International Student and Scholar Services
legal permanent resident

Lawful Permanent Residency

A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is a person who has been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing in the United States as an immigrant.  An individual can become a lawful permanent resident through a variety of avenues; there are three principal ways to qualify.

  • Family—requires a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or LPR to petition on behalf of the alien member.
  • Employment-based—related to the kind of work the non-immigrant will be engaged in, it often requires (though not always) a U.S. employer petition on behalf of the non-immigrant.
  • Public or humanitarian policy—to meet the needs of refugees and asylees, as well as public goals, such as diversity.
     

WMU Sponsorship Process

  • Centralized handling: I3S coordinates all WMU employment-based LPR petitions.
  • Exceptions: EB-1 Extraordinary Ability or EB-2 National Interest Waiver categories allow self-petitioning with personal attorney (at individual expense), as these categories do not require an offer of employment.
  • Start early: To begin the LPR process for an employee or for additional information, contact an I3S immigration officer at (269) 387-5865.
  • For top experts with sustained national/international acclaim.
  • No job offer or labor certification needed; self-petition possible.
  • Must show intent to continue work in expertise area.
  • Internationally recognized professors/researchers with 3+ years experience.
  • Requires permanent WMU full-time job offer.
  • No labor certification.
  • A U.S. Master's, Doctorate, or foreign equivalent, or a Bachelor's with 5+ years progressive experience, or those with exceptional ability (10+ years experience).
  • Standard: Needs permanent WMU job offer + labor certification (special university handling available).
  • National Interest Waiver: No job offer/certification if national interest shown.
  • Those with exceptional ability (10+ years experience).
  • Standard: Needs permanent WMU job offer + labor certification (special university handling available).
  • National Interest Waiver: No job offer/certification if national interest shown.
  • Bachelor's degree professionals or skilled workers (2+ years training).
  • Requires permanent WMU job offer + labor certification.
  • Labor certification required

Schedule A Group I

  • Licensed physical therapists or professional nurses.
  • Requires permanent WMU job offer as physical therapist or nurse.
  • DOL provides "blanket" labor certification for these roles.

Schedule A Group II

  • Exceptional ability in sciences or arts (except performing arts).
  • Must have widespread acclaim and international recognition.
  • Practicing their art for at least 1 year prior to application.
  • Requires permanent WMU job offer meeting EB-2/EB-3 minimum requirements.
  • The Program for Electronic Review Management (PERM) system files permanent labor certifications with the U.S. Department of Labor—the first step in the three-step employment-based LPR process.
  • Purpose: WMU proves no qualified, willing, available U.S. workers exist for the position, and hiring the foreign national won't harm U.S. workers' wages/conditions.
  • Tracks:
    • Special handling: For university teachers.
    • Basic track: For non-teaching faculty and professionals.
  • Employer responsibility: All recruitment must meet strict PERM requirements—independent efforts by departments often fail compliance.
  • Warning: PERM rules change frequently, making it complex. Non-compliant recruitment wastes time and can't be reused. Always consult the WMU immigration officer before any advertising or hiring steps.

Faculty with LPR status who anticipate extended travel abroad should meet with WMU International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) in advance of travel abroad for immigration advice and assistance. Those with LPR status who anticipate that they will be entering the U.S. infrequently, or who will not reenter the U.S. within 12 months of departure, are strongly advised to file an application for a Reentry Permit with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. LPR status can potentially be lost if the LPR stays outside the U.S. for periods exceeding one year. For more information on international travel and reentry permits see the USCIS website.