Green card holder rights and responsibilities: what you can do and what you must do
A green card makes you a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It comes with real rights, and with responsibilities that many new residents do not know about. Here is a plain-language summary based on USCIS guidance.
General information only, not legal advice. If you have a criminal record, long trips abroad or tax problems, talk to an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.
Your rights
- Live permanently anywhere in the U.S.
- Work at most jobs (some, mainly in government and security, are limited to citizens).
- Travel abroad and come back, within limits (see below).
- Petition for your spouse and unmarried children to get green cards.
- Be protected by U.S. laws, and apply for citizenship once you are eligible.
Your responsibilities
- Carry your green card. If you are 18 or older, you must keep a valid card with you at all times.
- File income tax returns and report your income to the IRS and your state, as a resident for tax purposes.
- Register for Selective Service if you are a man aged 18 through 25. See Selective Service for immigrants.
- Report a new address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. See how to report it.
- Obey all laws. Some crimes can lead to removal, even for permanent residents.
- Do not vote in federal, state or local elections, and never claim to be a U.S. citizen. Only citizens can vote, and a false claim can have very serious immigration consequences.
How status can be put at risk
- Moving abroad to live there permanently.
- Long trips: a trip of more than a year generally needs a reentry permit obtained before you leave; shorter trips can also raise questions. Use our re-entry date calculator.
- Filing taxes as a nonresident, or not filing at all.
Keep your card valid
A 10-year card is renewed with Form I-90; a 2-year card is handled by removing conditions. Track the date in our document expiration dashboard.
Need help organizing your documents?
One Path Finder can help you gather and organize documents where permitted by law. We are not a law firm and can’t tell you what applies to your case. Contact us to start a conversation. For legal advice, ask us for a referral to our partner law firm.