Also known as green cards, the term 'Legal Permanent Resident' (LPR) refers to the immigration status that authorizes a foreign national to permanently work and live in the United States. Achieving this status is often a difficult process, and it requires the applicant to follow certain rules and laws that can be confusing for many people. To help you achieve and sustain an LPR status, the Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett are here to teach you more about the steps to becoming a lawful permanent resident.
There are a few ways that you can become a legal permanent resident in the United States. The most common methods are employment sponsorship and family sponsorship.
Employment Sponsorship
A common way to obtain a green card is through
employer sponsorship. This sponsorship occurs when your employer provides financial and legal support by hiring you as an employee. This type of sponsorship can often be a win-win situation for the employer and employee since the company hires a hard-working employee and the employee receives legal residency in the country. To receive a green card through employment, your employer will need to file a petition on your behalf with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Family Sponsorship
One of the easiest and most common ways to become a lawful permanent resident is by obtaining a green card through
family sponsorship. If your parent, spouse, or child is already a US citizen, then the US government considers them ‘immediate relatives.’ If your immediate relative is a US citizen, then they can sponsor you for residency, so you don’t have to wait years following other methods. However, if you have a family member in the US that is a permanent resident, not a US citizen, then they won’t be allowed to sponsor you.
Next Steps After Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident
After you have been granted a green card, there are some things that you should do in order to maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident. For starters, you will need to keep your physical presence in the United States for at least six months out of every year. You may also be required to file annual tax returns and possibly even pay taxes. In addition, you will need to obey all federal, state, and local laws. If you are convicted of certain crimes, your green card could be taken away from you.
It is also important to remember that a green card does not guarantee U.S. Citizenship. If you want to become a U.S. Citizen, you will need to go through a separate process. However, having a green card does give you the ability to live and work permanently in the United States.
Path to US Citizenship
Once you've achieved a Lawful Permanent Resident status, you'll be allowed to live and work indefinitely in the United States. After five years, you'll also be allowed to apply for US citizenship. Some of the most common methods of becoming a citizen include naturalization, adoption, and acquisition at birth. The process of obtaining citizenship can often be confusing and convoluted, so we recommend seeking legal advice before starting the process. At the Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, we specialize in immigration services and seek to guide applicants through their
citizenship and naturalization process.
Application Process
Before applying for citizenship, there are several requirements that the applicant must meet including:
- 5 years of continuous residence as a legal permanent resident
- 5 years of good moral character during residence
- Know the fundamentals of US history and government
- Support the US Constitution
- Read, write, and understand English at an elementary level
- Be willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law
After meeting these requirements, the applicant will need to file an N-400 form with USCIS. This application must be filed along with the appropriate filing fee, photographs, proof of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, and evidence of good moral character. The applicant will also be required to attend an interview at a USCIS office where they will be asked questions about their application, US history, and government. If the applicant is granted citizenship, they will be required to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Find a Lawyer to Start the Process
The process of becoming a lawful permanent resident can be complex and time-consuming, so it's important to have an experienced immigration lawyer by your side. At the Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, we specialize in helping people obtain LPR status and citizenship. We'll work with you to understand your unique situation and ensure that you're taking the best path toward achieving your immigration goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
