A “green card” is proof of your becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States. It allows you to live and work in the U.S. without any time restrictions whatsoever.
Those who are qualified to apply for a green card while inside the United States are eligible for a temporary employment authorization card through Work Authorization while their application is being processed. They may also be eligible for a travel permit through Advanced Parole to Travel which would allow them to travel in and out of the United States while the application is being processed.
Granting of lawful permanent residence authorizes a foreign national to work in the United States for any employer for any length of time. The green card itself serves as proof of employment authorization. Additionally, you can also freely travel in and out of the United States using your passport and green card. However, you must be careful not to “abandon” your lawful permanent residence by staying outside of the United States for long periods of time.
As a lawful permanent resident, or an LPR, you have most of the rights of a U.S. Citizen but there are some exceptions.
LPR’s rights are:
- To live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable (deportable) under the immigration law (section 237, Immigration and Nationality Act).
- To be employed in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing.
- To be protected by all of the laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions.
- To vote in local elections where United States Citizenship is not required.
- To travel freely outside of the U.S. and re-enter the country at anytime. However, a reentry permit is needed for reentry for trips greater than one year but less than two years in duration.
- To petition for your spouse and children to join you in the United States as immigrants.
- Once a permanent resident completes the necessary residence and physical presence requirements (may vary in certain cases), an application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) can be filed with the USCIS.
Exceptions
- Some jobs will be limited to United States Citizens because of security concerns.
- You may not vote in elections limited to United States Citizens.
Please review the U.S. Green Card categories found on our web site under Family-Based Immigration for more information on becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Green Card through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
If you obtain your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you can qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship three years after you are approved to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Please review our website’s Family-Based Immigration for more information about the obtaining a U.S. Green Card through marriage to a U.S. citizen.
You may also contact us to discuss your immigration needs.