United States green card as the name suggests was a synthetic card that was green in color when it was first issued. Now it is not the same.

United States green card or LPR (Lawful Permanent Residence) refers to a foreign national who had been granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States.

The official name of United States green card is Form I-551, the permanent resident card. Formerly it was called as Alien Registration Receipt Card or Resident Alien Card. It gives an official immigration grade that unveils a lot of opportunities before you.

United States green card can be of the following types:

green card marriage

green card employment

green card investment

green card lottery

green card for relatives

Green card through marriage is obtained by foreign nationals who wed US citizens. Since the spouse fall under the category of ‘immediate relatives’, there are no numerical limitations.

Green card through employment requires a three step process. Initially a labor certification is needed, which means you have to prove your presence is prerequisite for that job. Next you have to file a green card petition followed by the application.

Green card through investment is meant for people who are planning to invest money in the US or expand an existing business over there. If there are a number of investors, then each one must qualify separately with a minimum amount and each of them must be able to generate employment.

If you have any of your close relatives residing in the US, then you can opt for a green card through relatives. Close relatives can be any one of the following: spouse, parents, son or daughter, brother or sister, widow or widower, stepson or step daughter, step parent, adopted child or parent, etc.

The adopted child is given a green card through adoption which is a separate process.

Green card through lottery is given out to the natives of those countries who show very low levels of immigration to the United States. A number of 55,000 green cards are issued through this Diversity immigrant Visa program.

The United States green card requires renewal every ten years. It is also important to update your information such as employment, education or any change of name or address.

In case of loss of green card, a formal procedure should be followed to replace it.