Apply For a Green Card with the Help of a Green Card Lawyer
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor specific family members for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
The immigration process for a foreign national getting a green card can be complex and depends on various factors. Consider seeking assistance from a Michigan green card lawyer like Kaur Law PC.
Here is an overview of the basic procedures for U.S. citizens or LPRs to petition for their foreign national family members. Reach out to one of our green card lawyers from Kaur Law PC to assess your situation.
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A Green Card Lawyer Can Determine Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, green card applicants must determine their eligibility. Applicants often apply based on familial relationships, but employment or investment visa holders may also be eligible.
Green card lawyers specialize in U.S. immigration law, working to help immigrants, like you, achieve lawful permanent residency. Below are several ways a green card lawyer can assist you with your application.
A Green Card Lawyer Can Help with Family-Based Petitions
Filing family-based petitions is one of the most common ways to get a green card. Family members can apply for a green card if they are closely related to the sponsor–a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouses, children, parents, and siblings if they are 21 years of age or older.
- Lawful permanent residents can sponsor their spouses and children.
The sponsor must also sign an affidavit of support to establish financial responsibility for the beneficiary.
A green card lawyer can help you address issues in your application, such as requests for evidence (RFEs) or potential inadmissibility concerns.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
Planning to marry a U.S. citizen? The K-1 fiancé visa allows you to enter the U.S. for your wedding. Once married, you can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
While the K-1 visa process grants a direct path to marriage, it’s far from simple. A green card lawyer can help by ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements, such as proving the authenticity of your relationship and preparing for the visa interview.
A Green Card Lawyer Can Assist You with a Marriage Green Card
If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, applying for a green card through marriage might be the best option to secure lawful permanent residency.
If you and your spouse have been married for less than two years, you will only get a conditional green card. That means you can only keep your green card if you remain married to your spouse and your circumstances don’t change in a way that would make you ineligible for a green card.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, but it is important that you do not marry someone just to obtain an immigration benefit. Preventing marriage immigration fraud is one of the most common reasons why green card marriage cases are often scrutinized.
After two years you will need to ask the U.S. government to remove the conditions attached to your green card.
If you divorce your spouse, there’s a chance that you’ll lose your green card. However, there are some special circumstances that may allow you to keep your lawful permanent resident status. Consider hiring a green card lawyer if you’re in danger of losing your green card.
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Obtain a Green Card Through Asylum
After one year of holding asylum status in the U.S., you can apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card). If you applied for asylum and your application was approved, our green card lawyers from Kaur Law PC will be ready to assist you in adjusting your status to be a green card holder.
If you have yet to apply for asylum but fear you will be persecuted if you return to your home country, we can help with that too.
A Green Card Lawyer Can Help You Apply for an Employment-Based Visa
Employment-based visas are categorized into EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 visa categories. To qualify for permanent work visas, you should have extraordinary ability, advanced degrees, or be a skilled employee.
Each employment-based visa has specific requirements. Eligibility depends on your skill level, work history, and employer sponsorship. Securing an employment-based green card can open doors to career opportunities while solidifying your legal status in the U.S.
How to Get a Green Card
The process for obtaining a green card involves several critical steps, each equally important to the application’s success. It generally starts with the submission of a petition on behalf of the foreign national by either a family member or an employer, depending on the category of the application.
Filing a Petition: You must first file an immigrant petition with USCIS. Which petition you use depends on the type of application you are filing.
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for family-based applications
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) for employment-based immigration
- Form I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant for all other applications.
Visa Bulletin Check: Upon approval of the petition, beneficiaries must check the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State to determine if a visa is available in their category. Immigration to the United States is subject to caps in certain categories, and this step ensures that applicants know when to proceed. Immediate relatives to U.S. citizens are not subject to a cap and can skip this step.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If the beneficiary is already in the U.S., they may be eligible to adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident by submitting Form I-485. For those outside the United States, consular processing is the path whereby the applicant applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate in their home country.
Biometrics Appointment: Applicants may be required to attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints, photographs, and a signature are collected to conduct background and security checks.
Interview: A critical step in the green card process is the interview, where applicants must attend an interview at either a USCIS office (if adjusting status within the U.S.) or at a U.S. consulate (for consular processing).
Decision: After the interview, applicants will receive a decision on their application. If approved, they will receive their green card and will be able to live and work permanently in the United States.
It is crucial for applicants to provide accurate and complete information throughout the process and to comply with all USCIS requirements. Missteps can lead to delays or the denial of the application.
Our Green Card Lawyers Are Ready to Help!
Kaur Law PC is committed to guiding our clients through each step of this complex process. Our green card lawyers can help you understand your rights, obligations and work towards the successful outcome of your green card application.
Schedule a consultation with our skilled green card lawyers today and let us guide you towards a successful and stress-free immigration process. Your future in the United States begins here!
