At US-ILC, we listen, we care, we deliver: Let our 89 years of combined experience help you to navigate the complexities of immigration law!
For many people, becoming a lawful permanent resident is a major and welcome step in their immigration journey. LPR status offers important benefits that are not open to you if you are a nonimmigrant, but it also brings new responsibilities that must be followed to avoid unintentional consequences. The more familiar you become with these benefits, requirements, and steps to take after receiving your Green Card, the smoother your path to U.S. citizenship will be.
Benefits of Gaining Lpr Status
Being granted lawful permanent resident status carries with it many benefits. Most importantly, it allows you to live in the United States permanently, without the need to renew a nonimmigrant visa or any other temporary immigration document. The other advantages of LPR status include the following:
- You can work lawfully within the United States for most employers
- You can travel abroad and return legally without the need for a visa or temporary document
- You will hold the same legal rights as U.S. citizens
- You will be eligible for certain government benefits
- You can sponsor certain relatives for immigration benefits, such as a spouse or child
- You will be eligible to apply for citizenship within 3 or 5 years, depending on how you gained LPR status
Steps To Take After Lpr Approval
Once your Green Card arrives, there are specific things you will need to do to ensure compliance with your new LPR status. Some of these steps are listed below:
Update these government agencies to ensure you are identified as a lawful permanent resident:
- Social Security Administration: File for an unrestricted Social Security Card
- Department of Motor Vehicles: Apply for a new driver’s license
- Internal Revenue Service: File your next returns as a resident as opposed to a nonresident
- Other agencies: Update other government agencies as needed, such as those that provide public benefits related to immigration status
Let your employer know that you are now a lawful permanent resident. This is especially important if you initially presented an Employment Authorization Document to gain employment.
Always Carry your Green Card with you. This is a requirement, and failing to do so can be considered noncompliance if you are stopped by authorities.
File a change of address form within 10 days whenever you move. USCIS requires you to provide them with your most updated address.
Apply for a Reentry Permit if you plan to be outside of the United States for more than six months. This will help to ensure you can entry without issue and avoid the risk of losing your permanent resident status.
Renew your LPR status in a timely manner if you are not yet eligible or ready to apply for citizenship by the time your Green Card expires.
If you follow the above requirements for those in LPR status, you will be eligible to seek US citizenship status in three or five years.
If you recently became a lawful permanent resident and need to discuss next steps, or if you have questions regarding another immigration matter, contact U.S. Immigration Law Counsel for a strategy session to discuss your case.
