Getting a permanent residence is one tedious process. If you have obtained one, it is an achievement in itself. The more important fact here is to maintain that status itself. So, the actual journey begins here on. The real action begins towards your steps to become a US citizen. Many immigrants fail to realize that this status would be compromised on if they do not reside in the United States.

Being a permanent resident in the United States, certain requisites come in without saying. Some of these include being loyal and respecting the country and the fact that you have agreed to make US your new home. Also, you now have new rights and responsibilities based on which you have to make a living. Above all, it has to be realized that being a permanent resident is a benefit bestowed on you. It should not be confused with a right.

Here are a few pointers that could be kept in mind to help maintain your US Permanent Resident Status. These points would be of help while applying for a citizenship at a later stage.

• Ensure that even if you leave the country, make your trip as short as possible. Do not migrate to another country in the meantime. In case you show any intent of moving out of the country, you would be considered to be giving up your resident status. Most immigrants have this misconception that living in the US for a month would do and they can easily spend the rest of the year in other countries. However, most of them fail to realize that this is more than enough for the US immigration officials to realize your lack of interest in living in the United States. Incase, there are instances where you are certain about living outside the US for six months or may be a year, then you must apply for a Re – entry permit. This should be done before you leave the country.
• See to it that all your taxes are paid on time. It is mandatory to pay all the taxes for a permanent resident. Thus, income tax returns should be filed timely. With this, your income should be reported at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You must also report to your local, state or city tax departments if asked for. If at any point of time, you are not found to be filing your taxes or are filing under the non – immigrant category, the US government might cease your status.
• It is mandatory for all the immigrant males residing as permanent residents to register with the United States Selective Services. This is specific for all the males between 18 and 26 years of age. This means that you have agreed to serve the country in the armed forces. However, the US government does not have any form of a military draft indicating the same. Thus, the discretion is up to the permanent residents to join the armed forces or not.
• You must not fail to provide with your new address to the DHS or the Department of Homeland Security. This should be done each and every time you change your residential address. For this, the AR – 11 form has to be filed along with the Alien’s Change of Address Card within the first ten days post shifting to the new location. This could be done online as well.

Following the above points would be in the best interest while you reside in the United States as a Permanent Residency. Additionally, this would also prove to be an advantage while applying for your citizenship at a later stage.