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Helping Secure Your Lawful Permanent Residency
Getting a green card is a goal for many who want to live and work in the United States. While a green card doesn’t give you citizen status, it allows you to stay in the country as a lawful permanent resident. There are many benefits to getting a green card, including spending less on educational opportunities, traveling in and out of the country more easily, and being able to apply for citizenship after five years.
Applying for a permanent resident card is a long process with many steps. Working with an immigration lawyer is the best way to improve your chances of having your application accepted right away. Aaron G. Christensen, Attorney at Law, PLLC, has helped countless individuals become green card holders to remain in the United States. If you are seeking help with your green card, look no further. Call today at 346-423-2375 to schedule a free consultation.
Who is Eligible for a Green Card?
Before applying for a green card, it’s important to determine whether you are eligible for one. If you are not, your application will be automatically denied. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office has a list of eligibility options that you can explore.
The green card eligibility categories include:
Green Card Through Family
If you are an immediate relative of a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be able to apply for a green card through them. You could be their spouse, their parent, or their unmarried child. Married children may still be eligible, although they could receive lower priority.
Green Card Through Employment
An employment-based green card is an option if you are a foreign professional. USCIS prioritizes certain workers who show “extraordinary ability” in art, science, education, or business. You can work with your employer to apply for a green card.
Green Card for Human Trafficking Victims
Victims of human trafficking and other crimes must already have a nonimmigrant visa in the United States. If you are a victim of a crime, reach out today for assistance.
Green Card as a Special Immigrant
Religious workers, juveniles who have suffered abuse, and members of certain international organizations can apply for a green card. USCIS has a category called “special immigrants” who may be eligible.
Green Card for Victims of Abuse
Immediate relatives of United States Citizens, or Residents, who have suffered from abuse may be eligible to apply for a green card in the United States through a self-petition program known as VAWA.
Green Card Through Other Categories
Even if you do not fit neatly into a category, you could still be eligible for a green card. Diversity visa holders, for instance, can go through the application process. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact our law firm today.
What is the Green Card Application Process?
The green card application process varies depending on your circumstances and where you currently live. If you’re outside of the United States, you will apply through Consular processing with the U.S. State Department.
If you are in the United States, you will file Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence Status or Adjust Status. You can check the eligibility requirements for your green card category to see if you can file a petition at the same time as your Form I-485.
Your employer or your family member, also called your sponsor, will file an immigration petition. Once the USCIS approves the petition, you can file a green card application. You will then schedule your biometrics appointment, during which you will provide photos, fingerprints, and a signature. Once the appointment is over, you’ll receive a decision on your application.
The green card application process is long and involves a decent amount of paperwork. By working with our immigration attorney, you can ensure that your application is correct and free of mistakes to improve your chances of getting approval.
Who Can be a Green Card Sponsor?
In most cases, a green card sponsor is an employer or a relative. Green card sponsors must be at least 21 years old, and they must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident. They must also live in the United States most of the time.
Your sponsor must verify their income and their net worth to prove that they can support themselves and you after you are approved. Sponsors must take financial responsibility for the green card applicant until they become a U.S. citizen or work for 40 quarters.
What Are the Benefits of a Green Card?
While green card holders do not have the same rights as a United States citizen, they do obtain other benefits.
As a green card holder, you can do the following:
- Sponsor other relatives for visas or green cards
- Apply for U.S. citizenship after five years
- Spend less money on college or university
- Travel in and out of the country easily
- Make financial contributions to election campaigns
- Renew your green card every ten years
What Does a Green Card Lawyer Do?
Getting a green card is the first step to building your life in the United States. Unfortunately, the application process for a green card can be long and complicated. Working with an immigration lawyer gives you the support you need to file your application correctly and understand how to get it approved.
If you are ready to apply for your green card, don’t hesitate to reach out. Aaron G. Christensen, Attorney at Law, PLLC, is here to support you through your immigration journey. For more information about immigration law, call today at 346-423-2375.
