Navigating the Path to Citizenship: How Long Do I Have to be a Resident?

June 29, 2024

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Family-Based Immigration: How to Sponsor a Relative for a U.S. Visa?

February 19, 2025
Family-Based Immigration: How to Sponsor a Relative for a U.S. Visa?

Work Visas in the U.S.: Which One is Right for You?

February 19, 2025
Work Visas in the U.S.: Which One is Right for You?

Common Immigration Pitfalls and How to Avoid Delays

February 19, 2025
Common Immigration Pitfalls and How to Avoid Delays 

Who Can Apply for Asylum in the United States?

October 21, 2024
Who Can Apply for Asylum in the United States?

Navigating the Path to Citizenship: Understanding Which Visas Lead to Permanent Residency

September 20, 2024
Navigating the Path to Citizenship: Understanding Which Visas Lead to Permanent Residency

Navigating the Naturalization Process: What Documents are Required?

September 1, 2024
Navigating the Naturalization Process: What Documents are Required?

How an Attorney for Victims of Human Trafficking Can Help You

August 1, 2024
Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, and victims often face significant physical, emotional, and legal challenges. This blog post from Lively Law Firm explains how an attorney for victims of human trafficking can provide crucial support. Learn about the benefits of professional legal assistance, the resources available for victims, and how our firm can help you navigate the complexities of your case and secure the justice you deserve.

Navigating the Process of Receiving a Work Permit After Asylum Approval

June 3, 2024
Navigating the Process of Receiving a Work Permit After Asylum Approval

Groundbreaking Healthcare Access for Dreamers: A Milestone in Equity

May 23, 2024
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), a pivotal piece of modern American healthcare legislation, is expanding its reach in a historic manner to include Dreamers. This landmark movesignifies a substantial leap forward in ensuring that hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, who arrived in the United States as children and have since lived here under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, can now access affordable health insurance. What This Means for Dreamers: ● Expanded Access: Dreamers are now eligible to apply for health insurance through the ACA marketplaces, opening up a wide range of comprehensive coverage options. The coverage spans preventive care, emergency services, maternity care, and more, ensuring a robust health support system. ● Affordability: The extension of ACA benefits to Dreamers comes with subsidies and financial assistance tailored based on income. This pivotal shift is set to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for many. ● Security and Peace of Mind: This expansion provides a sense of security and peace of mind. Dreamers can nownavigate their lives and careers with one less worry, knowing they are covered for medical services necessary for unforeseen illnesses or accidents. Access to affordable healthcare is critical for the well-being and prosperity of every community. Extending ACA eligibility to Dreamers represents a vital step towards ensuring that every resident of the United States, regardless of immigration status, has the chance to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. We urge everyone to spread the word about this significant development. Talk about it with friends, family, and share on social media. If you or someone you know is a Dreamer, take the time to explore the ACA marketplace to understand the new options available. Now, more than ever, it's crucial that everyone eligible takes advantage of this opportunity for affordable healthcare coverage.  For more information, please visit the White House Press Room Fact sheet regarding the ACAextension for Dreamers.

What Residents of North Carolina Need to Know About Temporary Protected Status Attorneys

January 29, 2024
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is an immigration benefit provided to foreign nationals who fled their countries due to natural disasters, wars, or other emergencies. TPS attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in handling immigration matters related to TPS. If you are a North Carolina resident who needs assistance with TPS, you may be wondering how to find a reliable TPS attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of immigration law. In this blog post, we will provide you with everything you need to know about TPS attorneys and how to choose the right one for your case. First and foremost, it is essential to understand what TPS attorneys do. TPS attorneys assist TPS beneficiaries in applying for, renewing, and maintaining their TPS status. They help their clients prepare and submit the required documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and represent them in TPS-related hearings and appeals. TPS attorneys help their clients avoid common mistakes that could lead to rejection or revocation of their TPS status and ensure that their clients meet all the eligibility criteria. When choosing a TPS attorney, it is crucial to consider their experience and qualifications. An experienced TPS attorney will have a deep understanding of the TPS process, USCIS regulations, and immigration law. They will have handled numerous TPS cases and have a proven track record of success. A qualified TPS attorney should have a law degree from an accredited law school, be licensed to practice law in the state of North Carolina, and be a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Another factor to consider when choosing a TPS attorney is their reputation. A reputable TPS attorney will have many positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients. They will also have a good standing with the state bar association and other professional organizations. You can check the attorney's website, social media pages, and review websites to gauge their reputation. It is also important to consider the TPS attorney's fees. The fees for TPS representation may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and the location. Some TPS attorneys offer free consultations, flat fees, or contingency fees, while others bill by the hour. It is recommended to obtain the fee structure in writing before agreeing to hire a TPS attorney. Finally, it is important to choose a TPS attorney who speaks your language or has access to translation services. Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings and delays in the TPS process, which could have adverse consequences. Additionally, having a TPS attorney who understands your culture and background can help build trust and facilitate effective communication. In conclusion, if you are a North Carolina resident who needs assistance with TPS, finding a reliable TPS attorney is crucial. TPS attorneys can provide you with the guidance, support, and representation you need to achieve a favorable outcome. When choosing a TPS attorney, consider their experience, qualifications, reputation, fees, and language skills. With the right TPS attorney, you can navigate the complexities of immigration law and secure your TPS status.

Navigating the Path to Citizenship: How Long Do I Have to be a Resident?

As an immigrant to the United States, one of the ultimate goals may be to become a citizen. However, the path to citizenship can sometimes seem daunting and unclear. One common question that many immigrants have is how long they must be a resident before they can apply for citizenship. At Lively Law Firm, we understand the complexities of immigration law and are here to provide legal assistance to help guide you through the process.


The general rule for becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is that you must have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years before applying for citizenship. This means that you have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for five continuous years without leaving the country for extended periods of time. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship after only three years of being a permanent resident.


In addition to meeting the residency requirement, there are other eligibility criteria that must be met in order to qualify for citizenship. These criteria include being able to read, write, and speak basic English, having knowledge of U.S. history and government (tested during the naturalization interview), and demonstrating good moral character. At Lively Law Firm, we can help assess your eligibility for citizenship and assist you in preparing your application.


It is important to note that even if you meet all of the requirements for citizenship, it is ultimately up to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve your application. The naturalization process can be complex and time-consuming, which is why having experienced legal representation on your side can greatly increase your chances of success. Our team at Lively Law Firm has helped countless immigrants navigate the path to citizenship with care and expertise.


Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone that many immigrants aspire to achieve. Understanding the residency requirements and eligibility criteria is crucial in order to successfully navigate the naturalization process. At Lively Law Firm, we are committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistance to immigrants seeking citizenship in the United States. If you have questions about how long you need to be a resident before applying for citizenship or need help with any other aspect of your immigration journey, don't hesitate to reach out – we are here to support you every step of the way!

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