services

Green Card 2025: Learn the differences between permanent and conditional in the U.S.

The Green Card is an essential document for anyone wishing to live and work legally in the United States. There are two types of permanent residency—legal and conditional—each offering different benefits and responsibilities.

Learn about the differences between legal permanent residency and conditional permanent residency for Green Card holders in the U.S., including their benefits and requirements. Photo: iStock
Learn about the differences between legal permanent residency and conditional permanent residency for Green Card holders in the U.S., including their benefits and requirements. Photo: iStock

The Green Card is a crucial document for those seeking to live and work legally in the United States. It grants permanent residency, which comes with a set of rights, protections, and responsibilities. However, there are two main types of permanent residency: legal permanent residency and conditional permanent residency. Both options offer different benefits and have varying requirements, making it essential for immigrants to understand which category applies to them.

The process of obtaining a Green Card can vary depending on the applicant's circumstances. It involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and completing required procedures. Once approved, a Green Card holder enjoys the right to stay and work in the U.S., but understanding the distinction between legal and conditional residency is key to navigating the long-term implications of their status.

What's the difference between permanent and conditional residency

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), permanent residency is classified into two main categories: legal permanent residency and conditional permanent residency. Below are the characteristics and benefits of each.

Legal permanent residency

Legal permanent residency, known as the Green Card, grants the right to live and work indefinitely in the United States. The process for obtaining it varies depending on the individual’s situation, as there are several pathways to acquire it, including:

  • Family-based
  • Employment-based
  • Special immigrant
  • Refugee or asylum status
  • Victims of human trafficking and other crimes
  • Victims of abuse
  • Other categories
  • Registry-based

This type of residency allows immigrants to enjoy various benefits, such as access to public services, the ability to apply for U.S. citizenship after a specified period, and protection against deportation, as long as the required conditions are met.

Conditional permanent residency

Conditional permanent residency is a type of Green Card that is valid for two years. Holders of this card must submit a renewal request at least 90 days before it expires. Failure to do so risks losing their permanent resident status and being removed from the United States.

Generally, after renewing the conditional residency for a ten-year period, individuals have the option to apply for unrestricted permanent residency or even apply for U.S. citizenship. This process is crucial for those aiming to establish permanent roots in the U.S. and enjoy all the rights of a permanent resident.

The most recent

Haribo recalls 'Happy Cola' gummies in th Netherlands after cannabis contamination found

Haribo recalls 'Happy Cola' gummies in th Netherlands after cannabis contamination found

May 30 2025 | 22:23 h

Florida 12-year-old girl pretended to be dead to survive Mother’s stabbing attack

Florida 12-year-old girl pretended to be dead to survive Mother’s stabbing attack

May 30 2025 | 22:13 h

Trump fires National Portrait Gallery Director over DEI support and political donations

Trump fires National Portrait Gallery Director over DEI support and political donations

May 30 2025 | 21:57 h

Imane Khelif temporarily suspended from boxing events pending gender test

Imane Khelif temporarily suspended from boxing events pending gender test

May 30 2025 | 21:45 h

Ariana Grande joins ‘Meet the Parents’ sequel, set for fall 2026 release at Universal

Ariana Grande joins ‘Meet the Parents’ sequel, set for fall 2026 release at Universal

May 30 2025 | 21:39 h

Loretta Swit, beloved ‘MAS*H’ Star known as Hot Lips Houlihan, dies at 86

Loretta Swit, beloved ‘MAS*H’ Star known as Hot Lips Houlihan, dies at 86

May 30 2025 | 20:31 h

Champions League Final 2025: Linkin Park to perform before PSG vs Inter Milan in Munich

Champions League Final 2025: Linkin Park to perform before PSG vs Inter Milan in Munich

May 30 2025 | 20:04 h

Trump appoints Bernie Navarro U.S. Ambassador to Peru despite fraud probe and no Diplomatic experience

Trump appoints Bernie Navarro U.S. Ambassador to Peru despite fraud probe and no Diplomatic experience

May 30 2025 | 19:47 h

Who is Athenna Crosby? Meet the U.S. representative for Miss World 2025

Who is Athenna Crosby? Meet the U.S. representative for Miss World 2025

May 30 2025 | 19:30 h

ICE agents in Boston arrest Migrant murderer, Child rapists in high-risk operation

ICE agents in Boston arrest Migrant murderer, Child rapists in high-risk operation

May 30 2025 | 19:02 h

Supreme Court allows Trump to end humanitarian protections for over 500,000 migrants

Supreme Court allows Trump to end humanitarian protections for over 500,000 migrants

May 30 2025 | 19:02 h

CVS closing 271 stores across the U.S. in 2025 amid company restructuring

CVS closing 271 stores across the U.S. in 2025 amid company restructuring

May 30 2025 | 18:53 h