When someone is granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States, they gain a number of important rights including living and working in the country without fear of deportation or removal.
Of course, the process of applying for legal permanent resident (LPR) status in Cicero can be time-consuming and difficult. If you make a mistake at any point in the application, you could find your entire case delayed or denied. It is a good idea to rely on the experience of dedicated immigration attorneys who can provide you with support and guidance when pursuing this legal status.
There are different ways to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. For many people, this involves having a sponsor within the U.S. to initiate the process.
Often, lawful permanent residency is an option for an individual when they are sponsored by a family member. This is known as family-based immigration. There are different types of family-based immigration, but it is generally limited to close family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Other immigrants are able to pursue LPR status in the United States thanks to the relationship with a potential employer. Work visas are often available for those with offers of employment in the United States. Some of these employment-based visas even provide a path to citizenship. To explore all options and find the best path to LPR status, speak with a knowledgeable attorney in Cicero.
The process for applying for lawful status differs depending on where an applicant is physically located. When a person is applying for legal permanent residence while living in Cicero or elsewhere in the United States, they go through a process known as adjustment of status. Others are required to take part in something known as the consular process.
Adjustment of status is the process a person already located in the U.S. uses to obtain LPR status. This involves swapping one type of visa or legal status for another. The benefit of this approach is that it allows a person already in the country to remain here while the visa process moves forward.
Adjustment of status is frequently used when a person is in the country on a temporary visa but eventually qualifies for an immigrant visa. One example would be a person here on a student visa pursuing lawful permanent resident status after they graduate and find employment.
The consular process is used by visa applicants who are not already living in the United States. As the name suggests, this process usually goes through the consulate or embassy in an applicant’s home country. This process is overseen by the U.S. State Department. Once the paperwork is accepted, the process typically requires an in-person interview at the embassy or consulate before a visa is awarded.
The downside to Consular processing is that an applicant must remain outside of the U.S. during the entire process. For some people, this means waiting for years until they can lawfully enter the country.
Obtaining LPR status is a dream come true for many people born outside of the United States. While this can be a life-changing achievement, it is important to remember that applying for legal permanent resident (LPR) status in Cicero is not always easy. Reach out to our team today for help with this process.
