Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident Card)

The Green Card — officially Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card — is the physical ID card that proves lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States. It authorizes the holder to live and work permanently in the U.S., travel in and out (with limits), and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements. Standard green cards are valid for 10 years; conditional green cards issued to recent-marriage spouses are valid for 2 years and require Form I-751 to remove conditions.