by 
The Curious Bag
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For those wishing to immigrate to the United States, the green card, or permanent residence card, is the light at the end of a long tunnel of bureaucratic red tape. Certain applicants, however, are initially given a conditional green card to make sure that their reason for immigration is sincere.
Definition Green Card
A conditional green card is given to a noncitizen by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to prove legal presence, work authorization and travel authorization.
Eligibility for Cards
Conditional green cards are given to applicants who are married to U.S. citizens or to entrepreneurs who make an investment that creates jobs in the United States.
Application Process
Form I-485 and its supplements, found on the USCIS website, is used by noncitizens under the above circumstances to apply for conditional permanent residence.
Conditional Status
Conditional green cards expire after two years (as opposed to a regular green card, which expires after 10 years). At the end of this period, the conditional permanent resident must apply to receive a permanent green card.
Significance
Conditional green cards are used by the government to make sure that permanent residence isn't being obtained fraudulently. The applicant must appear for an interview at the end of two years to ensure they are still married or still providing jobs in the United States.
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