After obtaining a U.S. green card, immigrants need to be aware of many things, which can lead to unnecessary troubles if not handled properly. Here are a few things to look out for:
1.Check your green card information
The first thing a newcomer should do after getting a green card is to check whether the personal information on the green card is accurate, including name, gender, A number, place of birth, birthday, expiration date, and green card type. If an error is discovered, the erroneous green card should be sent back to USCIS in a timely manner so that it can be corrected.
2.Save the A-Number USCIS number
Each green card has a unique A-Number or USCIS number, which is just as important as the Social Security number. It is advisable to memorize or back up this number in case you need to contact USCIS if you lose your green card.
3.Apply for a Social Security card
Social Security cards are important documents that are used to file taxes, apply for a driver's license, open a bank account, rent an apartment, etc., and are even linked to a credit history. Therefore, one of the first tasks for newcomers upon arrival in the United States is to apply for a Social Security card.
4.Maintain your green card status
The most important thing after obtaining a green card is to maintain your green card status, especially the time of departure. In general, green card holders should follow the principle of no more than 6 months per absence. If you have been absent from China for more than 6 months, you may be brought to the attention of customs officers at the time of entry, so you need to provide a reasonable explanation for the reason for your departure and show evidence of close ties with the United States.
If you need to leave the U.S. for more than 1 year, you need to apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the U.S. to avoid affecting your green card status. The permit is valid for two years, does not need to return to the U.S. during the validity period, and can be reapplied after expiration.
In addition, green card holders who wish to become naturalized must follow the "five-year rule", that is, after the green card is approved but before applying for naturalization, they must live in the United States for at least five consecutive years, more than half of which must be in the United States, and each time they must leave the United States for no more than six months. In addition, you must continue to live in the U.S. from the time you submit your naturalization application to the time you are approved.
5.You need to update your address when you move
If you move, you must notify USCIS within 10 days. This can be done by filling in AR-11***, and updating the address is free of charge. Failure to update your address in a timely manner can result in criminal and civil penalties and even deportation.
6.File your taxes on time
After obtaining a green card, you need to declare the income of the previous year in April every year, which can be extended for half a year. Filing a tax file does not mean that you need to pay taxes, and there are many tax exemptions in the United States, such as if you have already paid taxes in China, you do not need to pay them again in the United States.
7.Replacement of green card
Green cards need to be renewed every 10 years, so pay attention to the validity of your green card and replace it in a timely manner.
In summary, there are many things to be aware of when you have a U.S. green card, which are related to your status and legal obligations. These matters include departures, address updates, tax reports, green card renewals, and more. Therefore, green card holders need to deal with these issues carefully to ensure that their immigration status continues to be valid and that they can enjoy the benefits of the United States.
The U.S. green card has always been favored by high-net-worth individuals, and among the many ways to immigrate to the United States, EB-5 investment immigration is a convenient way to get a green card quickly. EB-5 investment immigration conditions are relaxed, no need to consider age, education, language, business experience and other conditions, the applicant can apply for a single application, the whole family immigrates, and enjoy the various hidden advantages of high-quality educational resources and the status of a big country.