{"id":352886,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/how-to-keep-your-green-card.html"},"modified":"2026-05-04T08:01:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:01:00","slug":"how-to-keep-your-green-card","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/how-to-keep-your-green-card.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Keep Your Green Card"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Keep Your Green Card<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Lawful permanent residents<\/span> can keep their green card<\/span> by avoiding actions that suggest they\u2019ve abandoned their U.S. residence<\/span>, such as long trips abroad, tax filings as a nonresident, or moving overseas permanently. Fraud, misrepresentation, and certain criminal convictions can also trigger removal proceedings or loss of status.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Understanding these nuances can help protect your permanent resident card<\/span> and prevent future risks.<\/p>\n

Acquiring a green card<\/span> is one of the most meaningful events for many immigrants in the United States. But a green card<\/span> does not automatically shield you from the possibility of losing immigrant status or facing deportation or removal<\/a>. This is why it\u2019s crucial to understand the various factors that can jeopardize your lawful <\/span>permanent resident<\/span> status<\/span> (LPR<\/span>).<\/p>\n

This article will discuss the tips and strategies for keeping your lawful <\/span>permanent resident<\/span> status<\/span>. If you\u2019re unsure how these rules apply to your situation, an immigration lawyer<\/a> can help you understand your rights and protect your LPR<\/span> status.<\/p>\n

Maintaining Your Green Card<\/span> Status<\/span><\/h2>\n

As an LPR<\/span> or green card<\/span> holder<\/span>, you can maintain your permanent resident status<\/span><\/a> until one of the following situations arises:<\/p>\n