What Is a Green Card and How Does It Work in 2025? Your Complete Guide to U.S. Permanent Residency
Introduction
Do you dream of living and working permanently in the United States? A green card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, makes that dream possible. However, understanding what a green card actually is and how the green card process works can feel overwhelming. Therefore, many people have questions about green card requirements, green card benefits, and the difference between green card status and citizenship.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about green cards in 2025. You’ll learn what green card holders can do, how to apply for a green card, and whether permanent resident status is right for you. Moreover, you’ll discover how long the green card application takes and what rights green card holders enjoy.
As a Texas Board-Certified immigration attorney with over 45 years of combined experience, Adan Vega & Associates has helped thousands of people obtain permanent residency. Our Houston immigration law firm understands the green card process inside and out. Furthermore, we’ve guided clients through every green card category, from family-based green cards to employment green cards.
Table of Contents
What Is a Green Card? Understanding U.S. Permanent Residence
Green Card vs Citizenship: Key Differences You Need to Know
Benefits of Having a Green Card in 2025
Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
Who Can Apply for a Green Card? Eligibility Categories
Green Card vs Visa: Understanding the Difference
How to Apply for Your Green Card: Step-by-Step Process
What Is a Green Card? Understanding U.S. Permanent Residence
A green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The green card is a physical identification card that proves your lawful permanent resident status. When you become a green card holder, you receive the right to remain in America indefinitely.
The green card gets its name from the card’s original color. Today, the permanent resident card displays your photo, fingerprint, and important identification information. Additionally, most people who apply for a green card must complete at least two forms during the application process.
Why People Want Green Cards
People pursue green card status for many reasons. For instance, green card holders can change jobs freely without needing employer sponsorship. Similarly, permanent residents can live anywhere in the United States. Most importantly, green card status puts you on the path toward U.S. citizenship.
Many immigrants view the green card as their ticket to the American dream. In fact, the United States issues about one million green cards to foreign nationals each year. Each green card represents a family reunited, a career advanced, or a new beginning.
Green Card vs Citizenship: Key Differences You Need to Know
Understanding the difference between green card status and citizenship is crucial for your immigration planning. While both allow you to live in America, they come with different rights and limitations.
What Green Card Holders Can Do
Green card holders have the right to reside and work permanently in the United States. Permanent residents can travel outside the country, provided they follow reentry requirements. Additionally, green card holders are eligible for certain social benefits such as Social Security and Medicare, depending on their work history.
Citizens enjoy complete freedom to live abroad without time restrictions. Furthermore, only U.S. citizens are qualified for the U.S. passport, which grants them entry without a visa into multiple countries. Most importantly, U.S. citizens cannot be deported from the United States, unless they committed fraud or made a misrepresentation to obtain their green card or citizenship.
Family Sponsorship Differences
Green card holders can sponsor family members for residency, but the process can be lengthy. U.S. citizens, on the other hand, have a faster and broader ability to bring family members to the United States, including parents and married children. This difference often influences the decision to pursue citizenship through naturalization.
Expert Insight from Adan G. Vega, Texas Board-Certified Immigration Attorney: “Many permanent residents ask whether they should naturalize right away. I always tell them that citizenship provides stronger protections and more family reunification options. However, green card status serves as an excellent first step for building your American life.”
Benefits of Having a Green Card in 2025
Green card holders enjoy numerous advantages that temporary visa holders cannot access. Therefore, permanent residency remains one of the most sought-after immigration statuses.
Work and Career Freedom
Green card holders have far greater opportunities than non-residents throughout the U.S. job market. Lawful permanent resident status expands the types of employment opportunities available and work location possibilities. Unlike holders of some other visa types, they can change jobs without employer sponsorship.
This employment flexibility means green card holders can pursue better opportunities, start businesses, or change careers freely. Consequently, permanent residents often advance faster professionally than workers on temporary visas.
Access to Social Benefits
Green card holders may qualify for many social services, including Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance. It’s easier to be approved for government-backed mortgage loan programs, too. Those who pay into the system via jobs can also receive Social Security benefits once they reach retirement age.
These benefits provide green card holders with financial security and access to quality healthcare. In addition, permanent residents can qualify for in-state tuition rates at many public universities.
Path to Citizenship
After a certain length of time – five years in most cases, three years for spouses of U.S. citizens – permanent residents may apply to become a U.S. citizen through a process called naturalization. This pathway represents the ultimate benefit of green card status.
Pro Tip: Start planning your naturalization application early by keeping careful records of your travel dates, tax returns, and address changes from the day you receive your green card.
Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders
Green card status comes with both important rights and serious responsibilities. Understanding these helps you maintain your permanent residence and avoid problems.
Your Rights as a Green Card Holder
Permanent residents enjoy protection under U.S. law. For instance, green card holders have protection under U.S. law, including the right to a fair trial and access to the U.S. justice system. Additionally, you can work for almost any employer and live anywhere in the United States.
Green card holders can petition for certain family members to immigrate. Permanent residents are eligible to petition for close family members (spouse and unmarried children) to receive permanent residence and join you. However, your relatives will face longer waiting periods than immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Your Responsibilities as a Green Card Holder
Permanent residents must follow specific rules to maintain their status. First, you are required by law to notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within 10 days if your residential address changes while you have a green card. Failing to report address changes can lead to serious consequences.
Second, green card holders must file U.S. tax returns and pay taxes on worldwide income. Third, permanent residents should avoid prolonged trips abroad. In general, it’s best for a green card holder to limit their foreign travel duration to less than one year at a time. Longer absences may suggest you’ve abandoned your permanent residence.
What Can Cause You to Lose Your Green Card
If you commit a crime, your status as a lawful permanent resident may be withdrawn or jeopardized. The legality of your status as a lawful permanent resident may be at risk if you spend a lot of time abroa. Additionally, fraud, false statements on immigration applications, or security violations can result in losing permanent resident status.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Never vote in U.S. elections as a green card holder. If they try to vote, it could be considered a false claim to U.S. citizenship, and get them deported.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
One of the most common questions about green cards concerns processing times. Unfortunately, the answer varies significantly based on your green card category and country of origin.
Understanding Green Card Processing Times
When calculating how long it will take to get your green card, you need to consider two distinct waiting periods that may apply to your case. The first is the visa bulletin waiting period—think of this as waiting in line for your number to be called. The second is the USCIS processing time—the time it takes for USCIS to review and approve your actual green card application once you’re allowed to submit it.
Some applicants skip the first waiting period entirely. For example, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can file their green card applications right away. However, other categories face years of waiting before they can even submit their applications.
Family-Based Green Card Timeline
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically wait 8 to 15 months for their green cards. However, other family preference categories experience much longer waits. Adult children of U.S. citizens currently process applications from July 2012 (longer for Mexico). Meanwhile, siblings of U.S. citizens face processing dates that vary by country: most countries see April 2008, India sees October 2006, Mexico sees April 2001, and the Philippines sees January 2008.
These lengthy backlogs mean family members may wait 10 to 20 years for their green cards in certain categories.
Employment-Based Green Card Timeline
Employment green cards also face varying processing times. Almost every employment-based green card requires an approved I-140 petition before filing the actual green card application (Form I-485). Most EB-2 and EB-3 cases also require PERM labor certification before the I-140 can be filed.
The PERM labor certification process alone can take over 16 months. Then, USCIS must approve the I-140 petition. Finally, you must wait for visa availability before filing your I-485 adjustment of status application.
What This Means for You: Start your green card process as early as possible. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll receive your permanent resident card.
Who Can Apply for a Green Card? Eligibility Categories
To apply for a green card, you must be eligible under one of the categories established by U.S. immigration law. Let’s explore the main green card eligibility categories.
Family-Based Green Cards
U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor certain family members for permanent residence. U.S. citizens can petition for immediate relatives: spouse, unmarried children under age 21, and parents. These will be considered immediate relatives, and will not have to wait to receive permanent resident status.
Additionally, U.S. citizens can petition for other relatives through family preference categories. These include adult children, married children, and siblings. Green card holders can petition for spouses and unmarried children, but face longer processing times than U.S. citizen petitioners.
Employment-Based Green Cards
The employment-based first preference visa is intended for those with exceptional abilities and achievements or those with qualifying professional experiences. The employment-based second preference visa is intended for those who are highly educated, have exceptional abilities, or have skills judged to benefit the U.S. economy.
Employment green cards include several categories:
EB-1 for priority workers and people with extraordinary ability
EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
EB-3 for skilled workers and professionals
EB-4 for special immigrants
EB-5 for immigrant investors
Diversity Visa Lottery
The adjustment of status process for diversity visa winners must be completed by September 30 of the fiscal year the lottery pertains to. Visas cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year. The diversity lottery, also known as the green card lottery, makes approximately 55,000 green cards available annually to people from countries with low immigration rates to America.
Other Green Card Categories
Additional ways to obtain a green card include:
Asylum or refugee status
Special immigrant categories (religious workers, international organization employees)
Registry (for those who entered before 1972)
You may be eligible to register for a green card if you have resided continuously in the U.S. since before Jan. 1, 1972
Pro Tip: Many people qualify for multiple green card categories. An experienced immigration attorney can help you identify the fastest path to permanent residence based on your situation.
Green Card vs Visa: Understanding the Difference
Many people confuse green cards with visas. However, these represent completely different immigration statuses.
What Is a Visa?
A visa allows temporary entry to the United States for a specific purpose and limited time. Common visa types include tourist visas, student visas, and temporary work visas. Visa holders must maintain their temporary status and eventually depart America or change to another status.
For example, someone on an H-1B work visa can work only for their sponsoring employer. If they lose their job, they must find a new sponsor or leave the country. Similarly, F-1 student visa holders must maintain full-time enrollment at their educational institution.
How Green Cards Differ from Visas
Green card status provides permanent authorization to live and work in America. Unlike visa holders, green card holders don’t need employer sponsorship to work. Additionally, permanent residents can change careers, start businesses, or take time off work without jeopardizing their immigration status.
You don’t need a tourist visa or anything else to obtain your green card, and you don’t even have to be in the U.S. Under the right circumstances and with the right qualifications, if you have an employee or family sponsorship, you can petition for your permanent visa right away.
Can You Go from a Visa to a Green Card?
Yes, many people transition from temporary visas to permanent residence. This process is called adjustment of status when done inside the United States. Common pathways include:
H-1B work visa holders whose employers sponsor them for green cards
F-1 students who find employment and qualify for employment green cards
Fiancé visa holders who marry their U.S. citizen sponsors and apply for green cards
Key Takeaway: Visas are temporary; green cards are permanent. While visas restrict your activities, green card status provides freedom to live and work as you choose.
How to Apply for Your Green Card: Step-by-Step Process
The green card application process varies by category. However, most applications follow a similar general structure.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
First, identify which green card category applies to your situation. Review the requirements carefully. For family green cards, ensure you have the correct relationship to your sponsor. For employment green cards, verify that you meet the education and experience requirements.
Step 2: File the Immigrant Petition
Someone usually must file an immigrant petition for you (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you). In some cases, you may be eligible to file for yourself How to Apply for a Green Card | USCIS. Your family member or employer submits Form I-130 (family cases) or Form I-140 (employment cases) to USCIS.
Step 3: Wait for Visa Availability
If you already have a petition filed or approved on your behalf, you may have to wait for an available visa in your category before you can file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The State Department publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly visa bulletin.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have visas available immediately. However, other categories must wait until their priority date becomes current.
Step 4: Submit Your Green Card Application
Once a visa becomes available, file Form I-485 if you’re in the United States. If you’re abroad, apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
You go to a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature. USCIS uses this information for background checks and to produce your green card.
Step 6: Complete Your Interview
You go to an interview where a USCIS officer asks questions about your application and background. Bring all required documents, including your passport, birth certificate, and any requested evidence.
Step 7: Receive Your Decision
You receive a decision on your application. If approved, USCIS will mail your green card to your U.S. address within a few weeks.
Step 8: Maintain Your Green Card Status
Once you receive your green card, remember to renew it every 10 years. Report address changes within 10 days. File U.S. tax returns annually. Most importantly, maintain your permanent residence by not staying abroad for extended periods.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t wait until your green card expires to file for renewal. The median time it took to process I-90 forms jumped from less than a month to more than eight months in the second quarter 2025. Start your renewal application at least six months before your card expires.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Understanding what a green card is and how permanent residence works is the first step toward achieving your American dream. A green card provides the freedom to live, work, and build your future in the United States. Moreover, green card status puts you on the path toward U.S. citizenship if you choose to naturalize.
The green card process involves multiple steps and can take months or years depending on your category. However, the benefits of permanent residence make the wait worthwhile. Green card holders enjoy employment freedom, access to social benefits, and the ability to sponsor family members.
Remember that green card status comes with responsibilities. You must maintain your permanent residence, follow U.S. laws, and meet all reporting requirements. Additionally, you should start planning your naturalization application if citizenship is your ultimate goal.
Start Your Green Card Journey with Expert Guidance
Don’t navigate the complex green card process alone. The experienced immigration attorneys at Adan Vega & Associates have helped thousands of people obtain permanent residence over 45 years of practice. As a Texas Board-Certified immigration attorney, Adan G. Vega brings unmatched expertise to every green card case.
Our Houston immigration law firm handles all types of green card applications, including family green cards, employment green cards, and special immigrant categories. We understand the green card requirements and can guide you through every step of the process. Furthermore, our team stays current on all immigration law changes that affect green card applicants.
Contact Adan Vega & Associates today for a consultation about your green card case. Call us at (713) 527-9606 or visit our office at 122 Tuam Street, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77006. Let our immigration expertise help you achieve permanent residence and build your American future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Green Card and How Does It Work?
A green card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The green card proves your lawful permanent resident status. Green card holders can live anywhere in America, work for any employer, and eventually apply for citizenship. However, permanent residents must maintain their status by following immigration laws and not abandoning their U.S. residence.
What Is the Difference Between Green Card and Citizenship Status?
Green card holders have the right to reside and work permanently in the United States, but their rights and responsibilities are limited compared to U.S. citizens. Citizens can vote in elections, travel abroad without time limits, and cannot be deported. Only U.S. citizens are qualified for the U.S. passport. Furthermore, citizens have broader family sponsorship rights than green card holders. However, both statuses allow permanent residence in America.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Green Card in 2025?
Green card benefits include permanent work authorization, freedom to change employers without sponsorship, and access to social benefits. Green card holders may qualify for Medicare, health insurance, life insurance, and government-backed mortgage programs. Additionally, permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for green cards. Most importantly, green card status provides a path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization after meeting residency requirements.
What Rights and Responsibilities Do Green Card Holders Have?
Green card holders have protection under U.S. law, including the right to a fair trial and access to the U.S. justice system. Permanent residents can work and live anywhere in the United States. However, green card responsibilities include filing U.S. tax returns, notifying USCIS within 10 days if your residential address changes, and maintaining permanent residence by not staying abroad too long. Green card holders must also renew their cards every 10 years.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card in 2025?
Green card processing times vary significantly by category and country. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically wait 8 to 15 months. However, other family preference categories may wait years or decades. Employment green cards require PERM labor certification, I-140 approval, and waiting for visa availability. The entire employment green card process often takes 2 to 5 years or longer. Therefore, starting your application early is crucial for minimizing delays.
Step-by-Step Green Card Application Process
How to Apply for Your Green Card Successfully:
Identify your green card eligibility category based on family relationships, employment, or other qualifying factors for permanent residence
Find a qualified sponsor (family member or employer) or determine if you qualify for self-petitioning in certain special categories
File the immigrant petition (Form I-130 for family, Form I-140 for employment) with USCIS and pay required fees
Monitor the visa bulletin monthly to track when your priority date becomes current for filing your green card application
Submit Form I-485 (adjustment of status) with all supporting documents once your visa becomes available for processing
Attend your biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and signature for background checks and card production
Prepare for and attend your green card interview with a USCIS officer, bringing all required documentation and evidence
Wait for USCIS decision on your application; approved applicants receive approval notice followed by green card in mail
Receive your green card in the mail and verify all information is correct on your permanent resident card
Maintain green card status by following all responsibilities, reporting address changes, and renewing every 10 years for continued permanent residence
Quick Reference: What Is a Green Card?
A green card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The green card proves your lawful permanent resident status. Green card holders can reside anywhere in America, work for any employer, and travel internationally. Furthermore, permanent residents can petition for certain family members and eventually naturalize as U.S. citizens. However, green card holders must renew their cards every 10 years and maintain permanent residence requirements.
Additional Resources for Permanent Residence Applicants
Related Immigration Services and Green Card Topics:
Houston green card attorney services for family-based permanent residence applications
