A green card is a license, an identification testimony for a non U.S. citizen, which gives one the right of permanent residence in the U.S. A green card is otherwise known as LPR (Lawful Permanent Residence) or United States Permanent Resident Card. It was previously known as Resident Alien Card or Alien Registration Card.

A green card offers the freedom of permanent stay in the U.S. in bargain for various terms that you have to satisfy positively. It also prevents the denial of your entry or exit to U.S. by any immigration official, subject to your legitimate living; green card holders enjoy all almost all rights given to an American with the exception of participating in voting. They may not hold certain positions in Federal offices.

Property ownerships, job opportunities, corporate ownership and business freedom are all availed to green card holders similar in rights to any American. Insurances, professional licenses, access to security clearances, eligibility for government grants and exemption from export restrictions become easier. Gaining mortgage for home purchase would become easier. Less tuition fees in universities and colleges and the right to apply for government aided finance for education are other key benefits.

A green card provides immunity against future alteration in the immigration rules, which may otherwise wound your temporary permit. You can also get social security advantages at retirement, if you have worked for at least ten years or in other words forty- quarters before retiring.

You can even sponsor your spouse and unmarried children below 21 years of age to get permanent status if they are from another country.

Green card can be obtained per prevailing norms which vary by green card by employment, green card by investment, green card by marriage, green card for relatives, and green card lottery. Green cards that are adoption based political asylum based, refugee based, or diversity lottery based are also available.

Employment based green card is issued on the basis of extra-ordinary ability for professors or researchers, advanced degree professionals, physicians in underserved areas, special immigrants including religious workers, managers, executives, etc.

Green card is a life time document requiring renewal every 10 years. Getting green card requires several conditions and terms to be satisfied as outlined by the Embassy. Noncompliance to embassy norms may lead to greed card cancellation! Retaining a green card should not be too difficult if you have basic disciplines.