PERMANENT RESIDENCE
Lawful Permanent Residence, or the “Green Card” stage, is the first step toward becoming a U.S. Citizen. It is a permanent immigration status that allows holders to work, travel, and enjoy many other benefits. The most common ways to qualify for permanent residency are:
Through a family relationship
After being granted refugee or asylee status
After being granted T-visa, U-visa, VAWA or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Through your employer or your profession/skills/art
Immigrant Visa
If you are outside of the United States and have a qualifying relationship, you may qualify for an “Immigrant Visa.” The Immigrant Visa Process is three stages: 1) First a petition is filed in the United States. If approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center. 2) This begins “Consular Processing” which requires some applications and documents to be submitted either online, by email or through mail depending on the case. Then an interview will be scheduled at a U.S. consulate abroad. 3) Finally, if the immigrant visa is approved, the beneficiary travels to the U.S. and pays the green card fee. Once paid, the green card arrives by mail typically in a few short weeks.
Adjustment of Status
Some individuals who are in the United States are able to apply for permanent residency without going to a consular interview. This is called “Adjustment of Status.” Important factors when considering Adjustment of Status are:
If your last entry was documented
If anyone has ever petitioned for you, your parents or your spouse in the past
If you have any convictions
If you worked without authorization
Unlawful Presence or Criminal Record
If your last entry was undocumented or you have a criminal record, your immigration case should be reviewed by an experienced immigration legal representative before you take any actions. Please see our page on “Waivers” for more information on overcoming these matters.