Permanent Resident (Green) Card and immigrant visas | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

Do I need an immigrant visa if I have a green card? ›

A green card is a physical card that represents the holder's right to permanently live and work within the United States. Green cards are only obtained after arrival within the United States. An immigrant visa must be obtained prior to getting a green card. A green card holder can pursue citizenship.

Once an individual has entered the U.S. on an immigrant visa, he/she will be granted permanent resident status. A permanent resident card (also called a “green card” or “I-551”) will be issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and mailed to the individual's U.S. address.

You cannot be deported to your country of origin.

Green card holders maintain status as a permanent resident no matter what future changes may be made to U.S. immigration laws. A green card is not temporary, and can not be revoked with potential changes to immigration laws.

Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit's validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

This is for people who live permanently in the United States. Synonymous terms for immigrant status are: Permanent Resident, immigrant, green card holder, and resident alien. Gaining immigrant status can be a lengthy and complex process that requires close consultation with an immigration attorney.

Having a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (PDF, 1.69 MB) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The steps you must take to apply for a Green Card will vary depending on your individual situation.

Permanent residence includes the right to work in the U.S. for most employers or for yourself. Permanent residents continue to hold citizenship of another country. Permanent residents are issued an “alien registration card,” known informally as a green card (because at one time the card was green in color).

Persons who are, or who have ever been, landed immigrants or permanent residents are 'immigrants', while those who have work or study or temporary resident permits, or who have claimed refugee status (asylum claimants) are 'non-permanent residents.

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years.

Can immigration take away my green card? ›

Your status as a legal permanent resident in the United States may not be as permanent as you may think. The U.S. can revoke your privilege to hold a green card. Permanent residency in the United States can be lost for several reasons.

An absence of more than 6 months (more than 180 days) but less than 1 year (less than 365 days) during the period for which continuous residence is required (also called “the statutory period”) is presumed to break the continuity of such residence.

Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $760. That total includes $760 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

Essentially, if you broke your continuous residence, the four-year and one-day rule shortens the waiting period by one year. It offers an opportunity to become eligible for naturalization sooner, provided that you meet all the other requirements for citizenship.

An Australian permanent resident is someone who holds a permanent visa but is not a citizen. A permanent resident can live, work and study without restriction in Australia.

Consumers may need to have one or more of the following documents or identification numbers to attest to their lawfully present status: Permanent Resident Card, “Green Card” (I-551) Reentry Permit (I-327) Refugee Travel Document (I-571)

Who needs a visa? The Visa Waiver Program applies based on your nationality, NOT on your U.S. residence status (including green card).

Family Based Immigration

To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).