What happens after my I-485 (green card application) is approved?

Once your I-485 is approved, you're officially a permanent resident as of the approval date — you don't need to wait for the physical card to have that status.

What typically follows:

• USCIS produces and mails your physical green card, which can take a few weeks after approval
• If you don't receive it within a reasonable time, you can check production status through your myUSCIS account or contact USCIS
• If your green card was approved based on a marriage that was less than 2 years old at the time, you'll receive a conditional 2-year card rather than a full 10-year one, meaning you'll need to file Form I-751 later to remove the conditions
• You can now use your green card to work and travel (international travel with a new green card is generally fine, though very long absences can raise questions about maintaining residence)

If you had a pending work permit (I-765) or travel document (I-131) filed alongside your I-485, those typically get closed automatically once the green card itself is approved, since they're no longer needed.