Assistance with residency applications and family-based immigration petitions (Form I-130). For family-based petitions, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file a petition (Form I-130) on behalf of the foreign national. Once the petition is approved, the foreign national may apply for adjustment of status to LPR if an immigrant visa is immediately available. The applicant must meet eligibility requirements, including admissibility to the United States and the availability of an immigrant visa at the time of filing the adjustment application.
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Acquisition of citizenship is obtained through U.S. citizenship parents either at birth or after birth, but before the age of 18 in some cases after you turn 18 years old.
Guidance for renewing permanent resident cards.
Assistance with Form I-751 for conditional residents. Conditional permanent resident who obtained status through marriage and wants to apply to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status.
Support with Forms I-601 and I-601A for individuals seeking waivers, Support with I-212 waivers.
Family-based immigration offers one of the most common pathways for individuals seeking to establish permanent residence in US. Whether you’re reuniting with loved ones or building your future alongside family members already residing in the United States, understanding the process of how to become a permanent resident in the us is essential for making informed decisions about your immigration journey.
A permanent resident in us—commonly referred to as a green card holder—is a foreign national who has been granted authorization to live and work permanently in the United States. This status provides significant benefits, including the ability to reside anywhere in the country, accept employment with most employers, and eventually pursue naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.
Many people wonder, “What is a resident alien in the us?” The term resident alien in the us typically refers to individuals who are lawful permanent residents or those who meet the substantial presence test for tax purposes. As a resident in us with green card status, you have legal rights and protections, though certain privileges—such as voting in federal elections—remain exclusive to citizens.
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I apply for residence in the us?” or “How to obtain permanent residency in us?” through family connections, the process generally begins with a qualifying relative. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain family members by filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
Understanding how to become permanent resident in us through family sponsorship can seem complex, but experienced legal guidance ensures you meet all requirements and avoid common pitfalls.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your green card—the physical proof of your lawful permanent resident status. But how to apply for a permanent resident card in us if you’re renewing or replacing an existing card? The process involves filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is necessary if your card is expiring, lost, stolen, or contains incorrect information.
How to get a permanent resident card in the us for the first time requires completing the immigrant visa or adjustment of status process successfully. After approval, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue your card, which typically arrives within a few weeks of your approval or entry into the United States.
It’s important to understand the difference between citizen and permanent resident in us, as each status comes with distinct rights and responsibilities:
Permanent Residents:
U.S. Citizens:
Many permanent residents eventually pursue naturalization to gain the full benefits and security of citizenship.
This is a frequent question with an important answer: No, a permanent resident in us cannot obtain a U.S. passport. U.S. passports are reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens. However, as a green card holder, you will continue to use your home country’s passport for international travel, along with your green card to re-enter the United States.
A resident alien in the us for tax purposes includes lawful permanent residents and those who meet the substantial presence test, meaning they’ve been physically present in the U.S. for a certain number of days. This classification affects how you file taxes and what income is reportable to the IRS.
Canadians follow the same process as other foreign nationals when applying for residency in the us through family sponsorship. However, common questions include “Can a canadian permanent resident work in the us?” or “Can a permanent resident of canada work in the us?” The answer is that Canadian permanent residents still need appropriate U.S. work authorization or a green card to work legally in the United States—having permanent residence in Canada does not grant automatic work rights in the U.S.
Beyond family sponsorship, there are other pathways to residency in the us, including:
Each pathway has unique requirements, and understanding how do you become a permanent resident in the us in your specific situation is critical. Our firm specializes in evaluating your circumstances and recommending the most appropriate immigration strategy.
Once you’ve successfully obtained permanent residence in us, it’s important to maintain your status. This includes:
For those who obtained conditional residence through marriage (valid for only two years), you must file Form I-751 (Joint Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) within 90 days before your conditional green card expires.
How to obtain permanent residency in us successfully depends on careful preparation, complete documentation, and understanding the nuances of immigration law. Family-based immigration cases can involve complex eligibility questions, proof of relationships, financial support requirements, and potential inadmissibility issues that require waivers.
Our experienced immigration attorneys provide comprehensive support for individuals and families throughout the entire process—from initial consultation and petition filing to interview preparation and beyond. We help you understand your rights as a resident in us, guide you through applying for residency in the us, and stand with you every step of the way toward achieving your immigration goals.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore how to become a resident in the us or you’re ready to start your application, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of family-based immigration with knowledge, experience, and genuine care for your success.
If you’re ready to learn more about how to apply for a permanent resident card in us or need guidance on your specific family-based immigration situation, contact us today. Our team is committed to helping you and your family build a secure future in the United States, ensuring your green card application is handled with the expertise and attention it deserves.
Need help understanding how to get a work visa for USA? Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us today for a comprehensive consultation about your USA work visa options.
Obtaining a green card represents a significant milestone in your immigration journey. As a green card permanent resident, you gain the ability to live and work permanently in the United States, access various benefits, and eventually pursue U.S. citizenship. Understanding the green card process, requirements, and recent policy developments helps you navigate this important path with confidence.
A green card—officially known as a Permanent Resident Card—is the document that proves your status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States. The us green card grants you authorization to reside permanently in the country, accept employment with most employers, and travel in and out of the U.S. with certain conditions.
Many people ask, “What is a green card?” Beyond the physical card itself, green card usa status provides substantial benefits including access to education, the ability to sponsor certain family members for immigration, and protection under U.S. laws. After maintaining your green card from usa for a specified period (typically five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), you may become eligible to apply for naturalization and transition from green card to citizenship.
The question “How to get a green card?” or “How i get green card?” depends on your individual circumstances. There are several primary pathways to apply for green card status:
Family-Based Green Cards The most common route involves sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. A green card marriage to a U.S. citizen, for example, allows the foreign spouse to apply for permanent residence. However, marriages that are less than two years old at the time of approval result in a conditional green card, valid for two years and requiring removal of conditions before the expiration date.
Employment-Based Green Cards Skilled workers, professionals, and individuals with extraordinary abilities may qualify through employer sponsorship or, in some cases, self-petition.
Green Card Diversity Lottery The green card lottery—officially called the Diversity Visa Program or green card diversity lottery—randomly selects applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. This program offers 50,000 green cards annually and represents a unique opportunity for eligible individuals to obtain permanent residence without employer or family sponsorship.
Special Programs and Categories Other paths include special immigrant categories, registry provisions, and various humanitarian programs.
Understanding “How do you get a green card?” or “How can you get a green card?” in your specific situation requires evaluating your eligibility, gathering required documentation, and following the proper procedures. Our firm guides clients through every option to determine the most effective path forward.
When you’re ready to apply for green card status, you’ll need to meet specific green card requirements that vary by category. Generally, all applicants must:
The green card medical exam is a mandatory component of the green card application process. This examination must be conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and includes a review of your vaccination history, screening for communicable diseases, and a general physical assessment.
One of the most frequently asked questions is “How long does it take to get a green card?” The answer depends on multiple factors, including your category, country of origin, current visa bulletin, and USCIS processing capacity.
Green card processing time varies considerably:
To track your application, you can check green card status online through the USCIS website using your receipt number. Many applicants regularly check my green card status to monitor green card progress and stay informed about any requests for evidence or interview scheduling.
Immigration policies have evolved significantly in recent years, and staying informed about green card news is essential. The trump administration green card application changes introduced various modifications affecting processing, eligibility, and timelines during that period.
Trump green card policies and trump immigration policy green card initiatives included:
While some of these policies have been modified or rescinded under subsequent administrations, others remain in effect or have been replaced with new regulations. The landscape continues to evolve, making it crucial to work with knowledgeable legal counsel who stays current on all green card news and policy developments.
Your green card is typically valid for 10 years (or 2 years for conditional green card holders). When the expiration date approaches, you must complete green card renewal to maintain proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
The green card renewal application process involves filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You should file approximately 6 months before your card expires, though you can file even if your card has already expired, as long as you haven’t abandoned your permanent resident status.
You can renew green card online through the USCIS website, which offers a streamlined process:
Many applicants wonder “How much is the green card renewal?” The total cost includes the filing fee and biometric services fee. Fee waivers may be available for applicants who meet certain income requirements.
After you renew green card submission, you’ll receive a receipt notice confirming USCIS has received your application. Processing times vary, but you can check green card status online at any time. If your card expires while your renewal is pending, your receipt notice serves as temporary evidence of your continued status, typically valid for 12 or 24 months.
A conditional green card is issued to individuals who obtained permanent residence through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident when the marriage was less than two years old at the time of approval. The green card marriage category requires this additional step to prevent fraud.
Conditional green cards are valid for only two years. Within the 90-day period before the card expires, you must file Form I-751 (Joint Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) to convert your status to a regular 10-year green card. Failure to file timely can result in termination of your permanent resident status and placement in removal proceedings.
The petition should generally be filed jointly with your spouse, though waivers are available for those who divorced, suffered abuse, or face extreme hardship.
Your green card number—also called the receipt number or USCIS number—is a unique 13-character identifier printed on your card. This number is essential for tracking applications, filing renewals, and verifying your immigration status with employers and government agencies. You’ll use this number when you check my green card status or communicate with USCIS about your case.
The card also contains other important information, including your A-Number (Alien Registration Number), category code indicating how you obtained permanent residence, and your biometric data.
Whether you’re wondering “How to have green card” status or “How to acquire green card” through available pathways, the journey begins with understanding your options and taking decisive action.
Our experienced immigration attorneys provide comprehensive support throughout the entire green card process, including:
We stay current on all developments, from trump immigration policy green card changes to new administrations’ reforms, ensuring your application reflects the most up-to-date requirements and legal standards.
Understanding the green card requirements, process, and timelines empowers you to move forward with confidence. Whether you’re applying for the first time through family sponsorship, the green card diversity lottery, or employment, or you need to renew green card status, professional legal guidance ensures the best possible outcome.
Contact our office today to discuss your path to permanent residence. We’re committed to helping you navigate every stage of your green card usa journey—from initial green card application through renewal and ultimately green card to citizenship. Your American dream is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it.
