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Getting a Green Card and establishing yourself as a lawful resident of the United States can be a momentous occasion, but that does not mean it is an easy thing to achieve. Even if you meet all the qualifying criteria set out by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services for status as a Legal Permanent Resident here, proving your eligibility and complying with all the rules and restrictions associated with this process can be both complicated and time-consuming.
Help from a seasoned immigration lawyer can make a huge difference when it comes to efficiently applying for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status in Kennewick. From start to finish of the application process, your dedicated legal representative could provide custom-tailored guidance and maximize your chances of getting a positive final response from USCIS.
Proving Eligibility for a Green Card
For most people, the first step to obtaining LPR status in Kennewick or anywhere else in the U.S. is not actually applying for a Green Card directly, but rather applying for an immigrant visa. This can be done either from within U.S. borders or beyond them, but slightly different procedures may be necessary for each option, as a legal professional could explain in more detail.
The two most common ways people become eligible for Green Cards is through sponsorship from either a family member already living in the U.S. legally or a prospective U.S.-based employer. Alternatively, certain individuals may be able to sponsor themselves by applying for asylum or refugee status through membership in a Special Immigrant category or by going through the U visa process.
Basic Steps in the LPR Application Process
Once a person has obtained the necessary visa or otherwise proven their eligibility to apply for Legal Permanent Resident status in Kennewick, they can begin the application process by applying for adjustment of status through Form I-485. Once USCIS processes this initial application and all the documentation included with it, the agency will notify the applicant of a date and time to appear at an Application Support Center. On the day of the visit, the applicant will need to provide a photograph of themselves, fingerprints, and/or a signature.
Depending on the circumstances, USCIS may decide that an applicant must attend an interview to answer questions under oath about their application and their eligibility for a Green Card. USCIS may also or alternatively request additional information if it is not clear from an initial application that the applicant is eligible for LPR status.
Once USCIS makes a final decision, they will notify the applicant by mail and, if the applicant is approved for LPR status, send them their Green Card by mail. Applicants can track their case status online by inputting their USCIS receipt number in the agency’s tracking tool.
A Kennewick Attorney Could Help with Applying for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Proving that you are eligible to become a Legal Permanent Resident in the United States can be complicated in many ways, especially due to all of the small errors you could make during the application process that could sidetrack your petition. Fortunately, assistance is available from knowledgeable legal professionals with years of experience helping people like you achieve their dreams.
Applying for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status in Kennewick is not something you should try to do alone. Contact a capable attorney today to learn how they could help.
