Permanent Residence
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY LAURA LEON
Permanent Residence
If you are looking to live and work in the United States permanently, a green card may be the best option for you. Our lawyers can help you understand the eligibility requirements and can guide you through the application process. With our knowledge of the immigration system, we can help you build a strong case that will increase your chances of success.
There are several stages involved in a green card application, including filing the initial petition, submitting supporting documentation, attending an in-person interview, and going through background checks and medical examinations. Throughout these stages, we will advocate for your interests and ensure that your application is handled properly and efficiently.
There are two main pathways to apply for a Green Card based on a family petition:
Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of Status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means that you may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country to complete visa processing.
U.S. immigration laws provide a variety of ways for people to apply for a Green Card. The eligibility requirements for adjustment of status may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, you may be able to sponsor a family member for a Green Card. Applying for a family-based immigrant visa is the first step in the process for the person you are sponsoring to become a permanent resident. There are two categories of this type of visa:
- Immediate relative – These visas are for close relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents. An unlimited number of visas are available for this visa category.
- Family preference – A limited number of visas are set aside each year for:
- b.1 Other relatives of a U.S. citizen, such as married children, siblings, or cousins
- b.2 The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of legal permanent residents (Green Card holders).
At Laura Leon Law PLLC, we can help you every step of the way by guiding you through eligibility requirements, preparing and submitting your application, and responding to any requests from the government. The experienced team at our firm has helped countless clients successfully achieve permanent residency through the adjustment of status process and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. Contact us today to discuss your options.
Consular Processing
If you are outside of the United States, you may apply at a U.S. Department of State consulate abroad for an immigrant visa in order to come to the United States and be admitted as a Permanent Resident. This pathway is referred to as Consular Processing. With Consular Processing, you’ll have to wait in your home country until your U.S. Green Card is approved.
Unless you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen – spouse, unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen, or the parent of a 21 years of age or older U.S. citizen – you may have to wait a long time to obtain a visa number, which will make your application dependent on the priority date on a Visa Bulletin as to when you can apply.
Other family members eligible to apply for a Green Card are described in the following family preference immigrant categories:
- First preference (F1) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens;
- Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents;
- Second preference (F2B) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents;
- Third preference (F3) – married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and
- Fourth preference (F4) – brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older).
If you fit into any of these categories, your application for a Green Card will be subject of the Visa Bulletin.
Consular processing is a multi-step process, and it’s important to understand the journey you have ahead. It’s essential to consult with a qualified US immigration lawyer to understand your options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Contact Laura Leon Law PLLC to get the peace of mind you will certainly need through this whole process.
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