Lawful Permanent Resident Status

DeGrio Channing Law PLLC offers services in the area of filing for lawful permanent resident status (green cards). We are experienced in both consular processing and filing of adjustment of status applications with USCIS.

Lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as “green card” holders, are non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States. LPRs may accept an offer of employment without special restrictions, own property, receive financial assistance at public colleges and universities, and join the Armed Forces. They also may apply to become U.S. citizens if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

Lawful Permanent Residents

Adjustment of status refers to the process of filing your Form I-485 with USCIS. In certain instances, you may be required to physically remain inside the United States while your application processes. You may also be eligible to file for an employment authorization card and advance parole (travel permit) while your I-485 permanent resident application is pending with USCIS. You should always consult your attorney prior to any international travel.

The Difference Between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing

Consular processing refers to the process of obtaining your immigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate outside the United States.

To determine if you are eligible to file your I-485 permanent resident application or to determine if you are eligible to appear for an immigrant visa interview, you must review the State Department’s monthly visa bulletin and the USCIS’s adjustment of status filing chart.

Duties and Responsibilities as a Lawful Permanent Resident

You are required to provide change of address notifications to USCIS within 10 days of moving to a new address.

Completed online at USCIS change of address

You must continue to maintain a physical presence in the United States. If you need to depart the United States for an extended period of time, i.e. 6 months or more, you should consult with an immigration attorney to determine if a Form I-131 re-entry permit application should be filed to preserve your permanent resident status.

Maintaining your permanent resident status is not a guarantee. Certain things can cost you to lose your permanent resident status like various criminal acts and failure to maintain physical presence in the U.S.