A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to foreign nationals who have been granted lawful permanent residence in the United States. The green card serves as proof of the holder’s status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States and allows them to live and work in the country permanently.

Key features of a green card include:

• Permanent residence: A green card grants foreign nationals the right to reside permanently in the United States. As lawful permanent residents, green card holders are authorized to live and work in the country indefinitely, as long as they continue to comply with immigration laws and regulations.

• Work authorization: Green card holders are generally authorized to work in the United States without the need for additional employment authorization documents. They may work for any employer and in any lawful occupation or profession, with few exceptions.

• Travel privileges: Green card holders are free to travel in and out of the United States without the need for a visa. They may travel internationally for short-term visits, business trips, or personal reasons, and are generally allowed to re-enter the United States freely, as long as they maintain their permanent residence status.

• Eligibility for benefits: Green card holders may be eligible to receive certain federal and state benefits and services, including access to healthcare, education, social security benefits, and other public assistance programs, depending on their circumstances and the specific eligibility criteria of each program.

• Path to citizenship: Holding a green card is often a precursor to applying for U.S. citizenship. After meeting certain residency and other requirements, green card holders may be eligible to apply for naturalization and become U.S. citizens, thereby enjoying full rights and privileges of citizenship, such as the right to vote and hold public office.

Obtaining a green card can be achieved through various avenues, including family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, refugee or asylee status, or through the diversity visa lottery program. Once issued, green cards are typically valid for a period of ten years and must be renewed or replaced prior to expiration.