What Is the 10-Year Rule for a Green Card?

The term “10-year green card” refers to a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) that is valid for 10 years and is issued to individuals who have successfully become unconditional lawful permanent residents of the United States. This typically occurs after removing the conditions from a conditional green card, such as one obtained through marriage.

Key Points of the 10-Year Rule:

• Unconditional Status: After holding a 2-year conditional green card (commonly granted to those who gain residency through a recent marriage), individuals must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions. If approved, they receive a 10-year green card.
  
• Validity & Renewal: The card is valid for 10 years and must be renewed before it expires by filing Form I-90, but it does not require proving the legitimacy of a relationship again, unlike the conditional version.
  
• Continuous Residency: Holding a 10-year green card does not grant citizenship, but it establishes a long-term right to live and work in the U.S. A green card holder can typically apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), assuming continuous residence and good moral character.
  
• 10-Year Physical Presence Myth: Sometimes people refer to a “10-year rule,” thinking that living in the U.S. for 10 years automatically grants legal status—this is a misconception. There is a 10-year cancellation of removal rule in immigration law, but that applies only in specific deportation cases and does not lead to a green card automatically.

Summary

The “10-year rule” for a green card most often refers to receiving a regular, renewable Permanent Resident Card after the conditions of a temporary resident’s green card are removed. It signifies full permanent resident status and is a major step toward U.S. citizenship—but it does not eliminate the need for renewal or affect eligibility rules for naturalization.

To protect your status, it’s best to limit time abroad and maintain strong ties to the U.S. when travelling for extended periods. For more guidance, visit Poonah Immigration Law.