For many people, the transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency is an exciting life moment. Navigate this process successfully, and you will have the right to stay in the United States long-term. You will not have to worry about frequent visa renewals, and you might have the opportunity to bring your family to the United States. Perhaps most importantly, you will have the right to pursue citizenship. However, making the switch from a temporary visa to permanent residency can be a challenging and complex process. You may find that compared to securing your temporary visa, permanent residency involves more checks, balances, and delays. Education is the first step to addressing these challenges, and you might also want to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer in Dallas.
What is the Difference Between Permanent Residence and a Temporary Visa?
Why even bother transitioning from a temporary visa to permanent residency? What are the benefits of making such a switch? First, you should know that permanent residents typically have more access to government programs like social security and student loans. You might also find that it’s easier to enter and exit the country when you please.
Permanent residents often get access to better and more long-term career opportunities in the United States. Many people pursue permanent residency because they want the right to vote. With permanent residency, you can start the process of bringing your family into the United States.
To put it simply, permanent residents feel more at home in the United States. You won’t have to worry about renewing your green card for another 10 years, and it is more challenging for the authorities to deport you. Finally, those with permanent residency can become United States citizens after a relatively short delay. This is the ultimate dream for many people who want to call this country home.
The Easiest Ways to Move From a Temporary Visa to Permanent Residency
The two main pathways from temporary visas to permanent residency are family-based immigration and employer sponsorship. If you choose the first method, you can change your status by marrying a United States citizen. Note that your marriage must be legitimate, and immigration authorities are now scrutinizing couples with far more draconian measures.
Expect to answer extremely intimate questions during your interview with an immigration officer. They might ask what side of the bed you sleep on, whether your spouse has any allergies, and whether your spouse snores at night. Marriage fraud is a legitimate issue in the United States, and the current administration is more focused on this issue than previous presidencies.
If you successfully gain a green card, you will remain in a probationary “conditional” status for two years. If you are still married after two years, you will gain full permanent residency after filing Form I-751. If you are already planning to get married to a United States citizen, speak with a lawyer to learn more about the next steps.
The other popular method is employer sponsorship. The United States encourages employers to attract some of the most skilled employees from around the world, and you could use your qualifications or achievements to your advantage in this regard.
The key thing to remember about this method is that your employer must take on the responsibility of filing your application. This means that you will need to find an employer who is committed to your future at the company. They must be willing to file considerable paperwork on your behalf and vouch for you.
The specific needs of the U.S. economy vary from year to year. During some periods, there may be a dire need for specific types of workers to come to the United States. During other years, the United States might search for other types of workers.
Your ability to pursue employer sponsorship probably depends heavily on your unique skills, experience, and qualifications. You may want to discuss these qualifications with your immigration lawyer to get a better sense of how to approach permanent residency.
Other Ways to Gain Permanent Residency
Aside from employment sponsorship and family-based immigration, there are a few other ways to gain permanent residency in the United States. You may qualify as a “special immigrant” if you are a religious worker, an international broadcaster, a former NATO-6 employee, or a former Afghan or Iraqi interpreter for the United States government.
If you are a refugee or an asylum seeker, you might also qualify for a green card. Victims of certain crimes, such as human trafficking or abuse, could pursue permanent residency through special visas. You might consider the “diversity visa lottery.” There are many obscure ways to gain visas in the United States, and you can discuss the full range of options with your immigration lawyer.
What Happens Next?
After you decide how you are going to adjust your status, you may need to attend an interview. During your interview, you may need to answer questions under oath. It is important to be honest during this interview, and an immigration lawyer can help you prepare.
You should also bring as much evidence as possible to your interview. This might include original documents like passports and Form I-94. After the interview, immigration officials could request additional evidence from you. After this process, you must wait for a final decision.
Get Help From a Dallas Immigration Lawyer
A Dallas immigration lawyer may be able to help you move from a temporary visa to permanent residency. Although this process can be challenging, guidance from a legal professional could make it as seamless as possible. Instead of trying to navigate this transition by yourself, consider speaking with a lawyer about strategies to expedite your application. Guidance from a lawyer could also reduce the chances of simple but costly errors. Each person approaches permanent residency with a distinct career and family background, and the best approach probably depends on your unique circumstances. Discuss your circumstances with Presti Law Firm, and get started with a solid action plan today.