Applying for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status in Leesburg
Obtaining lawful permanent resident status is an important legal step in an immigrant’s life. Unlike temporary nonimmigrant visas that allow a person to perform a certain job or obtain an education, lawful permanent resident status, also known as a Green Card, grants people the permanent right to live and work in the United States.
However, not just any person in the United States will qualify for this program. As a general rule, only people who have employment sponsorship or family ties to the United States are eligible to seek this change in their immigration status. Even worse, a failed application can lead to the initiation of removal/deportation proceedings.
An immigration attorney can assist with applying for lawful permanent resident status in Leesburg and can help people in the United States obtain a more secure future. They can help to determine if individuals are eligible for this immigration benefit and to take the necessary steps to make this dream a reality.
Pursuing Lawful Permanent Resident Status Through Employment
One way that non-citizens in the United States can seek a Green Card is through work sponsorship. Usually, this employer will have already sponsored the worker to come to the U.S. through a temporary work visa.
To start the process, an employer must complete and submit Form I-140. The form demands details concerning the employer’s needs and why the specific worker can help to fill those needs. It also requires information concerning the worker’s educational and work history. A Leesburg immigration lawyer can assist with applying for lawful permanent resident status and help employees and companies determine if a person may be eligible for a Green Card through the employment route.
Family Connections and Lawful Permanent Residence Eligibility
The other main method that people already in the United States obtain a Green Card is through family ties to the United States. Much like the employment Green Card, potential applicants must secure sponsorship from a relative. This relative must complete and submit Form I-130 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Some people will always qualify for Green Cards under this program. These people are referred to as “immediate relatives.” They include people who are married to a U.S. citizen, children of U.S. citizens who are under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are under the age of 21. There is an unlimited number of these Green Cards available.
Other family connections Green Cards operate on a preference basis. This means that applicants must provide evidence of the family relationship that is not as close as the immediate relative category to receive a Green Card. These people include:
- Unmarried children of U.S. citizens over 21
- Married children (of any age) of U.S. citizens
- Siblings of U.S. citizens
- Spouses of lawful permanent residents
- Children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
- Unmarried children (over 21) of lawful permanent residents
Work with a Leesburg immigration attorney who can apply for lawful permanent resident status for clients whose family members are able to obtain a Green Card because of their relationship.
A Leesburg Immigration Attorney May Be Able to Help in Applying for Lawful Permanent Resident Status
People who are in the United States on a temporary visa or without permission face a difficult decision. At any point, their visa may expire, and they will be forced to return home. For those present in the U.S. without authorization, any encounter with police may lead to an arrest and removal/deportation proceedings. Applying for a change to lawful permanent resident status in Leesburg for those eligible can provide a shield against these dangers.
A Leesburg immigration lawyer can help clients apply for lawful permanent resident status. This applies to both people seeking employment sponsorship and those who have a family member with U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Reach out to a lawyer today to see how they can help you to apply for lawful permanent resident status.