Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

#What this actually means

A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is someone who has been officially authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. The proof of this status is the green card (Form I-551). In everyday language, "LPR," "permanent resident," and "green card holder" all mean the same thing.

LPR status sits between having a temporary visa and being a U.S. citizen. You have most of the rights of a citizen — you can live here indefinitely, work without restrictions, and travel freely — but you can't vote in federal elections or hold certain government positions.

#How to maintain LPR status

The word "permanent" is a bit generous. Your status can be jeopardized if you're not careful:

• Don't stay outside the U.S. for more than 6 months at a time without preparation. Trips over 6 months raise questions; trips over a year can be treated as abandonment of your status. If you need to be abroad for an extended period, apply for a reentry permit (Form I-131) before you leave.
• File your U.S. taxes every year. LPRs are required to report worldwide income to the IRS. Failing to file can create problems when you apply for citizenship or renew your green card.
• Avoid criminal issues. Certain criminal convictions can make an LPR deportable, even for offenses that might seem minor. This is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of permanent resident status.

#Key things to know

• LPR status is not the same as citizenship. You won't become a citizen automatically — you need to apply for naturalization when you're eligible (typically after 5 years, or 3 years if through marriage to a U.S. citizen).
• Your green card itself expires (usually after 10 years), but your status doesn't expire with it. You still need to renew the card — it's your proof of status — but an expired card doesn't mean you've lost your permanent residence.