Prince George’s County Green Card Lawyer
Green Cards are not really all that green anymore, but the identifying cards that show someone has status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) are still an important and highly desirable commodity in PG County. Those with LPR status can live and work legally in the U.S. as permanent residents and may eventually be eligible for citizenship.
Because many people from other countries would like to obtain a Green Card and the number of immigrant visas issued by the U.S. government is limited each year, competition can be intense. Mistakes or delays in providing information can provide grounds for denial or delay of an application.
Therefore, it is often advisable to work with a Prince George’s County Green Card lawyer for assistance with the process of obtaining LPR status. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can verify eligibility, help with the petition and documentation, and aid in following up to help ensure the applicant has a better chance for a successful outcome.
Who is Eligible for a Green Card?
To obtain a Green Card, with the help of a PG County’s Green Card lawyer, it is necessary to apply for and receive an immigrant visa providing the ability to live and work permanently in the U.S. There are several different ways that someone from another country may qualify to apply for a Green Card. For most successful applicants, eligibility is based on family connections or employment. However, it is possible to qualify under a few other categories such as status as a refugee, asylee, and other special situations.
Those seeking eligibility based on family connection must be the spouse, child, parent or sibling of a U.S. citizen or spouse or unmarried child of someone with a Green Card giving them LPR status. Those seeking eligibility on the basis of employment must have a qualifying job offer and meet the requirement of the particular visa category for which they are applying.
Obtaining a Green Card Based on Family Relations
The U.S. government issues a limited number of permanent immigrant visas each year, and so limits have been placed on many immigration visa categories. A notable exception to this is the immediate relative immigrant visa category, which is not limited in number.
Immediate relative visas are available to the spouses and unmarried minor children and the parents of adult U.S. citizens. Any person under the age of 21 is considered a minor for immigration purposes. Children also include children in the process of adoption.
Other family members of U.S. citizens and LPRs may be eligible to apply for a Green Card, but their application is ranked in terms of preference and the number of visas granted annually is limited by type and country. This means some applicants may have to wait a considerable time to have their application considered “current” and ready for review.
Obtaining a Green Card Based on Employment
Employment-based immigrant visas are also limited in number and ranked in terms of preference. In most situations, those seeking a visa must have a job offer from an employer who has met the qualifications with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Top preference goes to those with internationally recognized abilities in their field, as well as those holding executive and managerial positions in multinational corporations. Second preference goes to those with exceptional abilities or advanced degrees.
Many employees qualify under the third preference as professionals, skilled workers, and other workers. There is a fourth preference category for those who meet narrow requirements as “special” immigrants, and a fifth preference category for applicants who are investing in employment opportunities in the U.S.
Get Help from a PG County’s Green Card Attorney Today
Providing false information on an immigrant visa application can provide grounds for denial and prevent successful application efforts in the future. To avoid costly mistakes, it is helpful to consult an experienced Prince George’s County Green Card lawyer for help with the application process.
An experienced immigration attorney can advise you of your best options for applying, assist with petitions and applications, help ensure that supporting documentation is accurate and complete, and prepare you for the interview process. To learn more, call now for a consultation.