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PERMANENT IMMIGRATION
Immigrant Visa
Permanent immigration is the ultimate goal of many employees entering or planning to enter the United States. Lawful permanent residency offers individuals a multitude of benefits, including the freedom to live and work permanently in the U.S. Potential immigrants should be as informed about the laws as possible. Immigrants to the United States are divided into two categories:
- Individuals who may acquire permanent residency without numerical limitation.
- Individuals subject to a yearly limitation.
There are three divisions of this category: family-based; employment-based; and diversity immigrants.
PERM Labor Certification (Before Permanent Residence "Green Card")
In most cases, prior to filing an employment-based immigrant visa application on the employee's behalf, employers must receive approval of a Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification. This application is filed on behalf of the sponsored or potential employee. As of March 2005, the PERM labor certification process has replaced the traditional Recruitment or Reduction in Recruitment (RIR) process, and is now the primary process for allowing businesses to sponsor employees to receive green cards.
For more information on PERM Labor Certification, please click here.
Employment Authorization and Employment-Based Permanent Residence (Green Card)
A work visa (employment-based visa) allows for non-immigrant legal entry into the United States, usually for a limited period of time and usually for a specific job. Permanent Residency, also referred to a "green card" or immigrant visa, allows entry into the U.S. with the intention of staying. Green card holders can work at any job in the United States. Permanent Resident status is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), with priority given to spouses, dependent children, and parents. Green cards for other family members are subject to annual quotas, and approval sometimes takes many years.
For more information on permanent residency and green cards, please click here.
Citizenship
Ronald Shapiro practices exclusively in immigration, and enjoys helping immigrants whose ultimate goal is becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. He can knowledgeably and patiently lead you through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements, and address any problems with your naturalization application.
For more information on citizenship, please click here.
