Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Green Cards

What Is a Green Card?

A green card is the common name for the identity card given to people who are lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States.

The green card looks similar to a driver's license. It is a plastic, laminated card showing the immigrant’s photo, name, alien number ("A number") and other personal information such as date of admission to the United States (approval for LPR status) and place of birth.

Is the Green Card Really Green?

The card has gone through various color changes over the years, including green, pink, and white. At this time it is, in fact, green.

How Do I Get a Green Card?

In order to obtain U.S. LPR status, you need to fit within one of the eligibility categories laid out in the U.S. immigration laws. There are many categories, but each is narrowly described. For information on these categories, see “Eligibility for a U.S. Green Card.” You will also, regardless of being otherwise eligible, need to show that you are not “inadmissible” to the U.S. for health, financial, or security reasons. For more about inadmissibility, see “Immigrant Inadmissibility to the U.S.”

Should I Just Buy a Fake Green Card?

Although people may offer to sell you fake green cards, there are many risks to buying one. First, you'd be in big trouble if you got caught. Section 1546 of the United States Criminal Code (18 U.S.C. § 1546) makes it a criminal offense to use, attempt to use, possess, obtain, or acquire any fraudulent document knowing that it was made or obtained unlawfully.

Second, buying a fake green card carries civil penalties under Section 274C of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.). You could be fined between $275 and $5,500, depending on whether it’s your first offense and how many false documents you had.

A further problem is that, if you some day become eligible for a real green card, your past use of fraud may disqualify you from receiving it.

Do LPRs Need to Carry Their Green Cards With Them?

Yes, the immigration law requires that an LPR carry the green card at all times. And there are many occasions when an LPR may be asked to show the green card to prove his or her status. For example, if the person travels outside the United States, the border officials will ask to see the card upon reentry. U.S. employers will also ask to see proof of eligibility to work, which a green card serves well for. If caught up in an immigration raid, or stopped by immigration authorities who suspect the person of being in the U.S. unlawfully, the green card may prevent an arrest.

For more information on things to know after you have received a green card, read the articles under "Keeping and Enjoying Your Permanent Residence."

Are Expired Green Cards Still Valid?

Usually, yes. Older-style green cards had no date on them. Although U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asked everyone to get new green cards when they switched to using cards that had expiration dates on them, not everyone complied. Nevertheless, if you are among those who failed to renew an old-style card, you need to act quickly and do so. You haven't lost your permanent resident status, but you’re carrying a card that may raise questions when next you have to show it to someone and prove your status.

The new style green cards are valid for ten years from the date of issue. Before the expiration date comes around, the holder is expected to renew the card by filing USCIS Form I-90.

There is one more situation you need to be aware of when it comes to expired green cards. Some immigrants, namely those obtaining status as the recent spouse of a U.S. citizen or as investors in a U.S. business, are initially granted not permanent residence, but what’s called conditional resident status. Their green card is valid for only two years from the date on the card, to give USCIS another chance at reviewing their case. And when the two years is over, that’s it – their status expires along with the card, unless they file the appropriate paperwork with USCIS, as described under "Conditional Residence for Recent Marriages." Expired conditional permanent residence status cards likely prove that the person is not a United States resident.

Getting Legal Help

If you or a member of your family is unclear concerning the requirements of proof of permanent residency in the United States, or whether your current green card is valid, it may be helpful to discuss the situation with an immigration lawyer.