Applying for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Status in Doraville

Legal Permanent Residence (LPR) status, also known as a “green card” is a highly coveted immigration position that is one step on the path to citizenship.

Many individuals apply for LPR status each year, but the United States restricts the number of visas. Certain immigrants will have simpler pathways to a green card. Even if you qualify for special status, the process can be complicated and require a great deal of time, effort, and paperwork to complete.

You do not need to have a lawyer when applying for a Legal Permanent Resident status in Doraville. However, retaining a green card attorney might help you avoid common pitfalls and proceed through the system more effectively.

Challenges In Applying for Permanent Status

Immigration law is complex and confusing. Applying for LPR status can prove troubling for a variety of reasons.

Any immigrant who previously violated visa terms, committed a minor criminal offense, appears unemployed, or suffers from a severe medical condition might face additional hurdles when applying for a visa. In some instances, the applicant may send in documents only to have the immigration office request additional copies, documents that they do not have the right to access, or information that does not exist.

No one should assume that the process will run smoothly. Attorneys take years to learn the detailed process that a person must go through to obtain a green card. A skilled legal professional’s past experience may prove extremely beneficial in helping someone obtain LPR status in Doraville.

Process of Applying for LPR in Doraville

There are numerous steps involved in the visa process. First, individuals must determine their eligibility. A person might be able to apply for a family visa or a visa based on their employment skills. Some people will also need a sponsor who fills out a form supporting their application.

If the applicant is in the United States, the process is called an adjustment of status. Individuals applying from another country need to pursue their visas throughout consular processing. Those two methods will have different processes and requirements.

As part of the process of obtaining a visa, an applicant will need to:

• File a petition stating a basis for the visa
• File a sponsorship form (if necessary for the individual)
• If the government approves the petition, file an application for a Green Card
• Attend a biometrics appointment
• Attend an interview
• Receive an official decision

While this might sound simple, each step is potentially confusing and may involve extensive documentation and paperwork. Having a legal advocate might help an applicant avoid potential complications.

Categories of LPR Applicants

The visa process varies depending on the basis of a person’s application. The government tries to keep families together, admit people with needed professional skills, and avoid admitting individuals who will use significant resources.

The categories that might apply in a person’s case include:

• An immediate relative of a citizen
• Other family members of citizens and permanent residents
• People with specialized work skills

If a person does not fall into those categories, they might still file through the visa lottery or seek asylum or refugee status if they meet those qualifications. Individuals who fall into other categories might qualify for LPR status in Doraville, such as service members from the military, former international U.S. government workers, and religious workers.

Ask a Skilled Attorney About LPR Status in Doraville

The immigration process is challenging and often frustrating. While you could attempt to navigate the system yourself, you may benefit from the help of an experienced legal professional.

An attorney could make the process easier to understand and could work with you to avoid any unnecessary difficulties. When applying for Legal Permanent Resident status in Doraville, having an experienced lawyer on your side may offer some much-needed peace of mind. Call us to schedule a consultation today.