Important Things to Know as a Recently Admitted Legal Permanent Resident Introduction to the Closing Letter

Adjustment of Status (AOS) allows non-immigrant visa holders to apply for permanent residency without returning to their home country. If successful, the applicants receive a conditional green card or permanent residency. A conditional green card or permanent residency status marks a significant milestone for those who wish to make the United States a home of choice. However, the status comes with privileges and responsibilities.

As you enjoy the privileges, you must meet your obligations to continue living in the United States. Moreover, you are only steps away from becoming a citizen through naturalization, and your conduct as a permanent resident may influence this process. At HBM Law, we understand the intricate nature of AOS. That’s why we provide a closing letter for clients to keep in mind as a useful guide in order to comply with immigration guidelines. It involves the steps necessary to maintain your LPR status and the do’s and dont’s to ensure that you remain on track toward fulfilling the requirements for naturalization.

Closing Letter for Recently Admitted Legal Permanent Residents

Every client of HBM Law will be scheduled for a closing call with Attorney Himani to go over important information of their newly acquired status and important dates to note. All our clients also receive a closing letter and closing call that entails relevant information on what U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects from the Client. The purpose of the closing call and closing letter is to set up clients for future immigration success and wed go over any requirements and important dates they need to be aware of.

Conditional Residence

You are considered a conditional permanent resident if your green card is valid for only two years. In such cases, USCIS mandates that you file a petition to remove the conditions on your permanent residency no later than 90 days before your green card expires. If the petition is approved, you will be granted a permanent green card valid for 10 years.

Traveling Outside the United States

Once you travel abroad, you use a green card to return to the United States. Permanent residents who intend to stay abroad for more than a year should apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the United States.

Can You Lose Your Permanent Resident Status?

While legal permanent resident status allows you to live and work in the United States, you must fulfill your obligations to continue enjoying this right. Failure to meet your obligations may lead to deportation or loss of permanent residence status. Instances that may lead to loss of legal permanent residence status include:

Change of Permanent Residence

You may lose your status if the immigration officials establish that the United States is no longer your permanent residence. The immigration officials assume you have changed your permanent residence if you accept an overseas job for an unspecified period. Always contact your immigration attorney before accepting overseas jobs.

Conviction

You may lose your permanent residence status if you are convicted of any drug-related crimes or other specified felonies. A conviction of any two crimes arising from multiple schemes may also lead to deportation. Engaging in international crimes like espionage, sabotage, or terrorist activities also leads to loss of permanent residency.

Aiding Illegal Immigration to the United States

While legal permanent residents may file visa petitions on behalf of close family members, they must follow legal channels. Fraudulently aiding an immigrant may result in loss of permanent residency.

Failure to Report Change of Address

The law requires you to report a change of address to the USCIS District Office within 10 days. Failure to report may lead to deportation.

Tax Obligations

Green card holders are tax residents who must pay taxes on all incomes, including those earned abroad. You must meet all your tax obligations to avoid losing your residence status.

Social Security Card and Employment

Contact USCIS if you are a recently admitted legal permanent resident and your social security card is not valid for employment. The restriction will be removed if you provide evidence of permanent residence status.

Naturalization

A legal permanent resident is not a citizen. As such, your rights are limited. However, you can become a United States citizen through naturalization and enjoy all rights, including voting and running for office. Naturalization also allows you to file petitions for immediate relatives to become permanent residents. Reach out to our immigration attorney, Himani Bhardwaj, to guide you on the naturalization process.

Contact HBM Law to Learn More About the Adjustment of Status and the Closing Letter

Once approved, an adjustment of status may grant you conditional permanent residency, which must be adjusted 90 days before its expiry. Recently admitted legal permanent residents must also comply with USCIS guidelines to continue living in the United States and eventually apply for naturalization. However, the guidelines may appear complex to most permanent residents. Our immigration law firm based in Iowa, HBM Law, developed a closing letter to help remain within the guidelines. Contact us to learn more about the immigration requirements in the United States.