Receiving your permanent Green Card after a successful I-829 petition is a monumental achievement. You are now a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States. This status grants you significant rights, but it also comes with important responsibilities you must uphold to maintain your status and pave the way for future citizenship.
Your Rights as a Permanent Resident
As an LPR, you enjoy many of the same rights as U.S. citizens. You have the right to:
- Live permanently and work anywhere in the United States.
- Own property, apply for a driver's license, and attend public schools and universities.
- Sponsor certain relatives to immigrate to the U.S.
- Receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits, after meeting the eligibility requirements.
- Travel outside the United States and return (subject to certain rules).
- Apply for U.S. citizenship once you are eligible.
Key Responsibilities to Uphold
To maintain your status, you must adhere to several key responsibilities:
- Obey All Laws: You must obey all federal, state, and local laws. Certain criminal convictions can make you deportable.
- File Income Taxes: You are required to file U.S. income tax returns and report your income from all worldwide sources.
- Carry Your Green Card: You are required to have your Permanent Resident Card with you at all times.
- Notify USCIS of Address Changes: You must inform USCIS of any change of address within 10 days of moving by filing Form AR-11.
Maintaining Your Residency & International Travel
While you can travel internationally, your Green Card is for permanent residence in the U.S. Extended absences can lead USCIS to determine that you have "abandoned" your residency. It is crucial to understand the rules:
- Trips under 6 months: Generally not a problem.
- Trips between 6 months and 1 year: These raise a red flag and may disrupt the "continuous residence" required for citizenship. You may be questioned upon re-entry.
- Trips over 1 year: A trip of one year or more will automatically break continuous residence. If you plan to be abroad for more than a year, you must apply for a Re-entry Permit *before* you leave the U.S.
To avoid issues, always maintain ties to the U.S., such as owning or renting a home, having U.S. bank accounts and credit cards, filing U.S. taxes, and having a valid state driver's license.
