Permanent Residence (Green Card)

A permanent resident (green card holder) in the U.S. has the right to live and work in the U.S. without the restrictions that affect non-immigrant visa holders (i.e. F-1, H-1B, J-1, TN, etc.). Permanent resident status may last a lifetime if the individual maintains resident status and avoids an uninterrupted absence from the U.S. of more than 6 months without USCIS authorization. Permanent residents may also apply for U.S. citizenship when a specified time has passed. The amount of time before qualifying for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) depends on the category through which an individual qualified for a “green card.”

The three most common ways that Scripps Research employees gain permanent residence are:

1. Through a self-petition, based on abilities in the National Interest (NIW or EB2) or Extraordinary Ability (EB1);
2. Through the petition of a close relative, such as a U.S. citizen spouse; or
3. Through a permanent offer of employment at Scripps Research in a position requiring a PhD.

The ISO invites immigration attorneys to visit each year, to present lectures on how to gain permanent residence in the U.S. Please contact the ISO if you would like to find out if there is an upcoming presentation. In addition, Margaret Hellwarth, International Services Manager, can offer general guidance on applying for permanent residence in the U.S. Please contact Margaret for an appointment.

If you have filed or plan to file an application for permanent residence, please notify the International Services Office. It may affect your current non-immigrant status and ability to travel.

For additional information, please visit the USCIS webpage.