Green Cards

What is Green Card?

This is the common name for the official card called the "alien registration receipt card". Years ago, the color of the card was actually green, then for a while they were red, white and blue. Today they are pink. A green card is not just a permit to work and stay in the U.S. It identifies the holder as a "permanent resident" of the U.S. Green card holders are required to make the U.S. their permanent home. If a green card holder's permanent residence is outside the U.S., the green card will be revoked. You may travel outside the U.S., but must not live in another country.

All green cards are issued for 10 years. This does not mean that the residency privilege expires after 10 years but the card must be replaced.