An alien’s period of residency in the United States must have an official starting date and ending date. The rules for determining these dates are as follows.

Residency Starting Date Under The Green Card Test

If you meet the green card test at any time during a calendar year, but do not meet the substantial presence test for that year, your residency starting date is the first day in the calendar year on which you are present in the United States as a lawful permanent resident (the date on which the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially approved your petition to become an Immigrant). Read More