green card

American  

noun

1. an official card, originally green, issued by the U.S. government to foreign nationals permitting them to work in the U.S.

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green card British  

noun

1. an official permit allowing the holder permanent residence and employment, issued to foreign nationals in the US

2. an insurance document covering motorists against accidents abroad

3. social welfare (in Britain) an identification card issued by the Manpower Services Commission to a disabled person, to show registration for employment purposes and eligibility for special services See also handicap register registered disabled

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Other Word Forms

• green-carder
  noun

Etymology

Origin of green card

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

People who are granted a U visa can qualify for lawful permanent resident status, known as a green card, after three years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

She had not yet received the green card when Billy died suddenly in January, leaving her immigration status unclear.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

He was detained by immigration authorities upon his release in November 2024, and his green card was revoked after an immigration judge ordered his deportation due to his felony conviction.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Since the green card was issued, she has traveled to Iran four times, Bis said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

There was a good chance that after I'd lived with them for a few days, they would beg my parents to allow them to adopt me...and then I'd get a green card in no time.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi