In case you have already received a Green Card, want to know more about the US visa application process, or simply want to know more about your responsibilities and rights as a permanent resident of the United States – we can help!
As a Green Card holder, what are my rights?
When you have successfully obtained a Green Card for the US, you will have a number of different rights as outlined by the US Customs and Immigration Services. These are:
#1
You have the right to live permanently in the United States, as long as you do not engage in actions that would deem you ‘removable’ under US immigration laws.
#2
You can work in the US – the job market is more or less open to you, but there are some fields you will not be able to work in, for example, federal jobs. These types of positions are restricted to US citizens for security reasons.
#3
You are entitled to the protection of all US laws, local jurisdictions, and your state of residence.
In addition, you can:
#1 Travel freely across the States
#2 Own your own property inside the US
#3 Attend school
#4 Apply for a driver’s license
#5 You can apply for social security income and Medicare benefits (If eligible)
#6 You can request a visa for your spouse
As a Green Card holder, what are my responsibilities?
When you are a permanent US resident, you will have the following obligations and responsibilities:
- You must obey all federal, state, and local laws.
- The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and your state taxing authorities require that you file tax returns and report your income.
- You are expected to support the democratic process. This does not translate into voting, as you will not be able to vote in any federal, state, or local elections.
- Males over the age of 18 – 25 must register with the Selective Service. This requirement does not apply to women.
As a Green Card holder, what are my restrictions?
Some things are not possible for Green Card holders. It will be impossible for you to run for office or vote, and it will be impossible for you to apply for or work in government or federal positions. In addition, Green Cards cannot be transferred and do not automatically extend to children born outside the U.S.
U.S. residency and free crossing of the border
In addition to your rights and responsibilities, you may also wonder what border countries you can cross with permanent residency. Mexico and Canada are the two main countries that border the United States. If you have a Green Card, you can visit either of these countries without a visa.
If you plan to visit Canada, you will not need a Canadian tourist visa, but you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to board a plane. At the entry point, you must show your ETA along with your passport and residency card. You can obtain an eTA card online for around $7.
In order to visit Mexico, you won’t need a visa, but you will need a Mexican Tourist Card. This can be done online or at the point of entry; if you are flying, you can pick up a card at the immigration desk when you land or from the flight crew. Additionally, you can get a card from the Mexican embassy in the United States. This will cost you $25-$35.
In addition to Mexico and Canada, you can also visit Costa Rica, the British Virgin Islands, Singapore, Peru, and The Balkans with your US Green Card.
Dream of USA
For more information about the rights and responsibilities you will have as a permanent resident of the United States, you can contact Dream of USA. Their team of specialists can answer all your questions regarding the Green Card application process, what you can expect as a permanent resident in the US, and the DV Lottery Program.