Applying for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Status in Glendale

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Applying for legal permanent resident (LPR) Status in Glendale helps individuals pursue the advantages of life in the United States without having to worry about visa expiration or the risk that they will have to leave the country. Legal permanent residents have many of the same rights as citizens, but do not have full citizenship. If you want to become a legal permanent resident, working with a local green card attorney is the best way to streamline that process and ensure that you do not miss any vital paperwork that could influence your application.

Understanding Legal Permanent Resident Status

Before applying for legal permanent resident (LPR) status, immigrants in Glendale should make sure that they have a solid understanding of what LPR status is and what rights it gives them. Legal permanent resident status, also known as having a green card, allows non-residents to live in the United States indefinitely, without any requirement that they return to their home country. It grants them the right to own property in the U.S., work without restriction, travel throughout the country and abroad, and even join the Armed Forces.

Applying for LPR Status

Applying for legal permanent resident status can prove complicated for some individuals. There are several ways to get LPR status, including:

  • A petition by a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Employer sponsorship
  • Self-employed sponsorship, for individuals who work in the United States
  • Skills-based applications, for individuals with specialized skills
  • Filing as an individual

Applicants will need to fill out several types of paperwork. The correct forms will depend on how the applicant intends to receive LPR status: for example, family sponsorship requires either form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, or Form I-730, the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, while employment sponsorship requires Form I-140. When applying for legal permanent resident status in Glendale, working with a lawyer is essential to ensuring that the correct paperwork is chosen and that all needed information is included.

Long-Term Permanent Resident Status vs. Citizenship

While long-term permanent residents have many of the same rights and responsibilities as citizens, including the need to file and pay income taxes, there are some key differences:

  • Long-term permanent residents do not have voting rights
  • LPRs may be challenged if they spend long periods of time outside the United States
  • LPRs may face more consequences for the commission of crimes, including deportation/removal from the country
  • Citizens are eligible for public office

Understanding these differences is key to deciding what status best fits the needs of each individual. An immigration lawyer can help determine whether an individual is best suited by applying for citizenship or LPR status.

Get Assistance Applying for Long-Term Permanent Resident (LPR) Status in Glendale

When applying for long-term permanent resident (LPR) status in Glendale, many individuals find that there can be considerable challenges ahead. At New Frontier Immigration Law, we not only understand the full immigration process and the paperwork you’ll have to file, we are familiar with the challenges that can arise during the process, and we’ll help walk you through each one. If you need help with your immigration journey, including assistance securing long-term permanent resident status, reach out to us for qualified legal guidance.