GREEN CARDS
A United States Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, is an identification card attesting to the legal permanent resident status of an foreign national in the United States of America. Green card also refers to an immigration process of becoming a permanent resident. The green card serves as proof that its holder, a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), has been officially granted immigration benefits, which include permission to reside and take employment in the USA.
A person seeking permanent residency in the United States must also apply for other documents that grant the applicant certain privilages while awaiting the approval of the green card, The first is a temporary work permit known as the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows the foreign national to work legally in the United States. The second is a temporary travel document, called Advance Parole, which allows the foreign national to re-enter the United States after travel abroad. Additional applications may be necessary based on the applicant's current status.
There are 4 ways in which a person may become a legal permanent resident of the United States.
- Immigration Through Investment
- Immigration Through the Diversity Lottery
(Please note, your permanent residence status will be conditional if it is based on a marriage that was less than two years old on the day you were given permanent residence.WIll
Will I Be Able to Work in the United States?
Applicants for adjustment to permanent resident status are eligible to apply for a work permit while their cases are pending. We can prepare Form I-765 for you to apply for a work permit. You do not need to apply for a work permit once you adjust to permanent resident status. As a lawful permanent resident, you should receive a permanent resident card that will prove that you have a right to live and work in the United States permanently. Please see How Do I Get a Work Permit? for more information.
Can I Travel Outside the United States?
If you are applying for adjustment to permanent resident status, you must receive advance permission to return to the United States if you are traveling outside the United States. This advance permission is called Advance Parole. If you do not obtain Advance Parole before you leave the country, you will abandon your application with USCIS and you may not be permitted to return to the United States. Ask us about applying for advance parole for you.