Foreign born people wanting to become legal permanent residents in the United States must for specific guidelines that vary depending on their circumstances. When people become legal permanent residents, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has allowed them to legally reside and work in the country. As of 2009, legal resident status, or a green card, is valid for 10 years or two years when people are considered conditional residents.
Obtain a Sponsor
Typically, people who become legal permanent residents are sponsored by family members or employers who are native born or permanent residents. For the people to be sponsored, individuals living in the U.S. must petition the USCIS for their relative or hired worker to become permanent residents. The U.S. citizens start the process by filing out the application called Petition for Alien Relative or Form I-130. The people intending to sponsor their relative must show that they are financially stable and able to financial support their foreign born relative. The USCIS separates family members intending to sponsor relatives into two categories. Immediate relatives are considered unmarried children under the age of 21, spouses, and parents. Unmarried children older than 21, married son or daughter—of any age—and siblings are in the preference category. While the petition is being considered or is granted, the sponsors complete two additional applications. The Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, or Form I-485, requests the legal permanent status.
Employers must complete the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, or Form I-360, to start the green card process. Individuals seeking refugee or asylum status can also obtain legal permanent status.
Wait For the Decision on the Petition
The USCIS will notify sponsors, also called the petitioners, of its decision. If the petitions are approved, individuals being sponsored must apply for immigrant visa status. Once visas are available, the National Visa Center (NVC) will schedule an interview. If the visas are granted, people are allowed to enter the country where they receive their green cards.
Seek Legal Advice
Individuals interested in become permanent legal residents in the America should contact an immigration lawyer. The lawyer will advise individuals on the timeframe of obtaining green cards and who may be able to help. For instance, parents with married children living in the U.S. may meet other eligibility requirements.
