Immigration Status Types You Need to Know Before Going to US

Getting confused about the immigration status types? If yes, then have a close look at the immigration status types in 2023.

Everyone knows that if you’re going to be in the United States for any length of time, you need to obtain documentation proving your immigration status. But many people are unaware of just how complicated and nuanced the system can be.

This is especially true if you’re an immigrant who’s living in the U.S. on a short-term visa or an unauthorized immigrant facing deportation. There are numerous factors that go into determining your immigration status.

Most people can agree that being deported is the result of deviant behavior, not bad luck or poor planning.

So, it is important that you have a proper understanding of different types of immigration statuses. This is why we are here to help. We have specified all the details related to different types of immigration statuses.

Before understanding the different types of U.S. immigration status types, let’s get an overview of it and then take it ahead.

Immigration Status: Overview

When it comes to the U.S. immigration system, it allows different statuses. Every single immigration status type comes with its own terms and conditions.

This means that what might be allowed in one form of immigration status might not be allowed in another form.

One can stay in the U.S. only with one of the immigration status types. It doesn’t matter if you have one visa or more, you can reside in the U.S. with one immigration status only.

This is why it is important to understand properly about the same and then proceed ahead with the immigration process.

In the below segment, we are going to discuss about the different types of immigration statuses to help you in the process. Let’s check it out.

Different Types of Immigration Status

To understand the different immigration statuses, you don’t need to be a lawyer. All it needs is a basic understanding of immigration policies and laws.

It is important for you to know about the four different types of immigration statuses that people in the U.S. are categorized into.

This can help you get your application for immigration approved. Below are the different immigration types that you must know about. Check it out. 

United States Citizen

You are a U.S. citizen if you are born here. It doesn’t matter where you have been raised afterward. If one of the parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born, then also you are also considered to be a U.S. citizen legally.

This means you get benefits like the right to live, vote, and get work here in the United States.

Not only this, but they can also avail of federal benefits that include social services and academic loans. They are not going to be forced or deported to their home country, no matter what.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Birth Certificate,
• Parent’s Identity Proof or Green Card,
• Valid Passport
• No Criminal records

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

If you have LPR or a Lawful Permanent Resident, then this means that you have a green card and are allowed to stay and work in the USA. But, this type of immigration status cuts off specific benefits like being involved in social services or voting.

One with this type of immigration status can travel in and out anytime as per their needs but is not allowed to spend a long period of time outside.

If they commit any kind of crime or have violated any rules and regulations related to immigration, the chances of deportation get high.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Self Green Card
• Birth Certificate
• Parent’s Green Card 
• Valid Passport
• No Criminal Record

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Temporary Visitor

As the name goes, this type of immigration status is for the one who has the permit to stay in the USA. This is basically a form of work permit that has been sanctioned by the government for the respective citizen to live in the United States for a specific time period and purpose as well.

This type of immigration status has an expiry date, and if you haven’t renewed the same before the respective time period, you will lose the authority to stay in this part legally.

Eligibility Criteria

• Government Sanctioned letter,
• Work permit Visa,
• Valid Passport,
• Assurance that you will leave the place after the work is completed. 
• Undocumented Immigrant:

When it comes to undocumented immigrants, they do not have the authority or permission to work and reside in the USA. They have maximum chances of being deported.

So, the ones who are not a citizen of the USA and are residing here without a green card and visa, then they belong undocumented immigrant type, just like the name suggests.

Last Words

Hopefully, you got clarity about the different immigration status types in the USA. Every single immigration status comes with different sets of rules and regulations, and it is important that you follow the same no matter what. If not, the chances of you being deported are very high.

Frequently Asked Questions