Your conduct as a permanent resident can affect your ability to become a U.S. citizen later. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called naturalization.
As a permanent resident, you have the right to:
1. Live permanently anywhere in the United States.
2. Work in the United States.
3. Own property in the United States.
4. Attend public school.
5. Apply for a driver’s license in your state or territory.
6. Join certain branches of the U.S. armed forces.
7. Receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits, if you are eligible.
8. Apply to become a U.S. citizen once you are eligible.
9. Request visas for your spouse and unmarried children to live in the United States.
10. Leave and return to the United States under certain conditions.
As a permanent resident, you must:
1. Obey all federal, state, and local laws.
2. Pay federal, state, and local income taxes.
3. Register with the Selective Service (U.S. armed forces), if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26.
4. Maintain your immigration status.
5. Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times.
6. Change your address online or provide it in writing to USCIS within 10 days of each time you move.