Permanent residency, obtained through a green card, allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States on a potentially indefinite basis. When a green card is first issued based on marriage to a U.S. citizen it is often a temporary green card and is valid for two years. After the first two years, providing you have not been convicted of any criminal activity and have maintained your eligibility status, you can apply for a permanent residence visa which is valid for ten years.