Virginia Green Card Attorneys
Let Us Help You Become a Legal Permanent Resident in VA
Are you looking to make Virginia your permanent home? At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the importance of obtaining a green card, and we're here to guide you through every step of the process. As your dedicated Virginia green card lawyer, we offer comprehensive legal services tailored to meet your unique immigration needs. Whether you're seeking family-based sponsorship, employment-based immigration, or any other green card pathway, our experienced attorneys are committed to helping you achieve your goals.
Contact us today at (571) 290-2390 to discuss your case.
What is a Green Card?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants an individual the legal status of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States. Holding a green card allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States and provides a pathway to eventual citizenship, if desired.
Eligibility Requirements for a Green Card:
- Family-Based Sponsorship: Many individuals obtain green cards through family-based sponsorship, where a family member who is either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident petitions for their relative to immigrate to the United States. Eligible family members include spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
- Employment-Based Immigration: Another common pathway to obtaining a green card is through employment-based immigration. Employers may sponsor foreign workers for green cards in certain circumstances, such as when they possess specialized skills or abilities that are in high demand in the United States.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that allocates a limited number of green cards each year to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Applicants must meet certain education or work experience requirements and be selected through a random drawing to qualify for a green card.
- Refugee or Asylee Status: Individuals who have been granted refugee or asylee status in the United States may be eligible to apply for a green card after meeting certain requirements, such as maintaining their refugee or asylee status for a specified period of time and meeting the eligibility criteria for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
- Special Categories: Certain special categories of individuals may also be eligible to apply for a green card, such as victims of human trafficking, victims of domestic violence, and certain individuals who have served in the U.S. military.
Applicants must be admissible to the United States, meaning they must not be ineligible for admission based on factors such as criminal history, health concerns, or immigration violations. They must also demonstrate good moral character and pass background checks to ensure they do not pose a security risk to the United States.
In most cases, applicants for a green card must have a sponsor who petitions for them and agrees to financially support them, if necessary. The sponsor must meet certain eligibility requirements and demonstrate the ability to support the immigrant financially.
How to Get a Green Card
The legal process of obtaining a green card, also known as lawful permanent resident status, involves several steps and can vary depending on the specific pathway through which an individual is seeking to obtain their green card. However, there are some general steps that most applicants will need to follow:
- File a Petition (if required): In many cases, a sponsor will need to file a petition on behalf of the applicant to initiate the green card process. For example, in family-based sponsorship cases, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor typically files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of their qualifying family member.
- Receive Approval of Petition (if required): Once the petition is filed, USCIS will review it to ensure that the sponsor and the applicant meet all eligibility requirements. If the petition is approved, the applicant will receive notice of the approval and will be eligible to proceed with the green card application process.
- Submit Green Card Application: After the petition is approved (if required), the applicant will need to submit a green card application to USCIS. The specific forms and documentation required will vary depending on the pathway through which the applicant is seeking to obtain lawful permanent resident status. For example, family-based green card applicants typically file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, while employment-based green card applicants may file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, along with Form I-485.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: After the green card application is filed, USCIS will schedule the applicant for a biometrics appointment, where they will provide fingerprints, photographs, and signature for background checks.
- Attend Interview (if required): Depending on the pathway and other factors, some green card applicants may be required to attend an interview with USCIS as part of the application process. During the interview, a USCIS officer will review the applicant's eligibility and may ask questions about their application and background.
- Receive Decision: After completing all required steps of the green card application process, USCIS will review the application and make a decision on whether to approve or deny the application. If approved, the applicant will receive their green card either by mail or at an in-person interview. If denied, the applicant will receive notice of the denial along with information on how to appeal the decision, if applicable.
- Receive Green Card: Once the green card application is approved, the applicant will receive their green card, officially granting them lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that each client's immigration journey is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. From your initial consultation to the final resolution of your case, we are committed to providing you with the guidance, support, and advocacy you need to achieve a successful outcome. Our attorneys will keep you informed and involved throughout the process, ensuring that you have the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your immigration matter.
Call (571) 290-2390 or fill out our online contact form today to let us get started on your case!
