Green Card

A green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, is the document issued to lawful permanent residents of the United States. It authorises the holder to live and work permanently in the US and is a prerequisite for most naturalisation applications. Green cards are obtained through family sponsorship, employer sponsorship, the Diversity Visa Lottery, or refugee and asylum status. Holders must maintain continuous residence and may apply for US citizenship after three to five years, depending on the basis of their green card.