Download - Adjustment of status to permanent resident
Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident
March 19, 2015
We often hear the term “green card” thrown around and as a United States citizen we often do not pay much attention other than knowing there are some privileges attached to it for immigrants living in this country. What the green card does is allow immigrants the same rights and privileges of any natural-born United States citizen while allowing that person to maintain citizenship in their own home country.
Issued for a period of ten years, the green card can be renewed by resubmitting an application. There is a variety of ways to become eligible for becoming a permanent resident including employment opportunities, family ties, or as a refuge receiving the green card through a government lottery program.
There are many legal steps necessary to transitioning from temporary to permanent legal residents in the United States. It is necessary for the immigrant to file an Application forAdjustment Status based on pre-approved forms either Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (FormI-140) or Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130). The application and any
other forms may be filed concurrently depending on the availability of a visa number. In addition the applicant will need Medical Examination of Alien (Form I-693) issued by a licensed civil surgeon and a Biographic (Form G-325A) Information form. These documents are necessary to complete medical and immunological history as well as you employment and residential history for the previous five years.
Once these documents are submitted you will be scheduled to have your fingerprints and picture taken for an FBI background check and quite often, an interview with a government official. As this work is being completed you are permitted to work and travel as long as you attend any official appointments that may be required. There are other reasons an application may be rejected:
The applicant has entered or lived in the US illegally The applicant is considered to be undesirable due to previous
criminal convictions, is affiliated with controversial political parties or organizations
Is considered to be of poor character or have weakening health issues
The underlying immigrant petition is denied or withdrawn
Once you become a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) you may apply for naturalization after five years unless you received your card through marriage in which case you may apply after only three years if you are living with the same spouse whom originally sponsored you.
Persons who have fled to this country seeking asylum or refugees whom have lived in this country for a year or more will also be allowed to file an application to become a permanent resident.
Things currently stand this way until any changes are made either by Congress or by the courts under the proposed executive orders submitted by the President last year.
For more information you can contact a Local Immigration Lawyer Office in English orSpanish.