Permanent Residency is the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Often people refer to this benefit as having a "green card" as the evidence of having this status was once ownership of a green colored identification card issued by the immigration service.
There are numerous ways to pursue permanent residency. Some of the most commonly utilized routes include sponsorship by an employer, sponsorship by a qualifying family member, self petitioning procedures by which applicants prove national interest or exceptional ability, seeking asylum, and the diversity lottery. The University is able to provide employer sponsorship for faculty and high level researchers.
Our office maintains a list of private immigration attorneys who are able to advise you on permanent residency or other immigration matters. We also recommend the following websites which contain very helpful information about permanent residency if you are interested in obtaining further information.