If you’ve recently migrated to the United States under the EB-4 “Special Immigrant” visa program, you’ve achieved a significant milestone in your immigration journey. The EB-4 category is unique, designed for specific groups of individuals who meet particular criteria, ranging from religious workers and certain broadcasters to special immigrant juveniles and employees of international organizations. Regardless of your specific subcategory, you are now a Lawful Permanent Resident, holding a U.S. Green Card that grants you the right to live, work, and build a future indefinitely in the United States.

LforLaw provides essential guidance on what to do after you’ve been granted your EB-4 Green Card. We’ll cover your immediate responsibilities, offer tips for maintaining your special immigrant Green Card status, and lay out the clear roadmap towards U.S. citizenship for EB-4 immigrants.

Immediate Priorities as a New EB-4 Green Card Holder

Once you’ve officially entered the U.S. as an immigrant or adjusted your status:

1. Receive Your Physical Green Card: Your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) will be mailed to the U.S. address you provided. This physical card is your primary proof of status. Keep it secure and safe, as you’ll need it for employment, travel, and identification.
2. Verify I-94 Record (If Applicable): If you entered the U.S. with an immigrant visa, you can verify your electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record online. Ensure all information is accurate and that you were admitted as a Lawful Permanent Resident.
3. Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN): If you don’t already have one, apply for an SSN as soon as possible. Your SSN is crucial for legal employment, filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and accessing many essential services.
4. Secure a State ID/Driver’s License: This will serve as a primary form of identification in daily life and allow you to drive if you qualify and choose to.
5. Alien Registration Requirement (Important for 2025):
   • As of January 20, 2025, a new Executive Order reinforces the requirement for aliens aged 14 or older (or turning 14 soon) who were not fingerprinted during their U.S. visa application process and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, to apply for registration and fingerprinting.
   • This typically involves filing Form G-325R and attending a biometrics appointment.
   • While many EB-4 applicants undergo biometrics during their Green Card process, it is vital to confirm if this additional registration step applies to your specific situation. Non-compliance carries potential penalties. Consult the USCIS website or an attorney for the latest procedures.
6. Update Your Address with USCIS: It is a legal requirement for all Green Card holders to inform U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any change of address within 10 days by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.

Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident

As an EB-4 Green Card holder, you enjoy many privileges, but also bear important responsibilities. Your permanent residency is a status that must be maintained.

1. Adhere to U.S. Laws: You are now subject to all federal, state, and local laws of the United States. Adherence is paramount; serious criminal convictions can lead to deportation.
2. Tax Compliance: You are a U.S. tax resident and must comply with all federal, state, and local tax laws, reporting all worldwide income annually.
3. Selective Service (Males 18-25): If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25, you are required to register with the Selective Service System.
4. Maintain the Basis of Your EB-4 Classification (Initially):
   • Religious Workers: If you received your Green Card as a religious worker, you are expected to continue working in the religious vocation or occupation for which you were sponsored. While the Green Card is permanent and allows for career changes eventually, an abrupt or immediate departure from the sponsoring organization could raise questions about the legitimacy of the initial petition.
   • Broadcasters/International Organization Employees: Similarly, maintaining employment in the designated role initially is important for your foundational period as a Green Card holder.
   • Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ): For SIJ beneficiaries, the focus shifts to education, well-being, and community integration. While the status is primarily based on protection from abuse/neglect, SIJ status is a pathway to general permanent residency, not tied to ongoing specific employment like other EB-4 categories.
5. Financial Stability: While not directly tied to maintaining your Green Card status (unless you received significant public benefits shortly after arrival, which can raise “public charge” concerns for future applications, though less directly for those who already have a Green Card), establishing financial stability is crucial for your life in the U.S. This includes:
   • Securing Employment: If your EB-4 category implies an employment offer, ensure you begin working as intended.
   • Building Credit: Establish a credit history, which is vital for renting housing, securing loans (car, home), and even some employment.
   • Budgeting and Savings: Develop a sound financial plan.

Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status

Your Green Card is permanent, but certain actions can jeopardize it:

1. Do Not Abandon Residency: The U.S. expects Green Card holders to reside primarily in the United States. Extended absences (generally over 6 months at a time, and especially over one year) can lead USCIS to presume you have abandoned your residency.
   • Re-entry Permit: If you anticipate an extended absence (1-2 years) for legitimate reasons, apply for a Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) before you leave the U.S. This document serves as proof of your intent to return.
2. Renew Your Green Card: While your status is permanent, the physical card expires every 10 years. It is your responsibility to file Form I-90 to renew it before it expires. Failing to do so can complicate travel, employment, and proof of status.
3. Avoid Certain Criminal Offenses: Convictions for certain serious crimes can make you deportable. Always seek immediate legal counsel if you have any interaction with law enforcement.

The Ultimate Goal: U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)

For many EB-4 Green Card holders, the path ultimately leads to U.S. citizenship. Naturalization grants full civic rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and a U.S. passport (offering enhanced travel benefits).

1. Meet Residency Requirements:
   • Generally, you must be a Lawful Permanent Resident for at least 5 years before applying for naturalization.
   • You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that 5-year period (30 months).
   • You must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S.
   • (Note: There are specific exceptions for certain military personnel or spouses of U.S. citizens, which may shorten this period).
2. Demonstrate Good Moral Character: This involves a clear criminal record, tax compliance, honesty in all government dealings, and adherence to U.S. laws and societal norms.
3. Pass English and Civics Tests: You will be required to demonstrate basic English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking) and knowledge of U.S. history and government. There are age/disability-based waivers for these tests.
4. File Form N-400: This is the Application for Naturalization.
5. Attend Biometrics and Interview: You will have your fingerprints taken and attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
6. Take the Oath of Allegiance: Upon approval, you will participate in a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance, formally becoming a U.S. citizen.

Receiving your EB-4 Green Card signifies the successful culmination of a specialized immigration process. It marks your opportunity to establish a permanent and prosperous life in the United States. Embrace your new responsibilities, leverage the opportunities, and remember that LforLaw is here to support you in every step of your journey, from maintaining your Green Card status to achieving U.S. citizenship.