Understanding Visa Numbers on Permanent Resident Cards

Learn why permanent resident cards lack visa numbers and what identification numbers they contain.

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A permanent resident card does not have a visa number. Instead, it includes an A-Number (Alien Registration Number) and a USCIS number, which are used for identification and record-keeping purposes.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is an A-Number on a permanent resident card? An A-Number, or Alien Registration Number, is a unique identifier assigned to a foreign national by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for record-keeping and identification purposes.
  2. How is a permanent resident card different from a visa? A permanent resident card, also known as a Green Card, allows an individual to live and work permanently in the U.S., while a visa is typically temporary and grants permission for a specific duration and purpose.
  3. Does a Green Card holder need a visa to travel? Typically, Green Card holders do not need a visa to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad, but they should ensure their permanent resident status is maintained by fulfilling residency requirements.
  4. Can a permanent resident card expire? Yes, a permanent resident card can expire. It is advisable for cardholders to renew their Green Card every 10 years to ensure they have valid documentation, although their permanent resident status does not expire.