Alien lawfully admitted meaning :
Alien Lawfully Admitted is a legal term used to refer to a non-citizen who has been lawfully admitted into a country different from their nationality. This implies that the foreigner has met all eligibility criteria and followed the status acquisition process in accordance with the prevailing immigration laws. The immigration services of the host country have also assessed the application in full compliance with the procedure.
Depending on the laws and immigration policies in force in the host country, a foreigner may be lawfully admitted into the following immigration statuses :
- Visitor/temporary visas : These visas allow foreigners to stay temporarily in a country for purposes such as tourism, business, education, or temporary work.
- Permanent residence : Also known as a green card in the United States or permanent resident card in Canada, permanent residence allows a foreigner to live and work permanently in the host country.
- Work permits : These permits authorize a foreigner to work legally in a country for a specified period. Eligibility criteria and conditions vary depending on the country and type of permit.
- Family reunification : Some countries offer programs allowing citizens or permanent residents to bring their immediate family (spouse, children, parents) into the host country.
- Asylum and refugee status : Individuals fearing persecution in their country of origin due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion may apply for asylum or refugee status in a third country.
- Foreign students : Student visas allow foreigners to pursue studies at a recognized educational institution in the host country.
- Investors and entrepreneurs : Some countries offer special visas to foreign investors or entrepreneurs wishing to invest or start a business in the host country.
- Seasonal workers : Some countries allow seasonal workers to come and work for a limited period in industries such as agriculture, tourism, or construction.
- Skilled migration programs : Some countries have skilled migration programs aimed at attracting qualified workers in specific fields where there is a labor shortage.
When discussing alien lawfully admitted, it’s important to emphasize that the procedures for acquiring immigration status can vary from one country to another. The laws and eligibility conditions are not always identical. To apply for a residency permit or immigration status in accordance with the law, the best course of action is to engage a lawyer specialized in immigration law.