Green Card Facts

For our clients, obtaining a green card and becoming a permanent resident of the United States is a long-held dream. But the path to permanent residency can be complicated, with numerous requirements and potential obstacles along the way.

At Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. Immigration Law, we provide guidance and personalized legal strategies to simplify the process, helping you overcome challenges and achieve your goal of permanent residency. Achieve your green card goals with legal support from our green card lawyers at Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. Immigration Law.

Green Card Eligibility and Categories

There are several ways to obtain a green card and become a permanent resident of the United States, including:

• Family-Based Green Cards: If you have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, you may be eligible for a family-based green card.
• Employment-Based Green Cards: If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer or possess exceptional skills or abilities, you may be eligible for an employment-based green card in categories like EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: If you’re from a country with low rates of immigration to the U.S., you may be eligible to apply for a green card through the annual Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program.
• Humanitarian Green Cards: If you’re a refugee, asylee, or victim of abuse or crime, you may be eligible for a green card based on humanitarian grounds.
• Military Service: If you’ve served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for expedited citizenship or permanent residency.

Our green card lawyers can help you assess your eligibility and determine the best path forward based on your individual circumstances.

The Green Card Application Process

Obtaining a green card typically involves several key steps, which may vary depending on your specific situation and the category you’re applying under:

1. Eligibility Assessment: Our attorneys will review your case to determine your eligibility for a green card and identify any potential challenges or red flags.
2. Petition Filing: Most green card cases start with the filing of a petition, such as an I-130 for family-based cases or an I-140 for employment-based cases.
3. Visa Availability: For some categories, you may need to wait for a visa to become available based on your priority date and the visa bulletin.
4. Application Filing: Once a visa is available or your petition is approved, you can file the green card application using Form I-485 (for adjustment of status) or the immigrant visa application using DS-260 (for consular processing).
5. Biometrics and Interview: You’ll need to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and photos, and applicants abroad will need to attend an in-person interview. The adjustment of status interviews in the U.S. may be waived.
6. Decision: USCIS or the consulate will make a decision on your green card application or your immigrant visa application and notify you of the outcome.

Throughout the process, our green card lawyers will provide knowledgeable guidance, meticulous document preparation, and strong advocacy to help you achieve your goals.

Why Choose Gardner & Mendoza for Your Green Card Case?

When you partner with Gardner & Mendoza for your green card case, you benefit from:

★ Extensive Experience: Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling a wide range of green card matters, from the most straightforward to the most complex.
★ Personalized Strategies: We take the time to understand your unique situation, goals, and challenges and craft tailored strategies that fit your specific needs.
★ Proactive Guidance: We stay on top of the latest changes in immigration law and policy, and provide proactive advice to help you navigate the ever-shifting landscape of green card requirements and procedures.
★ Tireless Advocacy: We’re passionate about helping our clients achieve their dreams of permanent residency in the U.S., and we’ll work tirelessly to advocate for your interests every step of the way.
★ Multilingual Services: Our team can assist clients in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, and we welcome all language interpreters, ensuring that language is never a barrier to quality legal representation.

Green Card FAQs

How long does the green card process take?

The timeline for obtaining a green card can vary widely depending on factors like the category you’re applying under, your country of origin, and processing backlogs. Some cases may be resolved in a matter of several months, while others can take years. Our attorneys can provide an estimated timeline based on your specific circumstances.

Can I work while my green card application is pending?

In some cases, green card applicants may be eligible for work authorization while their cases are pending. For example, adjustment of status applicants can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows them to work legally in the U.S. Our attorneys can help you determine your eligibility for work authorization based on your specific situation.

What happens if my green card application is denied?

If your green card application is denied, you may have options for appealing the decision or reapplying in the future. Our attorneys can help you understand the reasons for the denial and explore your options for moving forward, which may include filing a motion to reopen or reconsider, appealing to a higher authority, or addressing the issues that led to the denial and reapplying when you’re eligible.

Can I include my family members in my green card application?

No, family members cannot be included directly in your green card application. Each family member, such as your spouse or unmarried children under 21, must submit their own green card application or immigrant visa application as a derivative beneficiary. Depending on the type of immigration benefit you’re applying for, our attorneys can help you determine the appropriate path for each of your family members and guide you through the process to ensure your family’s applications are handled correctly.

Get Started with a Confidential Consultation

If you’re ready to take the next step on your path to permanent residency in the United States, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced green card lawyers.

During your consultation, we’ll take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your case. We’ll also discuss our fees and services in a transparent manner, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Don’t navigate the green card process alone. Let the dedicated attorneys at Gardner & Mendoza be your guides and advocates on the path to achieving your American dream. Contact us today to get started.