What Can You Do With a Green Card?
What Can You Do With a Green Card?
If you just became a lawful permanent resident, first – congratulations!
Getting your green card is a major milestone. But many new residents quickly realize they’re not entirely sure what rights they now have, or what limitations still apply.
Let’s break down exactly what you can and can’t do as a green card holder so you can protect your status and plan confidently.
You Can Travel – But There Are Important Limits
One of the biggest questions new permanent residents ask is about travel.
Yes, you can leave and re-enter the United States. But there are rules:
You must carry your physical green card when re-entering.
You should not remain outside the U.S. for more than 179 days without being prepared to explain your absence.
Staying outside the U.S. for 1 year or more without proper planning can jeopardize your permanent resident status.
If you plan to stay abroad for more than one year, you should apply for a re-entry permit before leaving. This document shows immigration authorities that you do not intend to abandon your permanent residency.
Travel is allowed – but long absences require careful planning.
You Can Work and Live Anywhere in the U.S.
Unlike many temporary visas, your green card is not tied to a specific employer.
As a lawful permanent resident:
You can work for almost any employer.
You can change jobs freely.
You can live in any U.S. state.
You are allowed to be unemployed.
This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of permanent residency. You are no longer dependent on a sponsoring employer to maintain lawful status.
However, certain federal jobs and security-sensitive positions may still require U.S. citizenship.
You Must File and Pay Taxes on Worldwide Income
With permanent residency comes tax responsibility.
Green card holders must:
File U.S. tax returns annually.
Report income earned anywhere in the world, not just income earned inside the United States.
Comply with federal and state tax laws.
Even if you spend time outside the U.S., your tax obligations generally continue as long as you maintain permanent resident status.
Failing to file taxes properly can create serious immigration issues later – especially when applying for naturalization.
You Cannot Vote or Serve on a Jury
Although permanent residents have many rights, there are important limitations.
Green card holders cannot:
Vote in U.S. federal elections.
Vote in most state or local elections.
Serve on a federal jury (and typically not on state juries either).
Voting unlawfully as a non-citizen can lead to severe immigration consequences, including potential removal proceedings. Always verify eligibility before registering to vote.
Citizenship – not permanent residency – is what unlocks full political rights.
Public Benefits May Be Limited During the First 5 Years
Many new green card holders are surprised to learn that access to certain public benefits is restricted.
In general, during the first five years of permanent residency, you may not qualify for certain federal public benefits, including programs like Medicaid (with limited exceptions depending on the state and category).
This means it’s important to:
Plan for health insurance coverage.
Budget for essential living expenses.
Understand your eligibility before applying for public assistance.
Benefit rules can vary based on immigration category and state, so individualized guidance is important.
Protecting Your Status Long-Term
Your green card gives you permanent residency – but it’s not unconditional.
You could risk losing your status if you:
Abandon U.S. residence.
Commit certain crimes.
Fail to file taxes properly.
Misrepresent information to immigration authorities.
Maintaining strong ties to the U.S. – such as employment, a home, bank accounts, and tax filings – helps demonstrate that you intend to remain a permanent resident.
After five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen and otherwise eligible), you may be able to apply for naturalization.
Final Thoughts
So, what can you do with a green card? You can live, work, and build your life anywhere in the United States – but you also have important responsibilities and limitations to understand. Permanent residency is a powerful step forward, and protecting it should be a top priority.
If you found this guide helpful, explore more articles on this blog to stay informed about your immigration rights and responsibilities – and make the most of your green card journey. And if you need more immigration help, give us a call at (314) 932-7111.