Your Green Card Explained
When you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you’ll receive a green card. Officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, a green card is given to a non-U.S. citizen to serve as a source of identification demonstrating status as a lawful permanent resident with the ability to live and work in the United States. Here’s how to read and understand your green card.
The Front of Your Green Card
On the front, your green card contains biographical information. Some of this information includes:
- Your legal name
- Your date of birth
- The country of your birth
- Your gender
- Your headshot
- Laser-engraved fingerprint
- The date you became a resident
- The card’s expiration date
The front of your green card also contains your USCIS registration number, sometimes referred to as an “Alien Registration Number” or “A Number.” Some green cards have a signature on them, while others may say “signature waived” if USCIS waived your signature requirement. Finally, the front of your card will also have a “category” heading, which describes the immigrant visa category used to admit you as a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident.
The Back of Your Green Card
Many people are surprised to learn that the back of a green card contains a lot of their information embedded in it. Essentially, most of your information is contained in micro images that government agencies can scan if needed.
More visible information on the back of your green card will include:
- A code indicating the type of resident you are (resident within the U.S., permanent resident commuter, work-related resident, etc.)
- Important identification numbers
- Your immigrant case number
- Your birthdate and gender
- Your country of birth
- The card’s expiration date
- The initials and names of your mother and father, if applicable
Get Help Applying for Your Green Card
The experienced immigration attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert Bell, P.A. can help you with a number of services related to green cards and other immigration matters. For instance, if you want to use your green card to enable a family member to immigrate or to obtain your citizenship, talk to us to learn how we may be able to help. Call 954-241-4209.