This article addresses the practical questions and immediate responsibilities new Green Card holders face, a niche often less covered in depth.
- Content Focus:
- Introduction: Congratulations on your Green Card! What it means for your life in the U.S.
- Immediate Post-Approval Steps:
- Receiving Your Physical Green Card: What to do if it doesn’t arrive.
- Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN): Why it’s critical, how to apply, and what documents are needed.
- Opening a Bank Account: Steps and required documents.
- Applying for a State Driver’s License/ID: Requirements and process.
- Key Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident:
- Maintaining Residence: Understanding the “abandonment of residence” rule, trips abroad (re-entry permits for extended stays).
- Notifying USCIS of Address Changes: Importance of Form AR-11.
- Tax Obligations: General overview of tax filing requirements as a U.S. resident.
- Obeying All Laws: Consequences of criminal activities.
- Understanding Your Rights: Ability to live and work permanently, travel, sponsor family members (after a waiting period), and eventually apply for citizenship.
- Planning for the Future: Maintaining your Green Card, conditions, and path to U.S. Citizenship.
- FAQs: “Can I travel outside the U.S. immediately?”, “Do I need to pay U.S. taxes?”, “How do I update my address?”