One of the most important steps to becoming a lawful, permanent resident of the United States is obtaining a green card. Unfortunately, this can often be a lengthy and complicated task to undertake on your own. If you or someone you love is attempting to obtain a green card, contact Family Visa. At Family Visa, our green card lawyers are committed to helping clients resolve all types of immigration issues as quickly and as effectively as possible. Call today to schedule a free case consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, grants an individual authorization to live and work permanently in the United States.
Applying for a Green Card: A Quick Overview
Before you can apply for a green card, you will first need to determine if you are eligible, and if so, which of the eight eligibility categories you fall under. Next, someone will file an immigrant petition for you.
Once your immigrant petition is approved and there is a visa available in your category, you can file a green card application with USCIS. This is called Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You will also need to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature, and possibly attend an interview before you receive a decision on your application.
Eligibility Categories for a Green Card
You can apply for a green card if you fit into one of the following eligibility categories:
- Green card through family: You may be eligible to apply as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, fiancé of a U.S. citizen, widow or widower of a U.S. citizen, or another relative of a U.S. citizen or a green-card holder.
- Green card through employment: You may be eligible to apply as an immigrant worker, immigrant investor, or if you qualify under the physician national interest waiver.
- Green card as a special immigrant: You may be eligible to apply as a religious worker, special immigrant juvenile, Afghanistan or Iraq national, international broadcaster, or employee/family member of an international organization or NATO-6.
- Green card through refugee or asylee status: You may be able eligible to apply if you were granted asylum or refugee status at least one year ago.
- Green card for human trafficking and crime victims: You may be eligible to apply if you are a victim of human trafficking or another crime.
- Green card for victims of abuse: You may be eligible to apply as an abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or green-card holder.
- Green card through other categories: You may be eligible to apply under the Cuban Adjustment Act, Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF), and many other categories.
- Green card through registry: You may be eligible to register for a green card if you have lived continuously in the United States from before January 1, 1972.
Contact an Immigration Lawyer for Assistance
Choosing the right family immigration lawyer can make all of the difference. When you hire Family Visa, you will get a team of legal professionals that are multilingual, exclusively practicing this area of law, and experienced in all types of immigration matters, including obtaining a green card. We can help you through the green card application process and provide you with the support and resources you need. Call (800) 605-VISA today to learn more about our legal services.