Green Card Lawyer

A green card provides immigrants permanent residency in the United States—a major milestone for many individuals and families seeking better opportunities.

If you’re overwhelmed by where to start, how the process works, or who can help you, don’t worry. You can read this guide to learn about the green card process, common pathways to getting a green card, and how a seasoned green card lawyer can make all the difference.

What Is a Green Card?

Petition for Your Family Member

Certain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident can petition for their family members to receive a green card. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have no cap on the number of green cards that can be granted in a year. If U.S. citizens want to sponsor other family members such as older children, married children or siblings, the number of petitions that can be granted is capped. Lawful permanent residents can only sponsor their immediate relatives, and all these petitions have a cap.

The capped family petitions are known as family preference visas. Each category is allowed to grant a certain number of visas a year (a cap), which means there is often a longer processing time for these visas.

Marriage green cards are also one of the most common ways to get a green card. However, the process is often scrutinized by immigration officials to ensure the marriage is genuine. A green card lawyer can assist couples in gathering the proper evidence and preparing for interviews to prove they are in a bona fide relationship.

Priority and processing times vary depending on family relationships. A green card lawyer simplifies the process by organizing the necessary documentation and ensuring you act when a visa becomes available to you.

Green Cards for Victims of Abuse

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), certain abuse victims (spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or LPRs) can self-petition for a green card without their abuser’s knowledge. A compassionate green card lawyer has experience handling sensitive cases, offering victims legal protection, privacy, and advocacy.

Employment Green Cards

Certain individuals can be sponsored by a U.S. employer for a green card. The employer must meet strict labor requirements in order to sponsor an immigrant. A green card lawyer is essential to this process.

Green Card Application Process

1. Eligibility Determination

Identify the category under which you qualify for a green card and gather information about the specific eligibility criteria. A green card lawyer can help determine your eligibility as a sponsor or beneficiary.

2. Sponsor Files the Petition

Your sponsor must file the correct petition on your behalf.

·         For asylum: Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

·         For family-based petitions: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

·         For VAWA self-petitioners: I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant

·         For employment: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers

3. File Form I-485

File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is used to apply for a green card through adjustment of status. Alternatively, if applying from overseas, you’ll go through consular processing.

4. Submit Biometrics

You’ll be scheduled to visit a local Application Support Center (ASC) or your embassy or consulate for a biometrics appointment. They will collect your fingerprints, photos, and signatures for background checking.

5. Attend the Green Card Interview

An immigration officer will ask questions to confirm your application details and evaluate eligibility. A green card lawyer can help you prepare for this critical step in your application.

6. Await the Decision

After completing all the above, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consular officer will review your case and issue a final decision.