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How long does the green card obtained through F last?

The family based green card is lifelong, with a physical validity of 2 or 10 years, requiring renewal and legal compliance to maintain status in the US.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on October 7, 2025
2 min read
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The green card obtained through a family based petition grants its holder the status of a lawful permanent resident in the United States, which means that, immigration-wise, this status is lifelong as long as you comply with the conditions required by law. However, it is important to differentiate the permanent resident status from the physical validity of the card itself.

Normally, the green card you receive is valid for 10 years, and it is necessary to renew it before expiration so that the document continues to be valid as proof of your status. If the green card was granted with the condition of a recent marriage (that is, less than two years of marriage), it will initially be valid for two years and you will need to file a petition to remove the conditions and convert the status to permanent between 90 and 120 days before the end of this period, which, once granted, will result in a card valid for 10 years.

It is worth remembering that, although permanent resident status is lifelong under the United States” legal and regulatory conditions, it is essential to maintain compliance with all immigration laws to not jeopardize this benefit. If you have questions or problems in the process, it is recommended to seek updated information from official US agencies or turn to professionals specialized in immigration, but always with caution to avoid scams and dubious information in marketing campaigns.

Staying informed and strictly following immigration rules is essential for maintaining your status and ensuring that all processes are carried out legally and safely.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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How long does the green card obtained through F last?

The family based green card is lifelong, with a physical validity of 2 or 10 years, requiring renewal and legal compliance to maintain status in the US.

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