What does it mean when you get a green card?

A green card, also known as the Lawful Permanent Resident Card, gives you the right to permanently live and work in the United States. After you have obtained a green card, you are now recognized by U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS) to be a lawful, permanent resident of the United States.

How long does a US green card last?

How Long is My Green Card Valid? Once issued, a green card is valid for 10 years. If you obtained a green card after the 1980’s, the expiration date will be listed directly on the card. USCIS recommends periodically checking your green card’s expiration date so you have adequate notice when it’s close to expiring.

What to do if your green card is absent for one year?

Absent for one year or longer: Apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue for Permanent Residents; up to two years for Conditional Residents.

What do I need to relinquish my green card?

This means you have been issued a green card, but you would like to relinquish it. To do this, you will need to file and submit the I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status. This is to show that you are willingly and affirmatively relinquishing your resident status.

What are the requirements to get a green card?

Green Card Requirements. The Green Card Lottery has only two basic requirements for applicants around the world: applicants must have been born in a qualifying country, and meet either the work experience or the educational requirement. Although applicants convicted of serious.

How can I get my green card?

Obtaining a green card through a family member is the most popular way to get a green card. If you’re a close relative to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder you can petition for a green card. This is also one of the easiest ways to obtain legal permanent residency.

What is the difference between a green card and an US citizenship?

Key Difference: U.S. Green Card and U.S. Citizenship are two ways of acquiring long term rights to stay and work in the United States . A green card holder can live and work in the United States. U.S. citizenship provides more benefits in addition to the ones enjoyed by the green card holders. It provides the right to vote in America.

Who issues green cards?

The U.S. government issues many other types of green cards besides the ones discussed above.