Conditional permanent resident VS. Lawful permanent resident

Published: November 30, 2021

There are different categories when it comes to residency in the United States. For purposes of immigration, learning the distinction between these categories will be critical. Many people get confused with “Conditional Permanent Resident” and “Lawful Permanent Resident.” Here is a comprehensive overview of the two.

Conditional Permanent Resident

USCIS will issue a Green Card with a conditional permanent status for specific immigrants, i.e., spouses of U.S. Citizens or LPRs and investors. This issuance only allows holders to legally stay within the country for not more than two years. From the name alone, conditional permanent residents must fulfill conditions to become complete and lawful permanent residents, like staying married to the petitioner or sustaining the required capital during the 2-year-period. After completing the prerequisites, applicants should petition to remove the conditions within the 90-day validity of their conditional residency.

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

On the other hand, LPRs refer to non-citizens lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States. As Green Card holders, they can join any employment without special restrictions, own properties, receive financial assistance at public colleges and universities, and join the Armed Forces. Unlike conditional permanent residents, LPRs may legally stay within United States territory for ten (10) years and regularly apply for renewal.

Conditional permanent residents who successfully complied with all the necessary conditions will unlock permanent LPR status. They will acquire the ten-year validity Green Card and all other benefits that LPRs enjoy.

Purpose of Conditional Status

Setting a conditional status serves as a safety net for the American government. The issuances with conditional permanent status, especially marriage-based applications, are used by rogue applicants to bypass immigration regulations. To avoid granting Green Cards to sham applicants, the government imposes a stricter procedure involving several Green Card aspirants.

Failure to Remove Conditions

Upon entry to the United States, an immigrant with a conditional permanent status may comply with all conditions within a given date. If applicants fail to perform all needed processes within the stated deadline, they may lose their conditional permanent residency. From that point onwards, immigration authorities may subject them to deportation proceedings.

Need Legal Help?

Transitioning from conditional status to LPR can be a tricky process. The same goes for applying Green Card to achieve an LPR status. Avoid all the hassle and confusion with the help of renowned Los Angeles immigration attorneys. ALG Lawyers has the tools, connections, and crew to resolve your immigration-related issues. We are just one tap or call away!