Form I-551: The Legal Definition and Its Importance for Residents

Definition & Meaning

Form I-551, commonly known as the Green Card or Alien Registration Card, is an official document that serves as proof of a person's status as a permanent resident in the United States. Holding a valid Form I-551 allows individuals to live and work permanently in the U.S. It is essential for Green Card holders to maintain their residency status, as failure to meet certain conditions can lead to removal proceedings. Individuals can obtain Form I-551 through various means, including marriage to a U.S. citizen, employment, or refugee and asylum status.

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Legal Use & context

Form I-551 is used primarily in immigration law. It is essential for individuals seeking to establish their permanent residency in the U.S. This form is significant in various legal contexts, including:

Immigration applications and processes
Employment verification
Family sponsorship for immigration

Users can manage some aspects of their immigration status with the right tools, such as US Legal Forms' templates, which are drafted by real attorneys.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A foreign national marries a U.S. citizen and applies for Form I-551. After two years of marriage, they must apply to remove the conditions on their residency status.

Example 2: An individual granted asylum in the U.S. applies for Form I-551 to secure their permanent residency status.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are eligible for Form I-551, consider the following steps:

Determine your eligibility based on your situation (e.g., marriage, employment, asylum).
Gather necessary documentation to support your application.
Explore US Legal Forms for ready-to-use templates to assist with your application.
If your situation is complex, consider consulting a legal professional for personalized advice.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Validity Period	Ten years (for permanent Form I-551)
Renewal Requirement	Every ten years
Conditions	Must not commit serious crimes or reside outside the U.S. for extended periods