A lawful permanent resident is someone who has been granted the right to live in the United States indefinitely. Permanent residence includes the right to work in the U.S. for most employers or for yourself. Permanent residents continue to hold citizenship of another country.

Who is considered a lawful permanent resident?

A lawful permanent resident is a non-citizen who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a “green card.”

How do I prove a lawful permanent resident?

Your best proof that you are either a U.S. permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident (who received status either as an investor or as the spouse of a U.S. citizen whose marriage was less than two years old at the time of approval) is your permanent resident card, also known as a green card.

Do lawful permanent residents need a visa?

An immigrant visa is for an noncitizen who plans to live permanently in the United States. This visa must be obtained before traveling to the United States. A Permanent Resident Card (I-551) is proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

Does a lawful permanent resident have a Social Security number?

Each permanent resident needs a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN will help you to work in the United States, to conduct business with a bank or financial institution, to pay your taxes or to be listed as a dependent on a tax return, and for other purposes.

Do permanent resident cards expire?

A Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551) Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years. It is important to keep your card up-to-date.