Applying for Legal Permanent Resident Status in Marietta

Permanent residency status in the United States offers an individual the ability to live and work in the country permanently. Many immigrants seek to obtain legal permanent residency (LPR) status in Marietta.

Only specific individuals are eligible for this status – and as a result, applying for legal permanent residency status in Marietta can be confusing and complicated. Speak to a compassionate immigration attorney to discuss any questions you have about this process.

Who Can Apply for Legal Permanent Residency?

To apply for legal permanent residency status, an individual must first determine whether they are eligible. Eligible individuals include the following:

• A close family member of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• A worker whose employer can sponsor them to work in the United States
• Approved asylum-seekers
• A person who qualifies as a special immigrant
• Victims of human trafficking
• Victims of abuse

There are other less-common ways of qualifying for LPR status. A Marietta lawyer could help discuss possible eligibility with individuals looking to apply for legal permanent resident status.

Benefits of Obtaining Legal Permanent Residency

A green card holder will have the right to permanently stay in the United States and work in the country. These individuals can even apply for government jobs in many cases. There are also certain health and educational benefits that will come with obtaining a green card.

There are limits to what an immigrant with a green card can do as compared to a citizen. For instance, green card holders do not have the right to vote in any federal election. Also, green card holders who commit crimes might be deported and lose their immigration status.

After holding a green card for five years (or three years if the person is married to a United States citizen) it will be possible for that individual to apply for citizenship, which a lawyer could also assist with.

Steps to Obtain Legal Permanent Residency

After determining whether a person is eligible, the first step to applying for legal permanent resident status is to file a petition with The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A company or family member may need to file the petition for the applicant.

Next, USCIS may approve or deny the application. If USCIS approves the application and a visa is available in the category the individual applied under, then they can file an application and register as a permanent resident through consular processing. Individuals already in the country will file an adjustment of status application.

USCIS will then review the application for permanent residence. The applicant may attend a biometrics appointment and an interview with USCIS. After each of these steps are complete, USCIS may decide to approve the application and issue a green card. When applying for legal permanent resident status, it can be helpful to have a local attorney who could ensure that the applicant is meeting every step.

Discuss Applying for LPR Status in Marietta with an Attorney

If you are looking to move to the United States, applying for legal permanent resident status in Marietta is a major step that requires patience and cooperation.

To learn more about your potential ability to apply for and obtain legal residency status, speak to a lawyer. They can be a useful resource for managing this process and providing moral support on your journey.