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A goal for many immigrants is to become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Permanent residents are afforded rights and permissions that others who come to this U.S. are not granted. However, becoming a permanent resident requires several steps, including obtaining a permanent resident card, also known as a Green Card.
Stay in the U.S. legally by working with the dedicated immigration attorneys at Murray Osorio PLLC. Our team will guide you through the Green Card application process and streamline the timeline so you can live your life in this country.
Green Card Process
The most common routes to getting a Green Card are through employment-based sponsorship and family sponsorship. Humanitarian programs are also available for those seeking lawful permanent resident status.
The first step in getting a Green Card is to find a sponsor. This can be an employer, family member, or other organization that is willing to petition for a foreign national’s admission. Employer-sponsors will begin the process by filing for certification with the U.S. Department of Labor. If the certification is approved, the employer may file a petition for the foreign worker with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS"). On the other hand, a family-based sponsor may begin the process by filing a Form I-130 petition with USCIS. If their petition is approved, they will be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. However, if the foreign national is already present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission, they may not need to go to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. Please see our post on Adjustment of Status for more information.
At the interview, the foreign national will be asked to provide evidence of their relationship to their sponsor and prove that they meet a Green Card's eligibility requirements. Once they have a green card, the foreign national can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
Keeping all this in mind, the Green Card process can have setbacks such as processing delays by USCIS or other complications. In general, from the time an individual applies for a Green Card to that person receiving a Green Card can take anywhere from a few months to several years.
Ready to Apply for a Green Card?
If you are interested in obtaining a green card, the best thing to do is speak with an immigration law firm that can help you navigate the process and ensure that everything is done correctly. The attorneys at Murray Osorio PLLC have helped countless individuals with this process and are ready to work with you. Reach out to our dedicated team either online or by phone. (800) 929-7142