Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status, also known as Green Card status, is a legal immigration status in the United States that allows individuals to live and work permanently in the country. Obtaining LPR status is a significant milestone for immigrants, as it provides them with many rights and benefits that are not available to non-immigrants. In this glossary, we will explore what LPR status is, how to obtain it, and what rights and responsibilities come with it.
What is Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status?
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status is a legal immigration status that allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States. LPRs are also known as Green Card holders, as they are issued a Green Card as proof of their status. LPR status is different from temporary immigration statuses, such as visas, as it is intended to be permanent and does not have an expiration date.
How to Obtain Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
There are several ways to obtain Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status in the United States. The most common way is through family sponsorship, where a family member who is a U.S. citizen or LPR petitions for the immigrant to become a Green Card holder. Another common way is through employment sponsorship, where an employer sponsors the immigrant for a Green Card based on their skills or qualifications.
Rights and Benefits of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status comes with many rights and benefits, including the right to live and work permanently in the United States, the right to apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period of time, the ability to sponsor family members for Green Cards, and access to certain government benefits and services. LPRs also have the right to travel in and out of the country without the need for a visa.
Responsibilities of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Along with rights and benefits, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status also comes with certain responsibilities. LPRs are required to obey all U.S. laws, pay taxes, and register with the Selective Service if they are male and between the ages of 18 and 26. LPRs are also required to maintain their Green Card status by not committing any deportable offenses.
Renewing Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status is not permanent and must be renewed periodically. Green Cards are typically valid for 10 years and must be renewed before they expire. LPRs must file a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to renew their Green Card and maintain their status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Conditional Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Some immigrants may be granted Conditional Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status, which is a temporary status that is valid for two years. Conditional LPR status is typically granted to individuals who obtained their Green Cards through marriage and have been married for less than two years at the time of approval. Conditional LPRs must file a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to remove the conditions on their status.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) have the right to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain eligibility requirements. To apply for citizenship, LPRs must have been a Green Card holder for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), be able to speak, read, and write English, and pass a civics test on U.S. history and government.
Traveling as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) have the right to travel in and out of the United States without the need for a visa. However, LPRs must be mindful of the rules and regulations regarding international travel, such as maintaining a residence in the U.S., not staying outside the country for an extended period of time, and carrying a valid Green Card and other necessary travel documents.
Protecting Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status is a valuable immigration status that should be protected and maintained. LPRs should be aware of the rules and regulations that govern their status, such as not committing any deportable offenses, renewing their Green Cards on time, and seeking legal advice if they encounter any issues that may jeopardize their status.
