Once you receive your green card, you must be aware of your obligations and rights that come with being a lawful permanent resident of the United States. You must make sure you follow all laws, file your taxes, and register for the Selective Service if you're a male within the required age range of 18 to 25. Here’s a brief overview of your responsibilities and considerations once you get your Green Card.
Key Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident:
- Paying Taxes: You are required file tax returns with both the IRS and your state tax authority, just like U.S. citizens.
- Following the Law: Green card holders must obey federal, state, and local laws. Criminal charges and arrests can have a negative impact on your Green Card status and Citizenship application.
- Selective Service Registration: Male residents between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service System.
- Carrying Your Green Card: You are legally required to carry your green card at all times. Failing to do so can lead to legal penalties, including possible jail time. If you lose your Green Card, you must apply for a replacement Green Card.
- Prohibited Activities: You cannot engage in unlawful efforts to alter or overthrow the U.S. government.
- Employment outside U.S.: You should not be employed outside the U.S. for any period of time as it may impact your Green Card status.
For Conditional Green Card Holders:
- Removing Conditions: If your green card is conditional, usually due to marriage, you must apply for removal of conditions within 90 days before it expires to maintain permanent resident status.
- Proving a Genuine Marriage: If your residency is marriage-based, you will need to submit documents that prove the relationship is real and not solely for immigration purposes from the time that you met till the time that you file for removal of conditions.
- Divorce of Separation: If you are separated or divorced from your U.S. citizen spouse, you can file for a waiver of the joint filing requirement for the removal of conditions, as long as you can provide evidence that your marriage was entered into in good faith. Please note that the joint filing waiver should ideally be filed once you have received the divorce decree.
Travel Considerations for Green Card Holders:
- Avoid Long Absences: Spending more than six months outside the U.S. without proper documentation can impact your residency status and can delay your application for Citizenship. Do not stay outside the U.S. for more than 6 months unless there is an emergency. You must always leave the U.S. with a return ticket within 6 months of departure.
- Use a Reentry Permit: If you plan to be abroad for an extended period, apply for a reentry permit beforehand to avoid complications when returning.
- Be Prepared at the Border: Bring documents showing your ties to the U.S. if you anticipate additional scrutiny. Know your rights, and do not sign any documents you don’t fully understand.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Green Card:
- Renewal: Green cards are valid for 10 years and must be renewed before they expire by applying for renewal.
- Replacement: If your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your personal details change, you must request a replacement.
Applying for Citizenship:
- Eligibility for Naturalization: You can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency (or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen), provided you meet all other eligibility requirements.