Maintaining Your Immigration Status
If you are a US immigrant, you likely know that your immigration status is never set in stone.
Some immigrants are conditional permanent residents who must address their immigration status at the end of the conditional two year status.
Even permanent residents must be sure to follow proper immigration procedures in order to maintain their green cards.
Being aware of immigration laws can help you make sure your residency status doesn't become jeopardized because of unknown regulations and deadlines.
Conditional Permanent Residents If you have married a US citizen, you have been granted a two year conditional green card.
Before it expires, you must appeal to have the conditions dropped from your green card.
A conditional green card is not renewable.
It must be upgraded to a regular green card.
You should start the process of updating it at least 90 prior to its expiration.
Allowing it to expire can terminate your citizenship rights and prevent you from receiving a green card.
Staying on top of immigration deadlines is imperative to ensuring you gain full citizenship.
If you have a conditional green card, you may want to consider hiring an attorney specializing in immigration law.
If you retain an attorney, they will be able to initiate your immigration update in a timely fashion and manage all forms and paperwork for you.
Permanent Residents: Holders of Green Cards Even if you hold a green card, there are still aspects of US law that you need to be aware of in order to keep your permanent residency; • You must obey all local, state, and federal laws • You must be sure to file all state and federal taxes, on time • If you are a male between 18 and 25 year old, you must register with the selective services of the US Armed Forces.
• If you move, you must notify the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of your change of address.
• You should possess proof of your residency at all times.
If you obey all of these rules, the most important other thing to remember is that you must limit the amount of time you remain outside of the country.
If you are gone from the country for longer than 6 months, you will want to apply for a re-entry permit before you leave the country.
This reentry permit will show the government that you have intentions of returning and living full time in the United States.
Failing to apply for a reentry permit can put your residency status in jeopardy.
You may not be able to re-enter the country after an extended absence.
Your green card must be renewed every ten years.
You can begin the renewal process six months before it is set to expire.
If you don't have a personal attorney, you might consider retaining one who has experience with immigration law.
An immigration law attorney can help you stay up-to-date with changes in the law and can help you renew your immigration status in a timely manner, as well as help you with re-entry permits if you plan on being out of the country for an extended amount of time.
Some immigrants are conditional permanent residents who must address their immigration status at the end of the conditional two year status.
Even permanent residents must be sure to follow proper immigration procedures in order to maintain their green cards.
Being aware of immigration laws can help you make sure your residency status doesn't become jeopardized because of unknown regulations and deadlines.
Conditional Permanent Residents If you have married a US citizen, you have been granted a two year conditional green card.
Before it expires, you must appeal to have the conditions dropped from your green card.
A conditional green card is not renewable.
It must be upgraded to a regular green card.
You should start the process of updating it at least 90 prior to its expiration.
Allowing it to expire can terminate your citizenship rights and prevent you from receiving a green card.
Staying on top of immigration deadlines is imperative to ensuring you gain full citizenship.
If you have a conditional green card, you may want to consider hiring an attorney specializing in immigration law.
If you retain an attorney, they will be able to initiate your immigration update in a timely fashion and manage all forms and paperwork for you.
Permanent Residents: Holders of Green Cards Even if you hold a green card, there are still aspects of US law that you need to be aware of in order to keep your permanent residency; • You must obey all local, state, and federal laws • You must be sure to file all state and federal taxes, on time • If you are a male between 18 and 25 year old, you must register with the selective services of the US Armed Forces.
• If you move, you must notify the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of your change of address.
• You should possess proof of your residency at all times.
If you obey all of these rules, the most important other thing to remember is that you must limit the amount of time you remain outside of the country.
If you are gone from the country for longer than 6 months, you will want to apply for a re-entry permit before you leave the country.
This reentry permit will show the government that you have intentions of returning and living full time in the United States.
Failing to apply for a reentry permit can put your residency status in jeopardy.
You may not be able to re-enter the country after an extended absence.
Your green card must be renewed every ten years.
You can begin the renewal process six months before it is set to expire.
If you don't have a personal attorney, you might consider retaining one who has experience with immigration law.
An immigration law attorney can help you stay up-to-date with changes in the law and can help you renew your immigration status in a timely manner, as well as help you with re-entry permits if you plan on being out of the country for an extended amount of time.
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