What is an Immigration Applicant? A Comprehensive Guide

Definition & Meaning

An immigration applicant is a person who formally requests permission to immigrate to the United States, typically by applying for a visa or Green Card. Most applicants need a petitioner, often a family member or employer, to support their application. A Green Card allows a person to live and work in the U.S. and is usually valid for ten years, after which it must be renewed using Form I-90.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A person from Mexico applies for a Green Card based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen. The U.S. citizen acts as the petitioner in this case.

Example 2: A skilled worker from India seeks a work visa sponsored by their employer in the U.S. (hypothetical example).

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Immigration petitioner A person who sponsors an immigration applicant, often a family member or employer.
Visa applicant A person specifically applying for a visa, which may or may not lead to permanent residency.
Green Card holder An individual who has been granted permanent residency in the U.S.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are an immigration applicant, start by determining your eligibility and gather necessary documentation. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for complex situations. You may also find it helpful to explore US Legal Forms for ready-to-use legal templates to assist with your application process.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical fees Varies by application type; consult USCIS for current fees.
Jurisdiction Federal immigration law governs all applications.
Possible penalties Denial of application, deportation, or bans on future applications.

Key takeaways