What Happens After Your Marriage Green Card Is Approved

Congratulations! 

Getting your marriage-based Green Card approved is a huge milestone. For many people, it marks the end of years of paperwork, waiting, and uncertainty. It also marks the beginning of something exciting: building your life in the United States with far more stability, freedom, and opportunity.

At the same time, approval comes with new rules, responsibilities, and future steps that are important to follow. This guide walks you through what happens after approval, what your new status really means, and how to protect it. 

Legal disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

What Does “Marriage Green Card Approved” Actually Mean?

When your marriage Green Card is approved, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (or a U.S. consulate abroad) has officially decided that:

• Your marriage is legally valid for immigration purposes, and
• You are allowed to live in the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

Your Green Card is formally called a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). It is proof that you are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. long-term.

Important Early Detail: What Type of Green Card Did You Get?

Knowing which type of green card you were given is one of the most important things to understand right away, because it affects what you must do next.

Two-Year Conditional Green Card

If you were married less than two years on the date your Green Card was approved, you typically receive a conditional Green Card.

• It is valid for 2 years only
• USCIS uses this as a “follow-up period” to reconfirm the marriage is real
• You must file another application (Form I-751, Removal of Conditions) after 2 years to remove the conditional status of your green card and receive a 10-year, non-conditional green card. 

Filing to remove conditions on time is extremely important since failing to do so can result in the loss of legal permanent residence status.

Ten-Year Permanent Green Card

If you were married two years or more at the time of approval, you typically receive a 10-year Green Card.

• Your status as a permanent resident does not expire
• The physical card must be renewed every 10 years to maintain evidence of legal permanent resident status. 
• Renewals are requested by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

What Happens Immediately After Approval of your Green Card?

Please note that the steps below apply specifically to applicants who applied for and were granted a green card from within the United States. These steps differ slightly for applicants who filed through the Consular Process method from outside the United States. 

1. You Receive an Approval Notice (Form I-797)

Shortly after approval, USCIS mails you Form I-797, Notice of Action. This letter confirms that your application was approved but cannot be used on it’s own as proof of Legal Permenant Resident status.

Think of it as your official receipt from the government. Keep it somewhere safe—you may need it later.

2. Your Physical Green Card Arrives by Mail

Your actual Green Card usually arrives within a few weeks after approval. This is your evidence of being a lawful permanent resident. This card is proof that you are legally able to work and live in the United States and is the documentation used to reenter the country after a period of travel. 

Very important:
If you move, you must update your address with USCIS immediately. A lost Green Card can take months (and extra fees) to replace.

3. Your Social Security Number (If Needed)

Your social security card is an important legal document needed to do many things in the United States, such as work, pay taxes, build credit, etc. 

If you did not already have a Social Security number and requested one during your application, the Social Security Administration usually mails it automatically within a couple of weeks of your green card being approved.

If it does not arrive within 2-4 weeks, you may need to apply in person through your local social security office. 

Please note: The Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program - the program that allowed immigrants to apply for social security cards through their immigration filings - has been temporarily frozen. Only social security number requests in immigration filings received prior March 18, 2025, will be processed. If you requested a social security number in your application on or before this date you will need to request a social security number in person at a local Social Security Administration office.  

What Can You Do as a Lawful Permanent Resident?

Becoming an LPR comes with big changes—many of which can feel life-changing. 

You Can Live Anywhere in the U.S.

You are no longer tied to a visa sponsor, employer, or location. You can choose where you want to live — whether that’s closer to family, for a new job opportunity, or simply because you love a certain community. 

You Can Work for Almost Any Employer

Once you become a green card holder, you do not need a separate work permit. You also do not need employer sponsorship to accept a job. No work permit needed. No visa sponsorship required.

You can:

• Change jobs freely
  
• Work full-time, part-time, or start your own business
  
• Pursue new career paths without immigration restrictions
  

This opens doors professionally in a way many temporary visa holders simply don’t have.

You Can Travel Internationally

Travel on a green card can be much simpler than travel on temporary visas. Permanent residents may leave and re-enter the United States using their green card and passport from their home country. 

However, travel comes with responsibility. Extended trips outside the U.S. (especially six months or longer) can raise questions about whether you intend to maintain permanent residence. 

As usual, be careful to ensure that your green card remains valid and that you avoid activities that could make it difficult for you to pass inspection by Border Control officers. 

You Can Build Long-Term Stability

Permanent residency allows you to plant real roots. You can confidently make long-term financial and life decisions, such as:

• Buy a home
• Open financial accounts
• Build credit
• Attend school
• Qualify for many benefits and protections

Important Responsibilities (and Risks to Avoid)

While a Green Card gives you strong rights and long-term stability, it is not unconditional. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status can be revoked in serious situations. Understanding your responsibilities early on helps protect the future you worked so hard to build.

Long Trips Outside the U.S.

Permanent residents are allowed to travel internationally. In fact, many green card holders continue to visit family abroad, manage property, or travel for work. But the key word in “permanent resident” is permanent. The U.S. government expects that the United States remains your primary home.

Here’s how travel length can affect your status:

Trips Shorter Than 6 Months

Generally, trips under 6 months do not disrupt your permanent resident status. When you return, Customs and Border Protection officers may ask routine questions, but these trips typically do not create major concerns.

Trips Between 6 Months and 1 Year

Once you are outside the U.S. for more than 6 months, things change.

USCIS may begin to question whether you truly maintained residence in the United States. At the airport, you could be asked:

• Where is your primary home?
  
• Do you work in the U.S.?
  
• Do you pay U.S. taxes?
  
• Why were you gone so long?
  

Keep in mind that even if you are allowed back in, an absence of more than 6 months can disrupt your “continuous residence” for naturalization purposes (more on that below).

Trips of 1 Year or More

If you remain outside the U.S. for 1 year or longer without special permission, the government may presume that you abandoned your permanent residency.

That can mean:

• You may not be allowed to re-enter using just your green card.
  
• You could be placed in removal proceedings.
  
• You may need to apply for a returning resident visa (SB-1), which can be difficult to obtain.
  

To prevent this, LPRs who know they will be outside the U.S. for an extended period can apply for a Reentry Permit (Form I-131) before leaving the United States. A reentry permit does not automatically protect you from abandonment claims, but it is strong evidence that you intended to maintain U.S. residency.

How Long Trips Affect Citizenship Eligibility

To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization under Form N-400, most green card holders must show:

• 5 years of continuous residence (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
  
• Physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of that time
  
• Ongoing residence in the U.S.
  

Extended trips can interfere with these requirements in two important ways:

1. Continuous Residence

If you are outside the U.S. for more than 6 months but less than 1 year, USCIS may determine that you broke your “continuous residence.” You can try to rebut that presumption by showing strong ties to the U.S., such as:

• Maintaining a home or lease
  
• Continuing U.S. employment
  
• Filing U.S. tax returns as a resident
  
• Keeping bank accounts active
  

If USCIS decides your continuous residence was broken, your naturalization clock may reset. That means you may need to wait additional years before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship.

If you are outside the U.S. for 1 year or more, your continuous residence is generally considered automatically broken (with limited exceptions for certain government or military employees).

2. Physical Presence

Even if your continuous residence remains intact, you must still meet the “physical presence” requirement. For most applicants, that means being physically inside the U.S. for at least:

• 30 months out of the last 5 years (standard rule), or
  
• 18 months out of the last 3 years (if applying through marriage to a U.S. citizen).
  

Long trips, or a high number of medium-length trips reduce the number of days you are physically present in the U.S., which can delay your eligibility.

Criminal Issues

Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident gives you strong protections — but it does not make you immune from immigration consequences.

Certain criminal issues can place a green card holder at risk of removal (deportation), sometimes even many years after the conviction. In fact, some permanent residents are surprised to learn that immigration law treats certain offenses much more seriously than state criminal law does. If you ever face criminal charges, consulting an experienced crimmigration attorney (yes, this is a real thing - these are attorneys that have experience in immigration and criminal law) immediately can make a significant difference in protecting your permanent resident status.

Here’s what that means in practical terms.

Why Criminal Charges Affect Green Card Holders Differently

U.S. immigration law has its own definitions of deportable offenses. Even if:

• The charge seems “minor”
  
• The sentence was light
  
• The conviction happened years ago
  
• The record was sealed or expunged under state law
  

…it can still trigger immigration consequences.

Immigration authorities look at the underlying offense and how it is classified under federal immigration law, not just how the state court handled it.

Types of Crimes That Can Create Serious Risk

While every case is fact-specific, some categories can be particularly serious for permanent residents.

Crimes Involving Fraud or “Moral Turpitude”

Offenses involving theft, fraud, or dishonesty can fall under what immigration law calls “crimes involving moral turpitude.” These can make someone deportable depending on the timing and severity of the offense.

Examples may include:

• Credit card fraud
  
• Identity theft
  
• Certain theft offenses
  
• Filing false information with the government
  

Because fraud relates to honesty and intent, immigration authorities take it very seriously.

Domestic Violence–Related Offenses

Convictions involving domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, child neglect, or violation of a protective order can trigger removal proceedings.

Even misdemeanor-level domestic violence convictions can create immigration consequences. Immigration law does not always distinguish between felony and misdemeanor the way criminal courts do.

Drug Offenses

Drug-related convictions are especially risky.

With very limited exceptions (such as a single offense involving a small amount of marijuana), drug convictions can make a green card holder deportable.This includes possession, distribution, trafficking, drug paraphernalia offenses.

Even some diversion programs or plea agreements can still count as convictions for immigration purposes.

Aggravated Felonies (Immigration Definition)

Immigration law includes a category called “aggravated felonies.” This term is broader than many people expect and does not always match how state law labels an offense.

An aggravated felony conviction can make someone deportable, impact eligibility for most forms of relief, prevent reentry and bar naturalization. 

Because this category is complex, any serious criminal charge should be reviewed by both a criminal defense attorney and an experienced immigration attorney before entering a plea.

How Criminal Issues Affect Citizenship Eligibility

Criminal history can also delay or prevent eligibility for naturalization under Form N-400.

To qualify for citizenship, applicants must demonstrate “good moral character” during the statutory period (typically 3 or 5 years before filing). Certain criminal offenses automatically prevent someone from showing good moral character during that time. Others can create permanent bars.

Even arrests without convictions may require disclosure during the naturalization process.

Plea Deals Still Matter

Many green card holders accept plea agreements believing the matter is resolved once probation or fines are completed. However, immigration law may still treat that plea as a conviction. This can be true even if jail time was avoided, the case was later dismissed, or the record was sealed. 

Before accepting any plea, permanent residents should ask their attorney specifically about immigration consequences. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that criminal defense attorneys must advise noncitizen clients about immigration risks, but not all attorneys are deeply familiar with immigration law.

Filing Your Taxes Is Important as an LPR

As a Lawful Permanent Resident, you are generally required to file U.S. income taxes as a U.S. tax resident — even if you earn income abroad. The IRS makes clear that green card holders are treated as U.S. residents for tax purposes.

Filing your taxes consistently helps demonstrate that the United States is your permanent home. On the other hand, failing to file required tax returns, underreporting income, or claiming to be a “nonresident” for tax purposes can create serious immigration concerns. USCIS specifically notes that failing to file taxes or misrepresenting your tax status may affect naturalization eligibility.

Tax compliance also directly impacts citizenship eligibility under Form N-400. When you apply for naturalization, USCIS reviews whether you have demonstrated “good moral character” during the required statutory period (typically 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Failure to file taxes, unresolved tax debt without a payment plan, or tax fraud can prevent approval of U.S. Citizenship.

Carry Your Green Card

U.S. law requires permanent residents age 18+ to carry proof of status. This means that LPRs should carry their green card with them at all times. However, it is difficult, time consuming, and expensive to replace a lost or stolen card so be sure to carry it with great care. 

Additionally, it is recommended that you store a clear photocopy or digital scan of the card’s front and back in a safe place for backup purposes. Copies do not replace the legal requirement to carry the original but it can help you as you try to get a replacement. 

If You Have a Conditional Green Card: Watch the Expiration Date Carefully

If you received a 2-year conditional green card, your status is temporary until you take one very important final step. You must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, before your card expires.

This is not optional — it is required to keep your permanent resident status.

Here’s what that means in practical terms:

• You must file jointly with your spouse (unless you qualify for a waiver).
  
• You must file during the 90-day window immediately before your card expires.
  
• Filing on time allows you to extend your status while USCIS processes your case.

If you miss the filing window, USCIS can terminate your conditional residency and begin removal (deportation) proceedings. While there are limited exceptions for late filings with good cause, relying on that is risky and stressful.

Staying organized, tracking the 90-day window, and preparing strong evidence that your marriage continued in good faith are key to a smooth transition from conditional to full permanent residence.

Many couples use SimpleCitizen to stay organized, monitor deadlines, and confidently prepare their I-751 filing.

Get started with SimpleCitizen to make sure you don’t miss this critical step — and move from conditional status to full permanent residency with clarity and confidence.

Looking Ahead: U.S. Citizenship

A marriage Green Card often leads to naturalization (U.S. citizenship) through the filing of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

If you remain married to and living with your U.S. citizen spouse, you may be able to apply for Citizenship after 3 years as a permanent resident instead of the usual 5.

Citizenship is optional—but many people choose it for voting rights, stronger travel protection, and full security in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

Approval of your marriage Green Card is worth celebrating. It means stability, freedom, and the ability to truly plan your future in the United States.

At the same time, the journey doesn’t end here. Understanding whether your card is conditional, knowing your rights as an LPR, and avoiding common pitfalls are all key to protecting what you’ve worked so hard for.

If you want help staying on track, SimpleCitizen offers guided tools, reminders, and support to help you move forward with confidence. 

Learn more or get started today—and congratulations again on this exciting new chapter.

We’re happy you’re here!

‍