A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) is a person who has been officially granted the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. This status is proven by a Green Card.

What Rights Do LPRs Have?

LPRs can:

  • Live permanently in the U.S.
  • Work for most U.S. employers
  • Travel abroad (though long trips can risk abandonment of status)
  • Sponsor some family members for Green Cards
  • Apply for U.S. citizenship after a waiting period (usually 5 years)

LPRs are also protected under most U.S. laws and must follow the same legal obligations as citizens, including paying taxes.

What LPRs Cannot Do

Unlike U.S. citizens, LPRs:

  • Cannot vote in federal elections
  • Can lose status if they commit certain crimes or violate immigration laws
  • Must renew their Green Card every 10 years
  • Must notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days

How to Become a Lawful Permanent Resident

Most people become LPRs by:

  • Receiving a Green Card through family or employer sponsorship
  • Being granted asylum or refugee status and applying after 1 year
  • Qualifying under special categories (e.g., Diversity Visa Lottery, U visa holders)

Maintaining Your Status

To avoid losing your status, you must:

  • Not stay outside the U.S. for long periods without a reentry permit
  • Avoid serious criminal convictions
  • Not claim to be a U.S. citizen unless naturalized

Additional Resources

This page is for informational purposes only and does not offer legal advice.

— views

Updated: