A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is a foreign national who has earned the privilege to stay in the United States indefinitely. The holder of a residency card (also known as a Green Card) is permitted to do many things mere visa holders cannot, such as:
- Reside in the United States
- Travel in and out of the country without a visa
- Get a Social Security Number
- Hold a work permit
- Get a valid driver’s license
- Access public assistance like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
Though LPRs have these privileges, they do not yet have U.S. citizenship. They can lose their LPR status by committing crimes, failing to renew their status, and in other ways. Under certain circumstances, they can even be subject to deportation.
If you are in the United States on a valid visa, you can earn LPR status through:
If you are an illegal immigrant, you can gain LPR status through:
- An I-601 Waiver and an immediate-relative petition
- Cancellation of Removal
- 245(i) eligibility
- Immigration Reform
For guidance on gaining a Green Card and LPR status for yourself or a loved one, please contact our Nevada law offices.