Achieving lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, commonly known as obtaining a green card, is a major milestone. However, keeping that status isn’t automatic — it requires more than simply carrying a green card. U.S. immigration authorities expect LPRs to truly reside in the United States and demonstrate an ongoing intent to make the U.S. their permanent home.
Here’s what every green card holder needs to know to safeguard their LPR status.
What It Means to “Maintain” LPR Status
Your green card proves your status, but your daily life should show real ties to the United States. Spending long periods outside the U.S., taking overseas jobs, or relocating family abroad could lead U.S. officials to believe you’ve abandoned your green card.
As a general rule, absences of more than six months may trigger additional questioning upon return. Staying outside the U.S. for a year or longer — without taking proactive steps — can put your LPR status at serious risk.
How Immigration Officers Evaluate Your Residency
When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers review your case, they look at the full picture:
- How long you’ve been outside the U.S. and why
- Whether you kept a U.S. home address, job, or business
- Where your immediate family lives
- Whether you have U.S. bank accounts, insurance, and other financial ties
- Whether you’ve consistently filed U.S. income taxes as a resident
Green card holders are expected to build their lives in the U.S. — including where they live, work, and maintain strong financial and personal connections.
Practical Tips to Protect Your Status
- Track your trips abroad:Â Keep a personal log of dates, destinations, and reasons for travel.
- File U.S. taxes every year:Â Always file as a U.S. resident, even if you earned income abroad.
- Keep your U.S. ties strong:Â Maintain a valid driver’s license, active bank accounts, health insurance, and a permanent home address.
- Document emergencies: If extended travel is unavoidable due to family, health, or employment issues, keep supporting records (doctor’s letters, employer notes, etc.).
- Renew your green card before it expires: Use Form I-90 to update your card — an expired green card can create problems even if your LPR status itself remains valid.
What to Expect at the U.S. Border
If you’ve been outside the U.S. for an extended period, be ready to explain your travel. CBP officers may ask detailed questions about your job, home, taxes, and plans to stay in the U.S. Honest answers supported by documentation can help avoid unnecessary problems.
Planning Extended Travel? Apply for a Re-entry Permit
If you know you’ll need to stay abroad for longer than a year — whether for work, caregiving, or study — apply for a re-entry permit before you leave. This document (filed using Form I-131) shows that you intend to return to the U.S. and helps protect your green card.
Important: You must be physically present in the U.S. when applying for a re-entry permit and must attend a biometrics appointment. A re-entry permit typically remains valid for two years.
How Travel Affects Your U.S. Citizenship Application
Frequent or extended trips can delay your eligibility for U.S. naturalization. In general, green card holders applying for citizenship must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least half of the required period — usually five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen).
Absences longer than six months can interrupt that continuity unless the applicant shows clear evidence that the trip was temporary. If you plan to apply for citizenship, maintaining strong U.S. ties is more important than ever.
Final Thoughts
Your green card is more than a document — it’s a commitment to make the U.S. your permanent home. By understanding the rules and planning carefully, you can avoid common pitfalls and preserve your hard-earned LPR status. If you have questions about international travel, re-entry permits, or your future citizenship plans, consult an experienced immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.