Congratulations! After months or years of paperwork, waiting, and uncertainty, you have finally secured lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
But the journey does not end there. Becoming a lawful permanent resident comes with important rights, responsibilities, and deadlines that every new green card holder should understand. Below, we answer the questions we hear most often from clients who have just received their green card.
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What Does My Green Card Actually Allow Me to Do?
As a lawful permanent resident, you have the right to live and work anywhere in the United States on a permanent basis. You are not restricted to a particular employer, geographic area, or job category (with limited exceptions for certain employment-based green cards tied to a specific job offer, which we address below).
As an LPR, you can:
- Work for any employer in the United States
- Travel outside the U.S. and return (with important limitations discussed below)
- Sponsor certain family members for their own green cards
- Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting the eligibility requirements
- Access certain federal benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare, once you have worked the required quarters
- Enroll in public educational institutions at in-state tuition rates in most states
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Do I Need to Carry My Green Card With Me?
Yes. Federal law requires all lawful permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older to carry their Permanent Resident Card at all times. Legally, failure to do so can result in a fine or misdemeanor charge, though enforcement is rare. Still, it is a good practice to keep your card with you or readily accessible.
Your green card serves as proof of your identity and immigration status. You will need it for employment verification (Form I-9), domestic air travel, and various government transactions. Keep it somewhere safe.
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When Does My Green Card Expire? And What Do I Need to Do?
10-Year Green Card: Most green cards issued to new permanent residents are valid for 10 years. You should file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) within the six-month window before your card’s expiration date. USCIS recommends filing no later than six months before expiration to avoid gaps in your ability to prove lawful status.
2-Year Green Card: If you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and the marriage was less than two years old at the time of approval, you received a conditional green card that is only valid for two years. To remove those conditions, you must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), jointly with your spouse in most cases. This should be filed 90 days before the card’s expiration. Missing this window can have serious consequences, including loss of status.
If you received a conditional green card through an EB-5 investor visa, you will file Form I-829 instead to remove conditions.
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Can I Travel Outside the United States?
Yes, but with important caveats. As a lawful permanent resident, you can travel abroad and return to the United States. However, lengthy or frequent absences can jeopardize your status.
Trips under 6 months: Generally, trips of less than six months do not affect your permanent resident status, though re-entry is never fully guaranteed.
Trips between 6 and 12 months: Extended absences between six and twelve months may raise questions from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon your return. You may be asked to demonstrate that you did not abandon your U.S. residence.
Trips exceeding 12 months: An absence of one year or more creates a presumption that you have abandoned your lawful permanent resident status. If you need to remain outside the U.S. for an extended period, consider applying for a reentry permit (Form I-131) before you leave. A reentry permit allows you to remain abroad for up to two years without abandoning your status.
Additionally, be aware that extended absences can affect your eligibility for naturalization. The continuous residence requirement for citizenship generally requires that you have not been absent from the U.S. for more than six months at a time during the statutory period.
Note: If you have been arrested or have a criminal record, consult with a lawyer before traveling.
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Do I Have to File U.S. Taxes?
Yes. As a lawful permanent resident, you are treated as a U.S. tax resident for federal income tax purposes, regardless of where you physically reside. This means you are required to report your worldwide income to the IRS each year, just like a U.S. citizen.
Failing to file taxes can have immigration consequences down the line. When you apply for naturalization or for family members’ immigration benefits, USCIS reviews your tax compliance history. Make sure you have filed federal (and applicable state) returns every year since becoming a permanent resident.
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Can I Sponsor My Family Members for Green Cards?
Yes, one of the most significant benefits of permanent residency is the ability to sponsor certain family members. As a lawful permanent resident, you may file an I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for:
- Your spouse
- Your unmarried children (of any age)
Note that as an LPR (as opposed to a U.S. citizen), you cannot directly sponsor your parents, siblings, or married children. When you naturalize, you can.
Be aware that LPR-sponsored family members typically fall into preference-based visa categories, which are subject to annual numerical limits and often involve significant wait times depending on the beneficiary’s country of birth.
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What About My Employment-Based Green Card — Am I Locked Into My Job?
Once your green card is actually approved, you are generally free to change employers. However, if you obtained your green card based on a specific job offer and you leave that position immediately after approval, USCIS has occasionally inquired whether the original job offer was bona fide. As a practical matter, staying in the sponsoring position for a reasonable period after your green card is issued, commonly understood to be around six months, can minimize any risk.
If you are unsure about your specific situation, consult with an immigration attorney before making any job changes.
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When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
The general requirement is five years of continuous permanent residence. However, if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, that period is reduced to three years, provided you remain married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse throughout.
You may file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) up to 90 days before you meet the applicable time requirement. In addition to meeting the continuous residence and physical presence requirements, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, pass a civics and English language test, and take the Oath of Allegiance.
Note that USCIS is currently in a rulemaking process that may affect N-400 filing fees. Contact our office for the most current fee information before filing.
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What Should I NOT Do as a Green Card Holder?
Certain actions can jeopardize your lawful permanent resident status:
- Claiming to be a U.S. citizen (e.g., registering to vote or falsely checking ‘U.S. Citizen’ on government forms)
- Voting in a federal or state election if you are not a U.S. citizen
- Abandoning your U.S. residence by spending the majority of your time abroad
- Being convicted of certain criminal offenses, including crimes of moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, domestic violence offenses, or drug-related crimes
- Failing to notify USCIS of your address changes within 10 days of moving (Form AR-11)
If you are ever questioned by immigration officials, law enforcement, or find yourself in any situation that could have immigration consequences, contact an immigration attorney immediately.
Questions About Your Green Card? We Can Help.
Navigating life as a new lawful permanent resident involves more than just receiving your card in the mail. At PSBP Law, we advise clients at every stage of their immigration journey, from green card approval through naturalization and beyond. If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident, we encourage you to reach out to our office.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. Questions? Please email Attorney Natalia Meade at nmeade@psbplaw.com.
