How long is a typical green card valid and when must it be renewed?

• A. 10 years; renewal should be filed before expiration.
• B. 2 years; renewal before expiration.
• C. 20 years; never need to renew.
• D. 5 years; renewal after expiration.

Answer: (A)

A typical green card shows you have permanent resident status and is valid for 10 years. To keep proof of your status up to date, you should renew before it expires—usually around six months before the expiration date. The renewal is done by filing Form I-90, and once it’s approved you’ll receive a new card valid for another 10 years.

As helpful context, if your residency was conditional (often granted when permanent residence is based on a recent marriage), that card lasts only 2 years and you must remove conditions within 90 days before the second anniversary of your card issuance.