immigrationsstatus

Immigration status, sometimes written as immigration status or referred to as immigrationsstatus in informal contexts, is the legal position a person holds under a country’s immigration laws. It determines what rights and obligations a person has while in that country, including whether they may reside, work, study, or access public services.

Common categories of immigration status include citizenship, which grants full rights of a country; permanent residency or similar labels, which allow long-term residence and often work rights; and temporary or non-immigrant statuses, which permit stay for a limited purpose such as tourism, education, or work. Other categories include asylum seekers and refugees, who seek protection and may be granted asylum or refugee status; and undocumented or stateless individuals, who lack authorized permission to remain. People can also hold conditional or temporary statuses that require renewals or updates.

Status is usually established through birthright, naturalization, or processes such as visa issuance, sponsorship by an employer or family member, asylum or refugee determinations, or adjustment of status. Documentation—such as passports, visas, residence permits, or green cards—proves the current status and authorizes specific activities.

Rights and obligations vary by status and country. Some statuses authorize work and access to public benefits, while others restrict employment or require ongoing compliance with conditions. Status can change due to policy updates, new applications, violations, or expiration of permits, and loss or withdrawal of status may lead to removal proceedings or might require renewed applications.

Because immigration systems differ widely, individuals and organizations often rely on official government guidance to determine the exact implications of a given immigration status.