As a green card holder, you have lawful permanent status in the U.S. Although your green card enables you to stay in the U.S. indefinitely, there are still things you need to do regularly to maintain your green card status.
Here are a few things you need to do to keep your green card:
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- To maintain your green card status, you need to establish primary residence in the U.S. If you spend extended periods of time outside of the country, this can raise concerns about your ability to maintain your green card.
- After you have a green card, you will need to file federal income taxes every year, even if you do not have any income to report. This will help you demonstrate your continued ties to the U.S.
- Avoid criminal activities and adhere to all U.S. laws. If you commit certain crimes, you could put your green card status at risk.
- To keep your green card valid, you will need to renew it on time. In most cases, green cards are valid for a 10-year period. Make sure that you get your green card renewed within six months of its expiration date.
- If you ever move, make sure you notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You must do this within 10 days of your address change. This is required by law.
If you need legal counsel related to your green card, we can help. Contact us at Barbarin Law Group PC today if you need guidance on maintaining your green card.