Congratulations on receiving your Green Card! What’s Next?

Congratulations on receiving your Green Card! As a new permanent resident of the United States, you now have the authorization to live and work in the U.S. permanently. It’s important to understand the responsibilities and actions you need to take to maintain your status. Here’s what to do after your Green Card is granted.

1. Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Green Card Holder

U.S. law requires all adults 18 or older to always carry a valid Green Card to prove their lawful permanent resident status. This card is your key to many benefits, but it comes with responsibilities.

Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a green card holder.

2. Removing Conditions on a 2-Year Green Card

If you received a conditional Green Card (valid for two years), you cannot renew it. Instead, you must file a petition to remove the following conditions:

• When to File: Submit your petition 90 days before your Green Card expires.
• Which Form to Use:
  • Family-Based Conditional Residents: File Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.
  • Investor/Entrepreneur-Based Conditional Residents: File Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions.

Important: Failing to file on time can result in losing your permanent resident status.

3. Replacing Your Green Card

You may need to replace your Green Card if:

• It is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
• Your personal information (such as your name) has changed.
• Your card contains incorrect information.
• You have become a commuter or are taking up actual residence in the U.S.

How to Replace: File Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

4. Green Card Benefits You Should Know

Your Green Card allows you to:

• Prove Employment Eligibility: Complete Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for any U.S. job.
• Apply for a Social Security Card: Essential for employment and accessing various government services.
• Obtain a Driver’s License or State ID: Required for driving and other identification needs.
• Travel Internationally: Use your Green Card for re-entry to the U.S. after trips abroad. Note:
  • For trips under 1 year, your Green Card is sufficient.
  • For trips over 1 year, apply for a reentry permit before leaving the U.S.

5. Settling in the U.S.

Adjusting to life in a new country can be challenging. The Settling in the U.S. page provides resources and guides in multiple languages covering topics like:

• Finding a job
• Learning English
• Accessing healthcare
• Understanding your rights and responsibilities

6. I Am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years – Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which an individual not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. The most common path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is by being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years.

General Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for naturalization based on being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old when submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Show you have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years.
• Demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately before filing Form N-400.
• Prove physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before filing.
• Have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your residence.
• Show you are a person of good moral character for at least five years immediately before filing.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Have knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Exceptions: Certain applicants, due to age and time as an LPR, may be exempt from the English language requirement and can take the civics test in their preferred language.

7. I Am Married to a U.S. Citizen – Naturalization

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization under Section 319(a) of the INA after only three years of permanent residency.

General Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old when submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Be a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S. for at least three years immediately before filing.
• Have been living in a marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse during those three years and while USCIS processes your application.
• Have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your residence.
• Have continuous residence in the U.S. as an LPR for at least three years before filing.
• Reside continuously in the U.S. from the date you file until you naturalize.
• Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months out of the three years before filing.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Be a person of good moral character, committed to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S. for at least three years before filing and until taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Final Tips:

• Keep Your Address Updated: You must notify USCIS online within 10 days of moving by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.
• Consider U.S. Citizenship: After meeting residency and other eligibility requirements, you may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

We Can Help!

If you have questions regarding a U.S. immigration matter, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.

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