April 6, 2026

What Happens After Your EB-3 Green Card: Life as a New LPR

Receiving your green card through the EB-3 employment-based process is a major milestone. Once you are admitted as an immigrant or your adjustment of status is approved, you become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States. That status brings real, lasting rights — and some responsibilities you need to understand from day one.

This post explains what generally happens after the green card, so you can settle into your new life with a clear picture of what is expected. It is meant to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed immigration attorney, not to replace one.

You Are Now a Lawful Permanent Resident

As an LPR, you are authorized to live and work permanently anywhere in the United States. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), permanent residents have the right to live in the country permanently, work (with some jobs limited to U.S. citizens), and be protected by the laws of the United States, their state, and their local jurisdiction.

The green card — officially Form I-551, the Permanent Resident Card — is your evidence of that status. It is generally valid for ten years and can be renewed. Keep it safe, and carry it or a valid copy as your primary immigration document.

Getting Your Social Security Number

To work and to handle taxes and banking, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN). If you did not already request one during your immigrant visa application, you can apply through the Social Security Administration after you arrive. Many EB-3 immigrants who processed abroad are able to have the SSN issued automatically as part of the immigrant visa process, so check your mail for the card before applying again.

Once you have your SSN and green card, you are generally able to complete an Form I-9 for your employer, open bank accounts, and build a U.S. credit history.

Working in the United States

Your green card itself authorizes you to work — you do not need a separate work permit (Employment Authorization Document) once you are an LPR. The temporary EAD some applicants use while a Form I-485 is pending is no longer necessary after the green card is approved.

A few things to keep in mind:

Most jobs are open to you, but certain federal positions and roles requiring a security clearance may be reserved for U.S. citizens.
If you immigrated through an EB-3 job offer, you generally accepted that role in good faith. Your long-term ability to change jobs is normal for LPRs, but if your green card was very recently approved, talk to an attorney before making major employment changes, because timing can matter.

Traveling Abroad as a Permanent Resident

As an LPR you can travel outside the United States and return, but permanent residence is meant to be exactly that — permanent residence in the U.S. USCIS explains that you must maintain your permanent resident status, and lengthy or frequent absences can raise questions about whether you have abandoned it.

General guidance:

Short trips are usually fine. Carry your green card to re-enter.
Longer absences can create problems. If you expect to be outside the U.S. for an extended period, a re-entry permit (Form I-131) filed before you leave can help preserve your status.
There is no fixed day-count rule that automatically preserves or ends your status — it is fact-specific, so plan long trips carefully.

We cover this in depth in our companion post on maintaining permanent resident status.

Your Responsibilities as an LPR

With permanent residence come clear obligations. USCIS lists the responsibilities of a permanent resident, which generally include:

Obey all federal, state, and local laws. Certain criminal offenses can have serious immigration consequences.
File your income tax returns and report your income to the IRS and your state tax authorities. Declaring yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your taxes can undermine your status.
Register with the Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26.
Notify USCIS of address changes, generally within 10 days of moving.

One important limit: as a permanent resident, you cannot vote in federal, state, or most local elections — voting is reserved for U.S. citizens, and registering or voting improperly can jeopardize your status and any future citizenship application.

Looking Ahead to Citizenship

Many EB-3 immigrants eventually pursue naturalization. In general, an LPR may apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residence (or three years in some spouse-based cases), provided they meet continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and English and civics requirements. The choices you make now — keeping your address current, filing taxes, and avoiding long absences — directly affect your eligibility later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit after I get my green card? No. Your green card (Form I-551) authorizes you to live and work permanently in the United States. The temporary Employment Authorization Document used while an adjustment application is pending is no longer needed once you are a lawful permanent resident.

How soon can I travel internationally after receiving my green card? As an LPR you may generally travel and return using your green card. Short trips are usually fine, but plan carefully for longer absences and consider a re-entry permit for extended travel, because permanent residence is meant to be maintained in the U.S.

Can I vote in U.S. elections as a green card holder? No. Voting in federal and most state and local elections is reserved for U.S. citizens. Registering to vote or voting as a permanent resident can seriously harm your status and future naturalization.

When can I apply for citizenship? Generally after five years as a permanent resident (three years in certain spouse cases), if you meet the continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and testing requirements. Timelines and eligibility are individual — confirm your specific situation with an attorney.

A Few Important Reminders

Immigration outcomes and future benefits are never guaranteed. No agency or attorney can promise you citizenship, a specific outcome, or a timeline — these depend on your individual facts and government processing.

Government rules, fees, and forms change. Any figure or requirement referenced here is as of July 2026 — verify the current details at the official USCIS website before relying on them.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance about your specific situation, please consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney and rely on the official government sources below.

Sources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Rights and Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder (Permanent Resident): https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/rights-and-responsibilities-of-a-green-card-holder-permanent-resident
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Maintaining Permanent Residence: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/maintaining-permanent-residence
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — International Travel as a Permanent Resident: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/international-travel-as-a-permanent-resident
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Citizenship Through Naturalization: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Fee Calculator: https://www.uscis.gov/feecalculator