There are many benefits to having a U.S. green card (lawful permanent residency). With those benefits, however, come responsibilities that you must fulfill to maintain your permanent resident status. Some of these responsibilities include the following.
Maintain a Valid Green Card
Even though your legal permanent resident status does not expire, green cards do. If you have a ten-year green card, you will need to renew it within the six-month period before the expiration. You do this by filing form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. If you have a two-year green card, this means you have “conditional residency.” You cannot simply renew the card before the expiration but, rather, must take special action to remove the conditions in the 90-day period before your card expires by filing form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. In any case, you must replace your green card if you change your name.
Notify USCIS of Change of Address
You are required to update your home address with USCIS every time you move. You do this by filling out form AR-11, which can be submitted via mail or online. Remember to submit within ten days of your move!
Reside in the U.S.
You are now a Lawful Permanent Resident, emphasis on the word “Permanent.” This means that you should live in the United States for most of the year and not move permanently to another country. If you plan on being outside of the United States for more than 6 months, you may need to apply and receive a separate re-entry permit (I-131) before leaving the U.S. I recommend consulting an immigration attorney in this case.
Register with the Selective Service
This is required of males between the ages of 18 and 26.
File Tax Returns
You must file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and your state and city if required.
Carry Your Green Card
If you are 18 years and older, you must carry your green card with you at all times. You must show it to an immigration or law enforcement officer if asked.
Refrain from Committing Crime
It’s possible to lose your green card by committing certain crimes such as felonies, drug crimes, crimes of “moral turpitude,” and those involving illegal immigration. If you find yourself being charged with any of these crimes, I recommend you contact a “crimmigration” attorney who practices both criminal and immigration law.
If you have questions about any of the above, please feel free to contact me through the “Contact Us” link on my website or by emailing info@pdortegalaw.com. I’d also love to assist with any green card extensions or future petitions!
Source:
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants, www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
