As an immigrant in the United States, you know that getting a Green Card is a significant achievement, but do you understand the full scope of the benefits you’ll be entitled to once you are approved for this sought-after document?
In this comprehensive guide from FileRight, we’ll take a look at some of the advantages that come with holding a Green Card to help you understand the full scope of your rights and privileges as a lawful permanent resident.
Green Card Holders Have the Indefinite Right to Live and Work in the U.S.
As a Green Card holder, the most fundamental benefit you’ll enjoy is the right to live and work permanently anywhere in the United States. You;ll be able to work for any employer without needing to get a separate work authorization, or you can start your own business or be self-employed.
Green Card Holders Have a Path to U.S. Citizenship
One of the most significant benefits of a Green Card is that it puts you on the path to U.S. citizenship. This means once you are approved for a Green Card you will have:
- Eligibility to apply for naturalization after 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- The ability to sponsor certain family members for Green Cards once you become a citizen
For those wondering whether to renew green card or apply for citizenship, it’s important to weigh the benefits and responsibilities of permanent residency versus naturalization.
Social Security Benefits for Green Card Holders
If you work in the United States and you hold a Green Card, you’ll pay into the Social Security system, which means you can also benefit from it. After working for 10 years, you’ll be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. You’ll also be able to access disability benefits if you become disabled and you’re unable to work, and your family will be able to get survivor benefits.
Healthcare Benefits for Green Card Holders
While Green Card holders aren’t automatically entitled to all government healthcare programs, you will have access to:
- The ability to purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace
- Eligibility for Medicare after living in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 5 years
- Potential eligibility for Medicaid, depending on the state and your individual circumstances
Educational Opportunities for Green Card Holders
As a Green Card holder, you’ll have access to public education for your children and eligibility for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. You may also qualify for many federal student loans and be able to apply for scholarships that are usually reserved for permanent residents.
Green Card Holders Enjoy Travel Flexibility
As you know, when you’re in the process of getting a Green Card or a visa, your travel can be limited or even restricted altogether. If you love to travel, perhaps one of the biggest Green Card benefits you will enjoy is travel flexibility. As a Green Card holder, you will have travel privileges that include:
- Ability to travel in and out of the U.S. freely (with some restrictions)
- No need for a visa to re-enter the U.S. after international travel (for trips under one year)
- Eligibility to apply for a re-entry permit for longer absences
Important: Maintain your permanent resident status by not staying outside the U.S. for extended periods. In addition, missteps such as misunderstanding green card voting rights can jeopardize your status.
Other Green Card Benefits
In addition to the above benefits of holding a Green Card, you will also enjoy eligibility for government programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and housing assistance programs. Green Card holders can also apply for professional licenses in fields like medicine, law, and engineering.
This is just a fraction of the benefitsGreen Card holders enjoy. However, don’t forget that with the benefits of a Green Card comes great responsibility.
Responsibilities That Come with Green Card Benefits
So what are these responsibilities you’ll need to keep in mind as a Green Card holder? First of all, you’ll need to obey all federal, state, and local laws and file your tax returns and report your income. If you’re a male between the ages of 18-25, you’ll also need to register with the Selective Service. It’s also your responsibility to maintain your permanent resident status.
Understanding your Green Card benefits will allow you to fully leverage your status as a permanent resident and make informed decisions and long-term plans regarding your life in the U.S. Remember, while these benefits are extensive, they also come with the responsibility of being a law-abiding and contributing member of American society.
If you need help applying for a Green Card, reach out to FileRight. We offer immigration solutions that make navigating USCIS easier, and our “do it yourself” software and attorney review services can help you avoid mistakes in the process.
