green card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (legal, administrative), Neutral (news), Informal (general discussion)
Quick answer
What does “green card” mean?
An official document issued by the United States government that grants a foreign national the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official document issued by the United States government that grants a foreign national the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
Informally, any official permit or document granting residency or work rights in a country, though this usage is less common and typically references the US system. Also used metaphorically to refer to permission or authorization in non-immigration contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is understood but refers specifically to the US document. The UK equivalent is typically called 'indefinite leave to remain' (ILR) or a 'biometric residence permit' (BRP). In American English, it is the standard term for US permanent residency.
Connotations
In the US, it carries strong connotations of immigration, opportunity, and legal status. In the UK and other English-speaking countries, it is often used with reference to American culture and immigration policy.
Frequency
High frequency in American English, especially in news, legal, and immigrant communities. Moderate to low frequency in British English, primarily in international or US-focused contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “green card” in a Sentence
to apply for a green cardto be eligible for a green cardto have a green cardto sponsor someone for a green cardVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “green card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company agreed to green-card him after three years of employment.
- She was green-carded through her family.
American English
- His employer sponsored him to get green-carded.
- They are trying to green-card their nanny.
adjective
British English
- He is a green-card holder living in London.
- The green-card lottery results were announced.
American English
- She has green-card status through her husband.
- They attended a green-card interview last week.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR and international recruitment contexts regarding employee sponsorship for US work authorization.
Academic
Appears in sociology, political science, and law papers discussing US immigration policy and migrant integration.
Everyday
Common in conversations about immigration, moving to the US, or an individual's legal status.
Technical
Precise legal term in US immigration law (INA), referring to the evidence of status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “green card”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “green card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “green card”
- Using 'green card' to refer generically to any work visa (e.g., an H-1B visa is not a green card).
- Capitalization inconsistency – it is often written in lowercase, but 'Green Card' is also acceptable.
- Saying 'a green card' for the process ('I am doing my green card') instead of 'applying for a green card'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A green card grants lawful permanent residency, which includes the right to live and work indefinitely in the US. Citizenship (naturalization) is a separate status with additional rights, like voting and holding a US passport.
Yes. A green card can be revoked if the holder commits certain crimes, abandons their US residency (e.g., lives abroad permanently), or obtained it through fraud.
Officially the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, it is a US government lottery that randomly selects applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the US, offering them the chance to apply for a green card.
Not always. Many people work on temporary work visas (like H-1B, L-1). A green card is required for permanent, indefinite work authorization without visa sponsorship.
An official document issued by the United States government that grants a foreign national the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
Green card is usually formal (legal, administrative), neutral (news), informal (general discussion) in register.
Green card: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡriːn ˈkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrin ˈkɑrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “green-card marriage (a marriage of convenience to obtain a green card)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'green' in 'green card' like a green traffic light – it gives you the permanent 'go' to live and work in the USA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CARD IS A KEY (to a country). A DOCUMENT IS A TICKET (to a new life).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a US green card?