Your Obligations as a Permanent Resident

Changes of Address

If you move to a new residence, you must report the change of address to the USCIS within 10 days of the change. This can be done online at USCIS Online Change of Address page. Please have the following information available before you begin:

  • your receipt notice or other notice showing your receipt number (if you have a pending case with USCIS)
  • your new address
  • your old address
  • if you have filed a petition for a family member, please have the names and biographical information for that person
  • when you last entered the U.S. (through what port of entry you entered - whether by land, sea or air)

Once you are a permanent resident, travel is generally not a problem, provided you have a valid passport from your country of citizenship and your Permanent Resident card. Currently, USCIS is issuing permanent residence cards for 10 year periods. You must renew this card before the expiration date.

If you plan to remain outside the U.S.for more than 1 year, it is necessary to obtain a reentry permit before leaving the country. Additionally, we recommend obtaining a reentry permit for periods over 6 months to avoid potential complications when reentering. Application for a reentry permit is made using Form I-131 Advance Parole travel document.

Social Security Numbers

All permanent residents of the U.S. must have a Social Security number. If any of your family members have not yet applied for Social Security numbers, they must now do so. For information, refer to the U.S. Social Security office located 1570 West Battlefield Rd, Springfield MO 65807. Access the Social Security website to print out the Social Security card application or to see what type of documents you will need to take with you.

Selective Service Registration

All male U.S. permanent residents who are of draft age (between the ages of 18-27) must register with the Selective Service. There is very little that can be done to remedy a failure to register once an individual has turned 27. Please understand that the knowing or willful failure of a male, draft-age permanent resident to register will prejudice eligibility for U.S. citizenship. Selective Service Registration may be done at a U.S. Post Office.

Taxes

As a U.S. permanent resident you must always pay taxes as a "resident" for tax purposes. Failure to file U.S. tax returns as a resident evidences a clear intention to be considered a nonresident of the U.S., which constitutes an intention to abandon permanent resident status. Claiming nonresident tax treatment pursuant to a tax treaty between your home country and the U.S. will also be deemed an abandonment of permanent residence.