Once approved for a U.S. green card, whether through adjustment of status or after being admitted on an immigrant visa, you’ll receive this important document. The green card serves as your proof of legal permanent residence in the U.S., granting you the opportunity to live and work permanently in this country. Here are some important points to keep in mind regarding the issuance and delivery process of the green card:
- The green card will be mailed to the U.S. address you provide. That address can be updated from the immigrant/beneficiary’s USCIS account. Both the petitioner and the beneficiary are required to notify the USCIS of any address changes within 10 days of moving.
- The USCIS will only issue the green card after the immigrant is admitted to the U.S. on an immigrant visa and after the required immigrant visa fee is paid.
- The immigrant can track the issuance and mailing of the green card by logging into their online USCIS account.
- Once you enter the U.S. on your immigrant visa, you will become a U.S. lawful permanent resident. You are required to maintain your lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. Failure to maintain your LPR status can result in loss of that status. In particular, your primary residence must be a U.S. residence. Further, to any absences from the U.S. should be limited to six months or less at a time.