What is Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)?
A green card, formally the Permanent Resident Card, is proof that a person is a lawful permanent resident of the United States with the right to live and work there permanently. Employment-based categories need an employer or self-petition. Wait times for some countries, including India, can be long because of per-country limits.
Example
An H-1B worker's employer starts PERM labor certification, then files Form I-140, and the worker applies for adjustment of status when a visa number is available.
Related
See employer-sponsored green cards, priority date and visa bulletin.
Related terms and guides
Sources
- USCIS, Green Card, https://www.uscis.gov/green-card, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.