Getting your green card application approved is a huge milestone in your journey in becoming a resident of the United States. Having a green card allows you to live and work in the United States, which opens up endless opportunities. However, the process doesn’t end once you are approved. In this blog, we will be going over what to expect after your green card application is approved such as the process of receiving your green card, understanding your new status, updating your information, and ways to maintain your permanent residency.

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Receiving Your Green Card

You will be notified by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services through email if your green card was approved. This email will provide key information about your approval and instructions for the next steps. You will want to make sure to confirm your address with the USCIS so they send your physical card to the correct address. The green card itself is a credit card-sized document that includes your photo, name, date of birth, and a unique green card number. It also specifies your immigration status and the card’s expiration date, which is usually valid for 10 years. You will want to make sure all of your personal information on this card is correct and if you notice any errors, contact USCIS. 

Understanding Your Green Card Status

Receiving a green card means that you have permanent residency status in the United States, which comes with rights and responsibilities. 

Some of the rights you receive are: 

  • Work Authorization: As a permanent resident, you are legally allowed to work in the U.S. You can work for any employer and are not restricted to specific types of jobs or industries.
  • Travel: You have the right to travel in and out of the U.S. using your green card as proof of your residency status. However, trips abroad lasting more than six months may raise questions about your intent to maintain U.S. residency.
  • Access to Benefits: You may qualify for certain benefits, including healthcare and social services. These benefits depend on individual circumstances and the state you are in.

Some of the responsibilities you have are: 

  • Tax Obligations: You are required to file U.S. income tax returns and report your worldwide income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 
  • Maintaining Residency: You must have the intent to remain in the U.S. To retain your permanent resident status, you should not travel outside the U.S. for extended periods. This could cause questions about your intent to maintain residency.
  • Obeying U.S. Laws: As a resident of the U.S. you are required to follow all U.S. federal, state, and local laws. Criminal activities or violations can jeopardize your green card status and lead to deportation.

Adjust to Your New Status:

  • Health Insurance: Review your health insurance options and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Employment: Confirm your eligibility to work and update any employer records.

Consider Pathways to Citizenship

After five years of holding a green card, you’re eligible for the naturalization process, or obtaining U.S citizenship. Becoming a U.S. citizen offers additional benefits and rights, including the ability to vote in federal elections and the opportunity to apply for a U.S. passport.

To be eligible for citizenship, you must: 

  1. Permanent Residency: You must be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and have held this status for at least five years.
  2. Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the five years. This means you should not have been outside the U.S. for more than six months at a time during this period.
  3. Continuous Residency: You need to demonstrate continuous residency in the U.S. without significant breaks. Extended absences from the U.S. may impact your eligibility.
  4. Good Moral Character: You must show evidence of good moral character, which typically involves having no serious criminal convictions and adhering to U.S. laws.
  5. English Language and Civics Knowledge: You must be able to speak, read, and write basic English and have a general understanding of U.S. history and government.
  6. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old. 

Seek Legal Guidance From an Immigration Attorney 

Obtaining a green card is a great privilege and opens up doors for new opportunities. However, navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be challenging, and consulting an immigration attorney can provide invaluable assistance. Whether you have questions about applying for a green card for the first time or want advice about becoming a citizen, an immigration attorney at CoxEsq, PC is here to help. Our team is ready to help you through every part of the process so you can achieve your goals with confidence. Schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.