Applying for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status in Arlington

Living in the United States as a non-citizen can be remarkably difficult. For this reason, many non-citizens elect to become long-term permanent residents after holding their Green Card for a certain length of time. This process can be relatively complicated, and without lawful guidance, many individuals struggle to become residents.

By working with an experienced immigration attorney when applying for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in Arlington, non-citizens may be able to simplify their quest for permanent residency. Before you contact an immigration attorney, read the following information to learn more about becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

The Benefits of Permanent Residency

Non-citizens are allowed to apply for citizenship after holding a Green Card for a certain period of time. If their application for lawful permanent residency is approved, a person will gain access to the following privileges:

• The right to live anywhere in the United States and stay as long as they wish.
• The right to work at any job for any company in the United States (so long as the job does not require U.S. citizenship). Lawful permanent residents may also choose not to work at all.
• The ability to travel inside and outside of the country.
• The right to help a spouse or child obtain a Green Card.

As a permanent resident, it is possible to vote in state and local elections that do not require you to be a full citizen. Unfortunately, permanent residents may not vote in elections that are limited only to U.S. citizens. Permanent residents will also be required to file federal and state taxes and register for the Selective Service. Contact an immigration attorney for help with applying for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in Arlington.

Applying for a Green Card

To obtain a Green Card, a person must choose a sponsor. A sponsor is a person who is willing to take a certain degree of responsibility for the person wishing to obtain a Green Card (the beneficiary). A sponsor can be either a family member or employer. The following types of individuals are eligible for a Green Card in the United States:

• Individuals with family members in the U.S.
• Those granted asylum or refugee status
• Highly skilled workers, artists, and academics

Applicants with a criminal history or those who pose a threat to the U.S. public will more than likely not be granted a Green Card, even with a sponsor. Immediate family members are given priority status, but it is possible for residents to sponsor extended family members and other relatives.

Working With an Attorney

Applying for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in Arlington and obtaining a Green Card can be difficult, especially for individuals who have never completed the process before. It requires an extensive amount of paperwork, and if a person submits the wrong type of information or makes a mistake, it can take much longer to process their application. If the mistake is serious enough, the U.S. government may decide to deny their application altogether.

An immigration lawyer in Arlington County may be able to assist applicants and sponsors with the lawful permanent resident application process and advise them if any lawful roadblocks arise.

How an Arlington Immigration Attorney Can Help

There is no doubt about it – the process of applying for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in Arlington can be complex, and it usually consists of multiple steps. These steps are extremely important, and if you make a mistake at any point, it can impact your eligibility for lawful permanent residency. Call an immigration lawyer in Arlington County today to discuss your case.