For many immigrants, becoming a permanent resident of the United States is an important milestone that opens the door to stability, employment, and a path toward citizenship. In Maryland and throughout the country, this process is commonly known as obtaining a Green Card. If you’re considering becoming a permanent resident, working with an experienced immigration attorney can greatly improve your chances of success. What do you need to know?
Note: Because the new administration is making changes to immigration processes, please note that the information in this blog should always be supplemented with the most recent information available and a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.
What Is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an identification card that proves your status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, travel internationally, and even apply for certain government benefits. While it does not make you the same as a U.S. citizen, it is a major step that offers plenty of benefits. It’s important to note that there are numerous paths to becoming a permanent resident, and the right one for you will depend on a variety of factors.
Who Can Apply for a Green Card?
There are several eligibility categories under which you may apply for a Green Card:
- Family-Based Immigration: This is one of the most common ways of becoming a permanent resident, and you are eligible if you have a family member who is already a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Eligible relatives include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, parents, and siblings (in some cases).
- Employment-Based Immigration: If you have a job offer or specialized skills, you might qualify to become a permanent resident through an employment-based petition.
- Refugees and Asylees: If you were admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, you can apply for a Green Card after a year.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: Each year, the Diversity Visa Lottery provides a limited number of Green Cards to applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.
- Special Categories: There are other, more specialized routes to Green Card status, including investors, religious workers, victims of abuse, and certain individuals with temporary protected status (TPS).
What Are the Steps to Becoming a Permanent Resident?
- Determine Your Eligibility: Your first step is to confirm which category you qualify under. An immigration attorney can help evaluate your case and guide you toward the most viable path.
- File a Petition: Most applicants need a U.S. sponsor, like a family member or employer, to file an immigrant petition on their behalf.
- Wait for a Visa to Become Available: In many cases, particularly with family and employment-based categories, you must wait until a visa number is available. The U.S. government limits the number of Green Cards issued each year, which can result in wait times that vary by country and category.
- Apply for a Green Card: Once a visa number is available, you can apply for your Green Card with the help of your attorney.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment and Interview: You’ll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting and background check), followed by an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, you may be asked about your application and background.
- Receive a Decision: If your application is approved, you will be a lawful permanent resident! You’ll receive your Green Card in the mail and can enjoy the benefits that come with it.
Partner with an Experienced Personal Immigration Attorney at The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you or a loved one need help working through seeking asylum or refugee status, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultation are both available to clients.