Getting a green card and applying for citizenship requires tons of patience. Any immigration process, which often begins with immigrant visas, involves various forms and supporting documents. Below are difficulties that an individual of a different nationality often faces when applying for an immigrant visa, becoming a lawful permanent resident, and obtaining citizenship in the United States.

• Beginning a Green Card Application

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There are several privileges and benefits that come with a US green card. The specifics of the green card process, however, can be quite complicated, especially if one is not familiar with relevant immigration laws.

There are several ways to become a green cardholder. An advanced degree professional, for one, could apply through the national interest waiver. Those planning to set-up a commercial enterprise may try immigrating through an investor visa. Another option is to get a green card through marriage. A reliable immigration attorney can provide legal help for each type of application.

• Paperwork and Immigration Forms for Obtaining a Green Card

Green cards, which are proof of one’s residency status, are issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This government agency is in charge of processing the application of an alien seeking permanent resident status.

If you want to successfully get a green card, immigration attorneys can help in clarifying the steps necessary for this immigration process. They can also help an aspiring immigrant fill out relevant USCIS forms and anticipate lengthy processing times associated with applying for a green card.

• Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident

Applying for permanent residency can be stressful. As such, legal assistance from an expert on immigration services is often necessary. It involves a long and tedious process with various immigration forms and documents. If all goes well, a foreign national gets to receive certain rights and responsibilities that come with being a legal permanent resident of the United States.

As stated in relevant immigration law, a permanent resident card signifies that the bearer has lawful permanent resident status. Keep in mind that the ‘conditions’ of a conditional green card must be petitioned to be removed. Additionally, a legal permanent resident card has a validity of ten years. If necessary, the cardholder must renew such with the USCIS office, six months before expiration.

• Preparing Documents for Your Citizenship Application

Regardless of your current immigration status, it cannot be denied that United States citizenship is difficult to obtain. Immigrants, however, persist and apply to gain citizenship given the benefits that are reserved for and can be enjoyed by a US citizen. 

When applying for citizenship in the United States, several documents are involved. One would be proof that the foreigner applicant has five years of lawful permanent residence before proceeding with a citizenship application. Other relevant citizenship requirements must also be prepared.

• Preparing for the Next Steps to Become a Citizen of the United States

In general, an individual who is at least 18 years old, is of good moral character, and is willing to take an oath of allegiance has a chance at becoming a citizen of the United States. Aside from submitting forms and supporting documents to the USCIS, a foreign national who is eligible for citizenship must also prepare for other things.

Aspiring citizens of the United States should be aware of how crucial the immigration interview is. Get immigration assistance from the best lawyers to make sure you are ready for this. On top of making sure that your citizenship papers are complete, you must likewise prepare very carefully for your citizenship test.

An individual who became a citizen gets actual permanent residency and the right to vote in elections. After you obtain citizenship, you can petition for a family member under family-based immigration. Here, processing of immigrant visas of certain relatives or family members who reside in your home country is generally easier.

Becoming a citizen of the US is a lot more complicated than it seems. Remember that gaining citizenship is never guaranteed. When applying for citizenship status, there is always the possibility of getting a denial.

For questions on lawful permanent residence, consular processing, adjustment of status, or removal of conditions, or for assistance in submitting your green card application, give us a call at (657) 279-5506. Contact us at Diener Law and consult with a reliable immigration lawyer who will evaluate your case.