Alexandria Green Card Attorney

Professional Legal Guidance for Green Card Matters in Annandale, Virginia

A green card is a legal document that allows you to live and work in the United States indefinitely as a “lawful permanent resident.” There are several ways to obtain a green card, including through family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and adjustment of status. You may also qualify for a green card in a number of special categories.

Applying for a green card can be a complex and difficult process. At Escobar Law Offices, we assist immigrants, families, and employers with all aspects of the green card process. Led by Attorney Janet A. Escobar Ntwadumela, our team offers a personalized approach as we advocate passionately for our clients.

Continue reading to learn more about applying for a green card or adjustment of status, or contact us directly at (866) 846-7730 to request a consultation with an Alexandria green card lawyer.

Who Qualifies for a Green Card?

To become a lawful permanent resident, you must obtain a green card, and to obtain a green card, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a green card under one of several categories.

These include:

• Family Eligibility: To obtain a green card through your family, you must prove that you meet certain family-related eligibility requirements. For example, if you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the unmarried child under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen, the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen admitted to the U.S. on a K-1 visa, or another eligible family member, you may qualify for a green card.
• Employment Eligibility: Employment-based green cards are granted to qualifying immigrant workers who demonstrate extraordinary abilities in certain fields, are professionals with advanced degrees, skilled workers, unskilled workers, investors, and others who meet specific eligibility requirements.
• Special Immigrant Eligibility: Certain immigrants may be eligible for a green card based on special categories. This includes qualifying religious workers, international broadcasters, juveniles who have been abused or abandoned by a parent, Afghan and Iraqi translators/interpreters who worked for the U.S. government, and others.
• Refugee or Asylee Eligibility: If you were granted asylum or admitted to the United States and have been in the United States for at least one year, you may qualify for a green card through refugee- or asylee-based eligibility.
• Human Trafficking, Abuse, & Crime Victim Eligibility: Victims of human trafficking and other crimes may qualify for a green card if they have a current T nonimmigrant or U nonimmigrant visa. Individuals seeking a green card under this eligibility status will need to apply for an adjustment of status. Additionally, abused spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, as well as abused parents of U.S. citizens, may qualify for a green card under this category.

At Escobar Law Offices, we can help you determine if you qualify for a green card. If so, we can help you take the next steps in applying or seeking an adjustment of status with a trusted green card attorney.

How to Apply for a Green Card

There are two main ways to apply for a green card:

• Consular Processing: Consular processing is the process of applying for a green card outside of the United States. You may need to apply for a green card through consular processing if you do not currently live in the U.S. or if you are ineligible to adjust your status. This process typically involves submitting your application through a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. The advantage of consular processing is that once your application is approved, you can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident without the need for additional paperwork under U.S. immigration law.
• Adjustment of Status: Adjustment of status is the process of applying for a green card while living in the United States, typically on some type of visa. For example, if you entered the U.S. on a temporary nonimmigrant worker visa and wish to obtain a green card, allowing you to live and work permanently in the U.S., you can apply for an adjustment of status. This method can be more convenient as it allows you to remain in the U.S. during the application process, avoiding the need for international travel. However, it can have strict eligibility criteria and limits based on individual circumstances.

Depending on the details of your situation, you may need to have someone—whether a family member, an employer, or some other party—sponsor you. This is common with family-based, employer-based, and special immigrant green cards. Sponsorship involves demonstrating a lawful relationship or employment agreement, and often requires the sponsor to provide financial support evidence.

Additionally, you should know that there are a limited number of green cards available in certain categories. You may be given a priority number and may have to wait until a green card becomes available in the category under which you are applying. Understanding the visa bulletin and how it affects your priority number is crucial to managing expectations and planning your green card journey effectively.

How Our Green Card Attorney Can Assist You

Obtaining a green card is an important step for anyone wishing to live and work permanently in the U.S. It is also a critical component of the naturalization and citizenship process. However, it can be a difficult and confusing process, riddled with the potential for numerous mistakes.

At Escobar Law Offices, we can help you avoid common pitfalls when applying for a green card or seeking an adjustment of status. Regardless of your goals, we are committed to helping you achieve your American dream. Our Alexandria green card attorney offers compassionate, personalized legal representation tailored to each client's unique circumstances. We are dedicated advocates and do whatever we can to help our clients navigate the immigration process. We stay updated with the latest immigration policies and changes in legal procedures, ensuring that your application meets all the necessary requirements and adheres to current U.S. immigration laws.

Common Challenges in the Green Card Process

Obtaining a green card is often fraught with challenges that can delay or even derail the process. One of the primary issues applicants face is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Even minor mistakes in your paperwork can lead to significant setbacks or denial. That is why it is essential to thoroughly review all application materials before submission and seek guidance from qualified legal professionals who understand the intricacies of immigration law.

Another common hurdle is the ever-changing landscape of immigration policies. New legislation or executive orders can significantly alter eligibility requirements and processing times. Staying informed about these changes and understanding how they affect your application is crucial. At Escobar Law Offices, we keep abreast of all legal updates, ensuring our clients have the most current information and are well-prepared for any policy shifts that may impact their green card journey.

Benefits of Securing a Green Card

Becoming a lawful permanent resident through a green card offers numerous advantages, both personally and professionally. One of the most significant benefits is the freedom it affords in terms of travel and employment. Green card holders have the right to reside and work anywhere in the United States without the need for additional work authorization. This opens up a vast array of job opportunities across different states and industries.

In addition, green card holders enjoy a heightened sense of stability and security. They are protected by U.S. labor laws and are eligible for certain government-sponsored benefits. Moreover, green card holders have the path laid out for future U.S. citizenship, which grants further opportunities and rights. At Escobar Law Offices, we understand that securing a green card is not just about legal status; it's about creating a foundation for a better life and securing a future for you and your family.

Contact us online or call (866) 846-7730 today to request an initial consultation with a green card attorney in Alexandria. We can meet you in person or virtually for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Cards

What Happens if My Green Card Application Is Denied?

If your green card application is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons for the denial. Depending on the situation, you may have the option to file a motion to reopen or reconsider the application. This approach allows you to provide new evidence or address inaccuracies in the original application. Alternatively, you can appeal the decision with the Administrative Appeals Office. In either case, consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer at Escobar Law Offices is crucial to developing an effective strategy for appeal or reapplication.

Can I Travel Outside the U.S. While Waiting for My Green Card?

Traveling outside the U.S. while waiting for your green card can be risky and may impact your application. If you need to travel, it's essential to obtain advance parole, which allows you to return to the U.S. without abandoning your application. Without advance parole, leaving the country could be interpreted as abandoning your green card application, resulting in denial. It's crucial to plan travel carefully and consult with legal counsel to ensure all necessary documentation is filed and approved before departure.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder?

As a green card holder, you are expected to comply with the legal responsibilities that come with permanent residency. These include paying U.S. taxes, renewing your green card before it expires, and notifying the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of changes in your address. Additionally, maintaining good moral character and adhering to all state and federal laws is essential, especially if you plan to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future. Failure to comply with these responsibilities can result in penalties or jeopardize your residency status.