Essential Post-Green Card To-Do List: Your Guide to Smooth Transition in the USA 🇺🇸

Receiving your green card is a monumental moment in your immigration journey, filled with excitement and anticipation! 🎉 To ensure you navigate this new chapter smoothly, I’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of essential tasks to tackle once you have your card. Let’s dive in!

1. Create a Backup of Your Green Card

Once you receive your green card, it’s wise to back it up immediately. Scan an electronic version for your records and make a true copy notarized at a bank or UPS to keep in your car. While the law requires you to carry the original card, a notarized copy along with your driver’s license is often sufficient for everyday use.

2. Update Your Address (If You Move)

If you change your residence, be sure to update your address in your myUSCIS account. This acts like completing the AR-11 form without submitting it separately. Don’t forget to update your driver’s license, bank statements, employer payroll system, and health insurance information!

3. Update Your Social Security Number (SSN)

Your original SSN card may indicate that it is only for DHS-authorized work. Bring your green card and passport to the SSA office to request an updated version, which can serve as proper identification moving forward.

4. Update or Apply for Real ID at the DMV

After receiving your green card, make sure to update your DMV records. Some states may require the original green card. It’s advisable to upgrade to a Real ID for easier access to airports and federal buildings in the future.

5. Apply for Global Entry / TSA PreCheck

While your background check is still valid, consider applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Many credit cards like Platinum and Aspire can reimburse the application fees. This will expedite customs entry and give you access to quicker security screening for five years! ✈️

6. Don’t Forget to File Your Taxes

As a green card holder, you are required to report your worldwide income every year. It’s advisable to register for an IRS account and download the IRS2Go App to easily track your progress and refund history.

7. Be Mindful of Travel Regulations

Be aware that if you are out of the country for more than six months, you might be questioned about your residency in the USA. If it’s over a year, apply for a Re-entry Permit beforehand. If you don’t plan on being away long-term, you can overlook this, but setting reminders can help avoid any pitfalls!

8. Renew Your Conditional Green Card

If you hold a two-year marriage or investment-based green card, remember to submit your I-751 or I-829 form within 90 days of expiration; otherwise, your status may become invalid.

9. Plan for Side Businesses or Citizenship

With a green card, you’re eligible to register a company, freelance, and apply for business credit cards more easily. After five years, standard green card holders can apply for citizenship; those through marriage can do so after three years.

Although these tasks may seem overwhelming, addressing them in a timely manner will save you much hassle down the line. If you have additional experiences or tips to share about post-green card procedures, feel free to contribute! I hope this checklist proves helpful for new green card holders. 🗽