The Easiest Way to Understand the Difference between a 2-year Green Card and a 10-year Green Card

Immigrating to the U.S. remains a top keyword of interest for many Vietnamese, especially those with family members already living in the United States.

After you open an immigration file for the U.S. and have a successful interview with a Consular Officer, you will receive either a 2-year Green Card or a 10-year Green Card. The conditions and benefits of each type of Green Card differ, which can cause confusion when you arrive in the United States.

In the following article, ImmiPath will show you the easiest way to distinguish between a 2-year Green Card and a 10-year Green Card. See it now!

1. What are Differences Between the 2-Year and 10-Year Green Cards?

Many people who immigrate to the U.S. and receive a green card often ask ImmiPath why some only receive a 2-year green card while most others receive a 10-year green card.

Before discussing the differences between the 2-year and 10-year green cards, ImmiPath will briefly explain what a green card is.

A U.S. green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is issued to foreign nationals who are authorized to live and work in the United States. It is often referred to as a green card because of its color. This is the golden ticket that allows you to start realizing your dream of settling in the U.S., establishing a life there, and enjoying the rights granted to permanent residents.

U.S. green cards are divided into 2 types: the 2-year green card and the 10-year green card. ImmiPath will help you gain the clearest understanding of these two types of permanent resident cards in the U.S.:

Difference	2-Year Green Card	10-Year Green Card
Definition	The 2-year green card is a conditional green card valid for 2 years. After it expires, you must transition to a 10-year green card to maintain your legal residency in the U.S. From the issuance date, you have 2 years to remove the conditions on your green card and apply for a 10-year permanent green card. You must start the process of applying for the permanent 10-year green card 90 days before your 2-year green card expires; otherwise, you risk deportation.	The 10-year green card is a permanent U.S. green card that allows you to live and work in the U.S. for life. If you have not yet passed the U.S. citizenship test with a 10-year green card, you must renew it after it expires.  You also need to reapply for the 10-year green card and ensure that all paperwork is completed several months before your green card expires.
Applicable Individuals	The 2-year green card is issued when you obtain residency through a marriage of fewer than 2 years or through the EB-5 investment program. If you have been granted a 2-year conditional green card, you must carefully monitor its expiration date.  Failing to file the appropriate paperwork to remove the conditions before the card expires will significantly affect your residency status.	A 10-year green card is issued for family-sponsored cases such as parents sponsoring children, children sponsoring parents, siblings sponsoring each other, or spouses sponsoring each other when the marriage has lasted more than 2 years. Additionally, those who immigrate to the U.S. through employment under the EB-3 program will receive a 10-year green card. If you have a 2-year green card but your marriage to a U.S. citizen has ended in divorce within 2 years, you can still apply for a 10-year green card.  If you or your child has been abused, mistreated, or placed in a difficult situation by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must file within 90 days to apply for a 10-year green card before your 2-year green card expires.
Benefits	When a 2-year green card expires, the holder loses their status as a permanent resident. While holding a 2-year green card, it can be reissued if lost or damaged but cannot be renewed.  Once the 2-year green card expires, it becomes invalid, and the holder may become an illegal resident.  With a 2-year green card, you are not allowed to leave the U.S. for more than 6 months.  Those with a 2-year green card will need to renew it at least once to take the citizenship test if obtained through marriage, and at least three times if obtained through the EB-5 program.	The 10-year green card is a permanent green card, granting long-term legal permanent residency in the U.S. With a 10-year green card, you have the right to travel anywhere.  When a 10-year green card expires, the holder still maintains legal residency. However, failing to renew the card on time can still affect your permanent resident status.

2. How Do You Have a Transition from a 2-Year Green Card to a 10-Year Green Card?

A 2-year green card is a conditional green card, and once it expires, you must switch to a 10-year green card to achieve permanent residency in the U.S.

To transition from a conditional green card to a permanent green card, both you and your spouse must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. This is a requirement for both you and your spouse to complete.

However, in certain situations, such as the death of your spouse or divorce, you may still apply for permanent residency. If you encounter difficulties in preparing documents, paperwork, and completing additional forms, contact ImmiPath Immigration Center for assistance.

To transition from a 2-year green card to a 10-year green card, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Form I-751 is a joint form, meaning both spouses must sign and file it.
• The form must be filed within the 90-day period before the 2-year conditional green card expires.
• Pay the filing fee.
• Provide copies of both the front and back of the 2-year conditional green card.
• Relevant documentation and evidence.

Green cards based on marriage will be issued for 2 years or 10 years depending on the case.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) designed the conditional green card to prevent marriage and immigration fraud in the U.S. Form I-751 allows USCIS to reassess your marriage.

You must provide evidence demonstrating that your marriage is genuine and not solely for obtaining permanent residency.

Evidence you may include in your application:

• Documents such as joint bank account statements, mortgages, etc.
• If you have children, include a copy of their birth certificates.
• Evidence such as photos, messages, and call records showing the ongoing love and commitment in your marriage.

In some cases, you might also need to provide evidence related to unusual circumstances, such as:

• An explanation for any delays in filing.
• Additional documents related to your criminal background.
• A description of why you are filing without your spouse.
• A death certificate if your spouse has passed away.
• A divorce decree or annulment document.

The more evidence you provide proving that your marriage is based on genuine love, or in cases where one of the spouses must separate due to unavoidable circumstances, the better your chance of convincing USCIS that you should be granted a 10-year green card.

You will also need to pay a $595 green card fee to submit the form yourself and pay an additional $85 for your biometrics service.

You will send your completed form and all supporting documents, along with Form I-751, to the U.S. Consulate in the U.S.

If you want to ensure U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will receive your petition within 90 days, contact ImmiPath for the best time to schedule your case and assist you in obtaining your 10-year green card promptly.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles issues related to U.S. green cards.

3. Summary of Frequently Asked Questions about Distinction between the 2-year and 10-year Green Cards

3.1. Can I renew my 2-year green card?

Unfortunately, you can not renew a 2-year green card. Before it expires, you need to apply to convert it to a 10-year green card.

The 2-year green card is typically issued to couples with a marriage duration of fewer than 2 years.

3.2. Is my 10-year green card permanent?

A 10-year green card is considered permanent, but it must be renewed every 10 years. However, most permanent residents eventually apply for U.S. citizenship to enjoy additional benefits.

Becoming a U.S. citizen will save money and have other benefits that permanent residents do not have such as the right to vote, the ability to sponsor family members for immigration, and a U.S. passport that allows visa-free travel to over 180 countries and territories.

To apply for U.S. citizenship, you need to have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.

3.3. What can green card holders in the U.S. not do?

Although green card holders can live and work in the U.S., there are certain things they are not permitted to do:

• They cannot vote in U.S. elections.
• They cannot remain outside the U.S. for more than one year.
• They do not possess a U.S. passport.
• They can be deported for committing crimes.
• They have limitations in receiving certain government benefits.

3.4. How long can a U.S. green card holder stay outside the U.S.?

A 10-year green card holder can stay outside the U.S. for up to one year. After this period, their green card status may be considered invalid. While you can leave and re-enter the U.S. multiple times, you must not exceed the one-year period outside the country.

3.5. How long does it take to remove conditions on a green card?

Conditional green cards are valid for two years. You have 90 days before the conditional green card expires to submit Form I-751.

It is crucial to apply to remove conditions on your green card at the right time. If you file your application to remove conditions before the 90 days, your application will be returned. If you file too late, your application will be denied.

3.6. What happens if my conditional green card expires?

If you do not remove the conditions on your green card within the 90-day period before your green card expires, you risk deportation.

Being unlawfully present in the U.S. could lead to deportation and a bar on re-entering the U.S.

3.7. How long does it take to process an employment-based green card?

Each year, the U.S. government issues 140,000 employment-based visas for various categories based on a percentage. The processing time varies depending on the demand for that visa category.

Employment-based visa applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To expedite processing, ensure that all your documents are in order and there are no errors in your application. If there are errors or missing documents, USCIS will return the application, which will further delay the processing time.

Employment-based green card processing times will vary depending on each case.

3.8. How long does it take to receive a green card through the Diversity Visa Lottery?

Winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery are announced within 7 months after the initial lottery registration.

Processing the visa after notification takes an additional 7 months. Applications typically start in October or November, and then applicants must wait for processing.

The U.S. Department of State processes applications and notifies applicants when completed. They decide when to post the results, and applicants must continuously check their status on the Department of State’s website.

If you are selected, you will need to complete forms and submit supporting documents to receive the green card, a process that can take several months.

Even then, you must wait for the U.S. Embassy to process your visa application and make a decision. Overall, you can expect to immigrate to the U.S. about 2 years after completing the initial application.

With the distinctions between the 2-year and 10-year green cards and answers to some frequently asked questions, ImmiPath hopes to provide a comprehensive overview of these types of green cards in the U.S.

If you have any further questions about the differences between the 2-year and 10-year green cards or other immigration matters, please comment below. The ImmiPath advisory team will be happy to assist and provide you with the best advice.