Permanent Residency Acquiring Landed Immigrant Status

[questions12358]

I have a friend who is a Canadian and has been married to their American wife for 13 years. He moved to the US with her 6 1/2 years ago.

They have procrastinated getting his landed immigrant status done because of the cost but now find themselves in a bit better financial situation.

Can they pursue getting their paper work done WITHOUT needing to leave the country? And if so how should they proceed?

PS Wife works full time. Husband does not work at all. Together, they run a part time home business and he has acquired a US tax ID# and they have jointly filed and paid their taxes. At present, their p/t home business has zero employees, although future growth may change that in coming years.

 

[ElleMD]

It is hard to know what to advise not knowing what status he is now.

 

[army judge]

I have a friend who is a Canadian and has been married to their American wife for 13 years. He moved to the US with her 6 1/2 years ago.

They have procrastinated getting his landed immigrant status done because of the cost but now find themselves in a bit better financial situation.

Can they pursue getting their paper work done WITHOUT needing to leave the country? And if so how should they proceed?

PS Wife works full time. Husband does not work at all. Together, they run a part time home business and he has acquired a US tax ID# and they have jointly filed and paid their taxes. At present, their p/t home business has zero employees, although future growth may change that in coming years.

The US doesn't use the term "landed immigrant".

Did you mean he wishes to seek a "green Card". or permanent resident status?
He and she can contact an immigration attorney in their county, or start here:

www.uscis.gov

 

[ElleMD]

It is a Canadian term, which is most equivalent to "permanent resident". It isn't clear how the friend is in the US now, if he ever had a visa/green card, or his relationship to this business. It would be best for your friend to consult with an immigration attorney.