Who is a Permanent Resident in terms of Immigration?

PERMANENT RESIDENCE GENERALLY

 

If you want to go into the United States legally for work, have an interest in receiving legal permanent residence or are facing deportation we can assist. At The Wright Firm, L.L.P. we handle a whole assortment of immigration legal issues. We work to offer effective immigration legal services for our clients.


A permanent resident can be a foreign national that has been granted authorization to reside and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, generally called a "green card." Foreign nationals can obtain permanent residence by way of sponsorship by an immediate family member that is already living in the United States, or by an employer.
The first step in the permanent resident process is for a family member or supporting employer to file an immigrant petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) with respect to the foreign individual. Unless the individual is an “immediate relative,” an immigrant visa number must be available. The Department of State must determine whether an immigrant visa number is immediately available to an individual, even if the individual is currently in the United States. As soon as an immigrant visa number is immediately available, an individual may apply to have one of the immigrant visa numbers assigned to them. A visa number might not be immediately available even when USCIS approves the petition, because the amount of immigrant visa numbers is limited by quotas placed in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). When an immigrant visa number becomes available, a person must either apply with USCIS to adjust their current status to permanent resident status or apply with the Department of State for an immigrant visa from the nearest United States consulate before being permitted to come to the United States. This is just some general information on a permanent residence for more information contact The Wright Firm, L.L.P. at 972-353-4600 or at www.thewrightlawyers.com.