Immigrant Visas and Lawful Permanent Resident Status

People often speak of green cards and permanent residents.  We often hear the question "what's the difference?"  There is no difference.  A green card holder is a lawful permanent resident.  They refer to the same thing.  

A lawful permanent resident (or green card holder) is permitted to permanently reside in the United States.  The lawful permanent resident must maintain an intent to keep a permanent U.S. residence.  A lawful permanent resident is not granted citizenship simply by holding the status.  Lawful permanent resident status can be lost and the person may be deported if the .  The Green card is merely evidence of lawful permanent resident status.  

​The Immigration and Nationality Act allocates immigrant visas according to the category of the applicant.  The categories are as follows:  

• Family-sponsored
• Employment-based
• Diversity Immigrants

The process of obtaining lawful permanent resident status is oftentimes a long and complicated process with many opportunities for an applicant to make a mistake.  Therefore, if you are considering applying for lawful permanent resident status, either on behalf of yourself, an immediate relative, or for an employee, call our office at 912.401.8880 for a consultation or fill out the contact form below.

Georgia Immigration Attorneys