Alexandria Green Card Lawyer
Immigration law can be notoriously complex. There are security concerns, regulations to be met, and endless amounts of paperwork to be filed. Trying to navigate the immigration system in the United States may not be an easy task.
Becoming a lawful permanent resident in the U.S., or obtaining a Green Card as it is often called, may require going through a seemingly endless immigration process that can be daunting and complex. Moreover, there are circumstances that might make the applicant inadmissible to the U.S. An Alexandria Green Card lawyer who is knowledgeable in immigration law can help you understand your legal rights and explore the options available to overcome inadmissibility issues. Do not hesitate, call a skilled attorney today.
Common Types of Green Card Categories
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, depending on the applicant’s connection to the United States, they may qualify for a Green Card. The U.S. places a limit on the number of Green Cards issued for people who fall into certain categories.
Immediate relatives are at the top of the list when it comes to qualifying for Green Cards and receiving them quickly. There is no numerical limit on the number of Green Cards given to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This category includes:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens, if the marriage is legally valid in the country or state where it took place;
- Unmarried children of U.S. citizens under the age of 21;
- Parents of U.S. citizens;
- Stepchildren and stepparents of U.S. citizens, depending on when the marriage took place; and
- Adopted children of U.S. citizens, if certain conditions are met
Other family members of U.S. citizens may also receive a Green Card but can also face a lengthy waiting time. These members fall into the preference categories, meaning only a certain number of them will receive Green Cards each year. These family members include sons and daughters over the age of 21 (married and unmarried) and siblings.
Lawful permanent residents may also petition for their family members, but petitions filed by lawful permanent residents automatically fall into the family preference categories. The earlier the permanent resident submits a visa petition, the sooner the immigrant can apply for a Green Card, although waiting periods may vary. Wait times can depend on the type of visa category, the country of origin, and how many people are asking for the type of visa. Because of high demand, some countries may face a longer waiting period than others.
Green Cards can also be offered to people whose job skills are needed in the United States market. In many cases, there needs to be a job offer presented beforehand, and the employer must prove that it has recruited for the position and not found any qualified, willing, and able U.S. workers to hire instead of the immigrant. For more information, get in touch with an Alexandria Green Card lawyer today.
Common Mistakes Green Card Applicants Make
The various immigration laws and procedures are intricate, and changes often occur. Simple mistakes can lead to delays, rejections, and in some cases, denials.
A Green Card application (Form I-485) is a complex document that requires the submission of supporting evidence and additional forms (I-130 or I-140, I-864, I-765, I-131). All these forms make up a complete Green Card application. Missing some of the required forms can significantly delay the process. In some cases, applicants submit all the required forms to the U.S. government at the same time, also known as concurrent filing. This may cut down the process if the applicant is eligible to do a concurrent filing.
Applicants should have a clear understanding of the timing of the applications and where they need to be filed. It is also important to maintain current addresses up to date with USCIS so as to avoid missing deadlines on requests for evidence or appointments.
Speak with an Alexandria Green Card Attorney Today
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has many forms and procedural requirements for those who wish to apply for a Green Card. An Alexandria Green Card lawyer who is familiar with all these procedures can determine whether you are eligible for a Green Card and explore your legal options. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to complete the application process in a quick and efficient manner. To learn more, call today.