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How long does the EB-1 green card last?

EB-1 permanent residency does not expire; what is renewed periodically is the physical card. Understand the difference and keep up with your status obligations to preserve your green card.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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The green card obtained through EB-1 grants permanent resident status, which has no expiration date: you can live and work in the United States indefinitely, as long as you meet the obligations of that status.

It is important to distinguish two things that are often confused:

  • The permanent resident status itself, which is ongoing as long as you maintain it.
  • The physical card (the green card), which has a printed expiration date and must be renewed periodically, without affecting your status.

It is worth noting that, unlike some categories that begin with conditional residency, EB-1 typically grants permanent residency without that conditional stage, which provides greater stability. Even so, you must maintain the obligations of your status, such as not abandoning your residence in the United States. For the exact validity and renewal timelines of the card, the safest approach is to check the updated information on the USCIS website and, if needed, consult a specialist.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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How long does the EB-1 green card last?

EB-1 permanent residency does not expire; what is renewed periodically is the physical card. Understand the difference and keep up with your status obligations to preserve your green card.

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