In order to be eligible to live and work in the United States, any person who is not a U.S. citizen or national, commonly referred to as ‘aliens’, must apply for a green card. This process can be difficult and confusing to handle on your own. If you or someone in your family is attempting to or interested in obtaining a U.S. green card, the immigration attorneys at Family Visa can help. At Family Visa, we have dedicated our practice to helping clients resolve their immigration and green card issues as efficiently as possible. Call today to find out how we can help.
What is a Green Card?
A green card is an identity document that shows that the holder has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States permanently. Officially known as a permanent resident card, green cards are issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and act as proof of that status.
There are several ways to apply for a green card and become a permanent resident in the United States. These include:
- Green Card through Family
- Green Card through Employment
- Green Card as a Special Immigrant
- Green Card through Refugee or Asylee Status
- Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
- Green Card for Victims of Abuse
- Green Card through Registry
Each eligibility category comes with its own requirements, process, and documents. For instance, green cards through family fall into two categories, immediate family and family preference. Green cards through employment have different priority levels based on the type of work that the applicant performs. Additionally, there are several other categories that may be available in certain circumstances such as American Indians born in Canada, persons born in the U.S. to foreign diplomats and the U.S. Department of State diversity lottery program.
Why It Is Important to Hire a Green Card Attorney
The process of obtaining a green card can be long, tedious, and frustrating. In general, a visa must be available for you before you can apply for a Green Card. In some categories, visas are always available, while in others, there are a limited number. To determine when a visa becomes available, priority dates are given to immigrants waiting in line to get an immigrant visa. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, some green card applicants must undergo a medical examination or provide an affidavit of support that shows that you have the financial means to live in the U.S. without government assistance.
When you work with an experienced green card lawyer, they will make sure you have exactly what you need for your unique situation. They will:
- Guide you through every step of the process
- Help you properly complete and submit the required documentation for your application
- Prepare you for your interview
- Ensure that there aren’t any mistakes or errors in your paperwork that will cost you your green card or delay your application
While the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services department maintains a field office in Detroit, our Michigan family immigration attorneys can help you and your family no matter where you currently reside in the state. If you or a loved one are contemplating seeking a green card, please contact Family Visa as soon as possible.