for many purposes, including employment verification and access to services.

Do I need to renew my green card if I apply for citizenship?

If you are eligible for citizenship and apply for U.S. citizenship, you don’t need to renew your green card. But it’s recommended to keep a valid green card until you become a U.S. citizen.

Ready to Get Your Green Card? Discover How Herman Legal Group Can Assist You

For over 20 years, Herman Legal Group has been dedicated to advocating for immigrants worldwide. Whether you’re seeking a green card or aiming to bring family members to the U.S., our team is here to listen, guide, and provide clear, straightforward advice.

With our deep expertise in immigration law, we can help you navigate the complexities of the process, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary costs. Our proven track record and recognition in national publications underscore our commitment to achieving results for our clients.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a consultation and discover how Herman Legal Group can make your immigration journey smoother and more successful.

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