Alexandria Green Card Attorney
Helping with Green Card Applications and Appeals
A green card allows you to enjoy lawful permanent residency in the United States. The process can be challenging to complete without the help of an experienced Alexandria green card attorney. With our legal support, you can avoid costly mistakes, delays, and denials, improving your chances for success.
What is a Green Card?
A green card is a Permanent Resident Card. When you hold a green card, you gain the right to live and work permanently in the U.S. Green card holders enjoy many benefits, including the following:
- The ability to work legally in the U.S. without restrictions.
- You can travel freely outside the U.S. and return without complications.
- Permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency status.
- After five years of residency – or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen – green card holders can seek U.S. citizenship.
Are You Eligible for a Green Card?
Eligibility for permanent resident status involves several factors, including your current immigration status and the category under which you apply. The categories for eligibility include the following:
Family Sponsorship: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Employment-Based: Professionals, skilled workers, and individuals with extraordinary abilities.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Individuals granted asylum or refugee status.
Special Immigrant Categories: Religious workers and juvenile dependents, among other groups.
Diversity Lottery: You may be granted eligibility to apply through the DV Lottery program.
Who Can Sponsor a Green Card Applicant?
A sponsor, usually an employer or a close family member, can assist a foreign national in obtaining lawful permanent residency. This sponsorship demonstrates to U.S. immigration authorities that the individual meets eligibility requirements and has the financial or professional support needed to establish themselves in the country.
Employment-based sponsorship is often initiated by a U.S. employer who files a petition to secure permanent work authorization for the applicant. Family-based sponsorship is typically a U.S. citizen or green card holder who sponsors a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. Each sponsorship pathway requires detailed documentation, including proof of the relationship or job offer, compliance with immigration laws, and evidence of financial ability to support the applicant if necessary.
How Do You Apply for a Green Card?
The application process for a green card varies based on your circumstances. Generally, the key steps in the application process are:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before starting the process, it must be confirmed that you meet the U.S. government’s eligibility criteria for one of the green card categories.
Step 2: File the Petition
A petition must be filed for you, which will be based on your eligibility category.
Family-Based Applicants: A sponsoring relative files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
Employment-Based Applicants: An employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
Step 3: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
If you have a legal entry into the U.S., you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status as a permanent resident. For those outside the U.S., you must go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
You will be required to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in person.
Step 5: Complete an Interview
Most green card applicants are required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer. During this interview, you will need to provide additional evidence and answer questions from the officer.
Step 6: Await the Decision
Once the necessary steps are completed, USCIS or the U.S. Department of State will approve or deny your green card application. The time it will take to approve a green card varies, depending on your eligibility category, agency backlogs, and the number of applications being processed by USCIS.
Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer to Get a Green Card?
You can attempt to apply for a green card on your own. Obtaining permanent residency involves detailed paperwork, deadlines, supporting documentation, and a basic knowledge of immigration law. A minor error can cause a delay or a denial, sending the application process back to the beginning, adding time and stress. Delays can be avoided with the help of a qualified immigration attorney in Alexandria to act on your behalf and ensure the petition is submitted correctly with the necessary supporting documentation. At Boykin Law Firm PLLC, our immigration lawyer can assist you with the following:
- Evaluate your eligibility and advise you about the application process.
- Help you obtain and organize the necessary supporting documents.
- Ensure all forms are completed and submitted accurately.
- Represent you when USCIS has a question, you encounter a complication, or you must file an appeal when an application is denied.
What Are the Challenges of Seeking a Green Card
The Green Card process is relatively complicated. The challenges you will face in the process include:
Complex Forms: Understanding the legal language and requirements is challenging for a layperson.
Lengthy Timelines: Applications could take months or longer to process. You may need to file form I-765 for a work permit while waiting for the agency’s decision.
Potential Errors: Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete paperwork can lead to a rejection or denial of your application.
Changing Laws: Immigration policies change over time. Your immigration lawyer can help you ensure you meet all the current requirements.
Why Choose Us?
At Boykin Law Firm PLLC in Alexandria, our immigration lawyer offers you a breadth of knowledge in immigration law. We can provide the personalized support you need to resolve this critical issue. We offer our clients superior service and care, offering:
Personalized consultations will be held to evaluate your situation and how to proceed.
Step-by-step guidance throughout the application process.
The ability to resolve complex situations, such as inadmissibility or prior denials.
Updates on the status of your case and responsive care when you have questions or concerns.
When our Alexandria green card lawyer represents you, you can have peace of mind and confidence that every detail will be completed correctly, increasing your chances of securing legal residency status and gaining the opportunities and benefits of a green card. Contact us today at 202-796-6644 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward permanent residency.