green card

A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an identification document issued to individuals who have been granted lawful permanent residence in the United States. It allows the holder to live and work permanently in the United States. 

This plastic photo ID serves as proof of lawful permanent resident status and authorizes the holder to re-enter the United States after temporary travel abroad. While the physical card itself expires (typically every 10 years and must be renewed), the underlying permanent resident status does not automatically expire.

See also: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

[Last reviewed in June of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Keywords

• permanent resident

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