Acquisition

• File Form I‑485 with evidence after 1 year; date of lawful permanent residence is back‑dated to date of U.S. entry as a refugee once approved.
• Green Card normally valid 10 years; renew using Form I‑90.

Rights

• Live and work permanently in the United States.
• Accept any lawful employment without separate authorisation.
• Own property, attend public schools, and qualify for in‑state tuition in many states.
• Travel abroad and return using the Green Card; obtain a Re‑entry Permit if a trip will exceed 12 
• Petition for spouse and unmarried children as “immediate relatives” (processing times apply).

Limitations

• May not vote in federal elections and in most state elections; doing so is a deportable offence and a permanent bar to naturalisation.
• May not hold most federal elective offices.
• May lose status if absent from the United States for > 12 months without a Re‑entry Permit or if deported after certain criminal convictions.
• Must carry evidence of status at all times (INA section 264(e)).
• Subject to U.S. income tax on worldwide income.

Responsibilities

• File federal and any state tax returns each year.
• Register with the Selective Service (males 18–25).
• Maintain continuous residence; trips abroad > 6 months can break naturalisation eligibility.
• Renew Green Card before expiry (Form I‑90).

Eligibility for Naturalisation

• Continuous LPR residence 5 years (but refugees may count time retroactive to entry, so naturalisation is often possible 4 years after Green Card approval).
• Physical presence at least 30 months within the 5‑year period.
• Good moral character, English, civics, and oath of allegiance.