U.S. Permanent Residents 

A permanent resident (PR) is someone who has immigrated to the U.S. and has been granted permanent residency status by USCIS. Eligibility to apply for permanent residency status varies depending on an individual’s situation and current immigration status. These individuals are not U.S. citizens, and while the green card has an expiration date (10 years) and has to be renewed, the green card holder’s status as “lawful permanent resident” is still valid unless the status is abandoned or revoked by the U.S. government. 

As a permanent resident, you should be issued a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) which grants you authorization to live and work in the U.S. For more information, visit the USCIS Green Card webpage. You are also eligible to apply for a social security card. For more information, see the Social Security Administration website. 

Permanent resident students are considered “eligible noncitizens” and can complete The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal financial aid. For more information on eligibility requirements, please visit the Financial Aid Eligibility page or contact the Office of Financial Aid.   

Visit the Establishing Texas Residency webpage from the Registrar’s office for information on establishing Texas residency for in-state tuition. You can also visit the Residency FAQ page for more information. 

Yes; even if you did not work or receive an income, all individuals residing in the U.S. must file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For assistance with filing your taxes, local community resources may be available to help you file your taxes for free. You can enter your zip code on the IRS website to find places close to where you live. Or you can call this free hotline: 1-800-906-9887. If you have any additional questions about tax filing, contact the UT Dallas Tax Compliance Office at taxcompliance@utdallas.edu.