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If you are a citizen of a foreign country interested in entering the United States, there are several considerations for you to make. For example, if you plan to remain permanently in the United States, the pathway toward lawful permanent residency must begin with an immigrant visa. A qualified Montgomery visa lawyer can discuss the different visa options that would best support you and your unique situation. Contact a knowledgeable attorney today if you wish to learn more.
An immigrant visa is for a non-U.S. citizen who plans to live permanently in the United States. The non-citizen must obtain this visa before traveling to the United States. Since there are several categories of immigrant visas, applicants should meet with a visa attorney in Montgomery for help with determining their eligibility before applying. Types of immigrant visas include.
People who qualify for this type of visa include the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the fiancé of a U.S. citizen who will permanently reside in the U.S., and children adopted through intercountry adoption. In addition to their spouse and child, U.S. citizens can also file a petition for their parent or sibling. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) can also file immigrant visa petitions on behalf of close family members, but these are limited to their spouse and unmarried child.
This immigration visa applies to employment-based immigrants, including priority workers, professionals with advanced degrees, immigrants of exceptional ability, financial investors, and religious workers, among many others.
To sponsor the non-citizen, a relative or employer sponsor must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Certain applicants, such as financial investors and workers with extraordinary ability, can petition on their own behalf.
This category encompasses the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program and the Returning Residence Visa. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program provides up to 50,000 immigrant visas every year to applicants who are coming into the U.S. from countries with low rates of immigration. The Returning Resident Visa is reserved for LPRs who have remained outside of the United States for longer than one year but who can prove they had to do so because of circumstances beyond their control.
After entering the country on an immigrant visa, an applicant will receive a permanent resident card, also known as a green card. This is issued by USCIS after admission and then mailed to the applicant’s registered address. For the applicant to maintain their green card status, it is vital that they continue to uphold a permanent U.S. residence.
A Permanent Resident Card (I-551) is the applicant’s proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. The card also serves as a valid form of identification and confirms the applicant eligibility to live and work in the United States.
Once an applicant is successful and becomes an LPR, their LPR status remains valid until they complete the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens, or, lose or abandon their LPR status.
An LPR might lose their permanent resident status by intentionally abandoning it, such as when the LPR stays in a foreign country with the intent of remaining there, or does not file taxes while abroad. If there is a finding of fraud at any point in the process, LPRs risk having their lawful permanent residence revoked and might have to face removal proceedings.
Whether you need help with the application process or are dealing with the possible revocation of your LPR status, a qualified Montgomery visa lawyer can help you navigate through the process and help your chances of achieving the best possible result.
Contact a visa attorney in Montgomery today for a consultation and to discuss your options.