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What is the ‘Lawful Permanent Resident Card’ or commonly known as Green Card?

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville and Schaumburg Green Card lawyer and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, is a proud first-generation immigrant who practices immigration law to give a voice to those who need it most.

With more than 27 years of experience practicing law, our law firm only focuses on immigration because we know how important it was for us and our families and to our clients. This is about your life, livelihood, and happiness; we want to help you achieve it all.

From our primary office in the Chicago metropolitan area, our immigration law firm assists individuals and families in DuPage, Cook, and Will Counties, throughout Illinois, and neighboring states to understand the federal process of obtaining a 601A waiver to help ease their immigration journeys.

If you or someone you love seek lawful permanent residency in the U.S., contact our skilled Green Card attorney in Schaumburg for help today. We provide in-office, phone, and Zoom consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about your immigration journey.

Green Card Law

Green Cards afford permanent resident status in the United States. One can acquire this via the following:

  • Family
  • Employment
  • Refugee Status
  • Asylee Status
  • The Diversity Immigrant Program
  • K Non-Immigrant Status
  • The Legal Immigration Family Equity Act
  • The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

What is Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Status in the U.S.?

The “Lawful Permanent Resident Card,” commonly known as a “Green Card,” is an official document issued by the United States government to individuals who have been granted lawful permanent residency (LPR) in the United States.

Key features of the Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) include:

  • Legal Permanent Residency

The Green Card is a significant immigration status that signifies that the holder has been granted lawful permanent residency in the United States.

  • Authorization to Live and Work

Green Card holders are authorized to live and work in the United States indefinitely. The duration of a visa does not limit them, and they do not need to apply for extensions.

  • Proof of Identity and Immigration Status

The Green Card serves as proof of the holder’s identity and legal immigration status. It includes personal information, a photograph, and details about the immigration category under which permanent residency was granted.

  • Travel Authorization

Green Card holders are generally allowed to travel freely in and out of the United States. However, specific considerations apply, like maintaining residency and avoiding extended periods of absence.

  • Renewal

The Green Card has an expiration date, usually ten years from the date of issuance. Green Card holders must renew their cards before expiration to maintain their status.

  • Conditional Residency (in Certain Cases)

In marriage-based immigration cases, individuals may initially receive a conditional Green Card, valid for two years. Afterward, they must file a joint petition to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent Green Card.

  • Rights and Responsibilities

Green Card holders enjoy many of the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, including the ability to work, access education, and receive certain government benefits. However, they are not eligible to vote in federal elections.

  • Path to Citizenship

Green Card holders may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after meeting specific requirements, including a continuous residence period and demonstrating good moral character.

If you have questions about your eligibility to pursue a lawful permanent residency in the United States, contact our skilled Schaumburg Green Card attorney for help today.

How Can I Obtain a Lawful Permanent Resident Card/Green Card in the U.S.?

Obtaining a legal permanent Resident Card, or Green Card, involves a multi-step process that can vary depending on the specific category through which an individual qualifies for permanent residency.

Here is a general overview of the steps:

Determine Eligibility

  • Family Sponsorship

If you have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (sponsor), you may be eligible for family-sponsored immigration.

  • Employment-Based Immigration

Employment-based immigration is available for individuals with specific job offers, skills, or qualifications.

  • Refugee or Asylee Status

Refugees and asylees may be eligible to apply for a Green Card after one year of continuous presence in the U.S.

  • Diversity Visa Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program is a random selection process that allows nationals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. to obtain a Green Card.

  • Other Special Programs

Special programs or categories, including the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) or the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program, may offer eligibility for a Green Card.

Sponsorship or Application

  • Family Sponsorship

If eligible through a family relationship, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the intending immigrant.

  • Employment-Based Immigration

Employment-based immigrants usually require a sponsoring employer to file a petition on their behalf. The employer typically files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.

  • DV Lottery

If selected for the Diversity Visa Lottery, the individual must apply during the specified period and follow the instructions.

  • Refugee/Asylee Adjustment of Status

Refugees and asylees can generally apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) after meeting the required residency period.

Wait for Visa Availability

  • Family Preference Categories

Wait for a visa to become available in the appropriate family preference category, as determined by the Visa Bulletin.

  • Employment-Based Categories

Wait for a visa to become available in the employment-based category, considering the priority date and preference category.

Apply for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

  • Adjustment of Status

If the individual is in the U.S., they may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

  • Consular Processing

If the individual is outside the U.S., they may go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Green Card applicants will be required to attend a biometrics appointment, be fingerprinted, and have an interview as part of the application process. If you are unsure how to start the lawful permanent residency process, you do not have to face the seemingly daunting task alone.

Contact our experienced Green Card attorney in Naperville today to discuss your eligibility and how we can help you achieve your immigration goal with fewer obstacles.

Our immigration attorneys also focus following areas:

How Can Kasturi Law, LLC Assist with Your Green Card Needs?

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration attorney is personally committed to being a trustworthy legal partner for each of our clients and will be standing by your side throughout the immigration process.

Our Schaumburg Green Car lawyer can:

  • Assist with filing for a replacement Green Card if you have lost or had your Green Card stolen.
  • Assist with filing for a replacement Green Card if your Green Card has expired.
  • If you have refugee status and need to apply for an adjustment of status, we can assist you with filing for a Green Card.
  • If you have an asylee status and want to adjust it, we can assist you with filing for a Green Card.
  • Assist with filing for advance parole if you are a DACA recipient married to a US citizen.
  • If you have TPS status and want to explore whether you may be eligible to file for a Green Card, we can assist you with filing for advance parole.
  • Assist with applying for commuter status.

Here, you are not a case; you are a human being who needs our help, and we have dedicated our lives to ensuring you get it. Call our dedicated Green Card attorney in Naperville today at 630-392-8101 to get started on your lawful permanent residency so you can live and work anywhere you’d like in the U.S. without worry.

We believe in you, your immigration journey, and your success.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lawful Permanent Resident Card Questions

What is the value of the Green Card?

It allows one to lawfully reside and work in the United States. One can secure a social security card and a valid state ID.

Can I travel outside the country with the Green Card?

Yes, one can travel outside the county with the Green Card but there are rules regarding how much time a Green Card holder can spend outside the United States and still maintain their green card. Before one plans to be outside the country for longer than 6 months (or extended periods), one should consult an attorney.

How long is a Green Card Valid?

Green Cards are typically valid for 10 years and conditional green cards are valid for 2 years.

What if my Green Card expired?

If there were no conditions on the Green Card and it expired after 10 years, one can still renew the card. Green Cards (without conditions) can expire, but permanent residency does not expire. However, typically you want to start the process of renewing your Green Card six months before it expires. If one has a conditional Green Card, then one has to file to have the conditions lifted prior to the expiration of the 2 years.

I got my Green Card before I turned 14. Do I need to renew it?

Green Cards issued before the holders’ 14th birthday need to be renewed by the 14th birthday (unless the card expires before the 16th birthday).

My Green Card was lost, stolen or destroyed. What can I do?

One can replace the lost card by filing a I90 form.

Each case is different, please feel free to contact my office at 630-392-8101 or email me at info@kasturilaw.com.

How can Kasturi Law, LLC assist you?

  • Assist with filing for a replacement green card if you have lost or had your green card stolen.
  • Assist with filing for a replacement green card if your green card has expired.
  • Assist with filing for a green card if you have refugee status and need to apply for adjustment of status.
  • Assist with filing for a green card if you have asylee status and are looking to adjust your status.
  • Assist with filing for advance parole if you are a DACA recipient who is married to a US citizen.
  • Assist with filing for advance parole if you have TPS status and want to explore if you may be eligible to file for a green Card.
  • Assist with applying for commuter status. Kasturi Law, LLC can assist with this.
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