Title

Getting a Green Card (Permanent Residence Status)

Description
Check out these resources about permanent resident status.
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Information

Battered Spouse, Children, and Parents

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Green Card through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The DV Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

How Do I...? Customer Guides

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

These guides answer questions regarding immigration benefits.
As a permanent resident of the United States, you may help a relative become a lawful permanent resident based on your status. To do so, you will need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) when they come to the United States. Click here to learn more.

I am a U.S. citizen. How do I help my relative become a U.S. Permanent Resident?

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

As a citizen of the United States, you may help a relative become a lawful permanent resident of the United States by obtaining what is often referred to as a “Green Card.” To do so, you need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) when they come to the United States. Click here to learn more.

Language Access

By: Montana Legal Services Association

This resource discusses how MLSA provides access to free legal help in the language you understand.

Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

In general, you may qualify for naturalization under Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if you (1) Have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 3 years, (2) Have been living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during such time, and (3) Meet all other eligibility requirements under this section.
A T-visa gives temporary nonimmigrant status to victims of "severe forms of human trafficking" on the condition that they help law enforcement officials investigate and prosecute crimes related to human trafficking. However, if the victim is under 18 years of age, the law does not require cooperation with police to obtain a T-visa.

U Visa Laws for Crime Victims

By: WomensLaw.org

This page includes information about obtaining lawful status if you are the victim of certain crimes (including domestic abuse) and can obtain a certification that you are, have been or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

Immigration Forms

By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Immigration Forms