THE SHEENA LAW FIRM
Attorney & Counselor at Law

 

Green Cards

Permanent immigration is the ultimate goal of many people entering or planning to enter the United States. A “Green Card”, or permanent residence, allows an immigrant to live and work in the United States for the rest of his or her life.

A “Green Card” instantly communicates to law enforcement officials and United States employers the person’s legal status in accordance with United States immigration laws. Potential immigrants should be as informed about the laws as possible.

Types of Green Cards include:

  • Employment Based Green Cards
  • Family Based Green Cards
  • Investment Based Green Cards
  • US Green Card Related Services

Ways to obtain a green card or permanent residence include:

  • Diversity lotteries

  • Employment sponsorship

  • Family sponsorship

  • Investment visas

  • Political asylum

Each year, the United States Department of State Diversity Visa Lottery Program makes 50,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

If you receive a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program you will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. You will also be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.

If you came or plan to come into the United States legitimately on the basis of employment, family relationships, or asylum, you may be eligible for conditional residency and then for a permanent “Green Card” through qualifications such as the following:

  • American Indian born in Canada
  • Diversity immigration lottery
  • Employment basis
  • Family basis
  • Immigrant investor status
  • Immigration & Nationality Act for immigrants who entered the U.S. before 1972

“Green Card” Categories

Depending on your connection to the United States, you may qualify for a different green card category. The United States puts a limit, or quota, on the amount of green cards issued for people who fall into each green card category: 

  • Immediate Family Members Visas - Immediate family members of U.S. citizens can qualify for a green card. This includes:
    • Spouses of U.S. citizens
    • Unmarried children under 21 with one U.S. citizen parent
    • Parents of a U.S. citizen under 21
    • Step children or step parents of a U.S. citizen, depending on the age of the child
    • Someone who adopted or was adopted by a U.S. citizen, depending on the age of the child at the time of adoption
  • Marriage Visas - Marriage has special procedural rules. The BCIS can grant "conditional permanent residence" for those who are married to U.S. citizens while the full green card application process is completed.
  • Work Visas - Those moving to the United States because of a certain type of skill for employment may qualify for a green card if they fall into one of the preference categories established by the United States government.
  • Long Term Illegal Residents - Some individuals who have resided illegally in the United States for a long period of time may be eligible for a green card if:
    • The illegal resident's immediate family members are U.S. citizens
    • The immediate family members would suffer undue hardship were the illegal resident forced to leave

“Green Card” Procedures

Labor Certification: is filed with the Department of Labor where you live and work.  The length of time it takes for an approval depends upon the state and region where the DOL is located.  The DOL will issue a receipt which states the Priority Date.

Immigrant Petition: after the Labor Certification is approved, then the employer may file for the Immigrant Petition.  The length of time for approval varies between 4-8 months.

Adjustment:  after the Immigrant Petition is approved and the Priority Date is current, the Adjustment petitions may be filed.  When the Adjustment is date stamped (receipt), the applicant may apply for his Work Permit.  Actual receipt of the green card may take a year or longer.

Our immigration practice is based on trust and long-standing relationships. To speak with a lawyer at The Sheena Law Firm about a “Green Card” or other immigration matters, call Today!

Danny M. Sheena, P.E.
 
The Sheena Law Firm
2500 West Loop South, Suite 518
Houston, Texas 77027
 
(713) 224-6508 - Office
(713) 225-1560 - Fax
 

Email: [email protected]
 

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