Applying for a Green Card

Need help obtaining permanent residence? Call the firm!

Having a green card means that you have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Lawful permanent residence, which differs from citizenship, is acquired when a person first enters the United States using an immigrant visa issued by a U.S. consulate or adjusts their status within the United States.

When you come to the Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman for help, you will be working with a Cupertino immigration attorney who has substantial experience assisting individuals with the process of applying for green cards. Attorney Widman has more than 20 years of law practice experience, and can assist you with every aspect of the process.

What You Need to Know About Lawful Permanent Resident Status

A lawful permanent resident has the status of residing in the United States indefinitely as an immigrant. However, they can still face deportation for serious crimes. Furthermore, while a green card holder can travel internationally, they must maintain permanent residence in the U.S. to keep their status. Gaining this status in the first place is the challenging part, though.

Of the two routes for obtaining a green card, Adjustment of Status tends to be more common than Consular Processing, given that most new LPRs are already living in this country at the time of filing. That is because the majority of lawful permanent residents are family-sponsored, as opposed to employment-based.

Why apply for a green card?

The first and most obvious benefit of becoming a lawful permanent resident is that you will be permitted to lawfully remain in the United States indefinitely. You will also have the right to work, and there generally will not be any restrictions on where you may live and the type of occupation you maintain. You may also be able to help your spouse and children obtain immigrant visas so that they can join you in the country.

You may also be able to apply for federal public benefits through Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare, provided that you are otherwise eligible for these programs. Furthermore, you may be able to attend public school, join the military, and even obtain a driver's license. Overall, you will be able to enjoy your life in this country just like any other American, and after either three years or five years, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization.

Talk with a Cupertino Immigration Lawyer Today

Ready to learn more about your options for immigrating to the U.S.? The Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman can review your situation with you and help you determine if applying for a green card is the right step. Once you have your green card, you can work with the firm to pursue citizenship if that is your end goal. Whatever the case, make sure you have trusted legal counsel by your side throughout the process.