Is being a “conditional” permanent resident a “lawful” permanent resident or not? For example, a conditional permanent resident must answer a question such as “Are you a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.?” What is the right answer, “yes” or “no”?
Answers
Yuliya Veremiyenko-Campos
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryA conditional permanent resident has the same rights as a permanent resident, and you can call yourself a resident of the United States. The only difference is that you need to petition to remove the conditions of your residency to receive a permanent 10-year green card.
Belma Demirovic Chinchoy
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIn short, yes. You have the same rights and privileges as a CPR…and you have to lift the ‘condition’ before you become LPR and can apply for citizenship.
Isabel Alcantara
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryWhile conditional permanent residents have nearly all the rights that lawful permanent residents possess, their status is temporary and subject to specific requirements. Once those conditions are removed, they become full lawful permanent residents with no further residency conditions. Generally speaking, a conditional permanent resident may answer yes to the question: "Are you a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.?" This is because a conditional permanent resident is a lawful permanent resident, albeit on a temporary status. However, clarifying that you are a conditional permanent resident in the additional information sheets at the end of USCIS petitions would be a good idea.
Lynne Feldman
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryAnswer is yes, they are the same (conditional residence is only a two-year grant).
Julia Roussinova
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryConditional permanent resident is a lawful permanent resident who has a 2-year conditional green card and for whom conditions need to be removed based on certain requirements, for example by filing I-751 or I-829 to obtain a 10-year permanent green card.
Andres Echevarria
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryConditional permanent residents are considered lawful permanent residents. Therefore, when a conditional permanent resident is asked if they are a "lawful permanent resident of the U.S.," the correct answer is "yes."
Key points:
• Conditional permanent residents have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, subject to certain conditions.
• They possess the same rights, privileges, responsibilities, and duties as other lawful permanent residents, except for the conditions specified in their status.
• Conditional permanent residents must meet specific requirements to remove the conditions on their residency, typically within two years of obtaining their status.
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