How to Read a Green Card

U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) introduced the current version of the Permanent Resident Card, best known as a “green card,” in January 2023. In fact, USCIS redesigns the green card every few years to reduce the risk of fraud and counterfeiting. However, new card designs do not invalidate previous cards. The green card continues to be valid until the expiration date printed on the front of the card. USCIS has not significantly changed the modern green card in terms of the information displayed and how to read a green card.

How to Read the Front of a Green Card

Like its recent predecessors, the current green card utilizes some enhanced security features. State-of-the-art technology prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication of the card. Some of the newest features include improved tactile printing, enhanced optically variable ink, highly-secure holographic images and more complex design elements.

The front of a green card is mostly self-explanatory. It includes biographic information such as name, country of birth, birth date, sex, and card expiration date. Dates are generally in the MM/DD/YY format. USCIS removed the cardholder's fingerprint from the front of the card in 2023.

• USCIS# describes the cardholder’s alien registration number or “A-number.” All permanent residents have a unique 8- or 9-digit A-number.
• Category describes the immigrant visa category that was used to admit an immigrant to the U.S. as a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident. The field is also known as “class of admission” in other USCIS documents. The field is typically one or two letters followed by a number.
• Resident Since designates the date that a permanent resident was granted residence at a U.S. embassy or through adjustment of status at a USCIS office. It's an important date for permanent residents who intend to apply for citizenship through naturalization. It marks the beginning of the continuous residence requirement.

Not all green cards include the holder’s signature. In limited cases, USCIS waives the signature requirement for certain people, such as children under the age of consent or individuals who are physically unable to provide a signature. Since February 2015, USCIS has been waiving the signature requirement for people entering the United States for the first time as lawful permanent residents after obtaining an immigrant visa abroad from a U.S. embassy or consulate. Cards without a signature will say “Signature Waived” on the front and back of the card where a signature would normally be located.

Note: Green cards issued between 1979 and August 1989 do not have expiration dates and may not need to be renewed unless you want to use the Global Entry (GE) Program when traveling. GE kiosks cannot read the old format green cards. Although not required to replace these cards, USCIS does recommend replacement to reduce problems. Older photos, wear-and-tear, and unfamiliarity with these cards may cause some authorities to refuse them.