Virginia Green Card Lawyer
A Green Card (lawful permanent resident status) opens the door to many opportunities for employment in NoVa, but the United States issues only a limited number each year. So, when you make your application, you want to be sure that you demonstrate your qualifications in the most effective manner and that all requirements are covered to give yourself the best opportunity for a successful outcome in the least possible time.
When you work with a Virginia Green Card lawyer, your legal advisor can oversee the process and help work to resolve any delays that may arise. Assistance from a dedicated immigration lawyer with experience helping people obtain their Green Cards can make a huge difference in your experience with the immigration process.
Understanding the Green Card
A “Green Card” is the unofficial name for an identification card issued to those who have achieved status as lawful permanent residents of the U.S. Years ago, these identification cards were printed on green cardstock, so the cards were referred to as Green Cards. Even today, the background of the identification cards for lawful permanent residents have a greenish background.
A lawful permanent resident or LPR is considered an immigrant with the right to live and work permanently in the U.S. In addition, an LPR has the ability to petition to sponsor certain family members to immigrate to the U.S.
Qualifications for a Green Card
In order to obtain a Green Card, it is necessary to have a permanent visa, also known as an immigrant visa. The government grants a limited number each year which is allocated to specific groups such as family members with particular relationships and employees with specified qualifications.
Most immigrant visas are based on an employment relationship or a family relationship. Those eligible to seek a Green Card on the basis of family connection include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens and LPRs
- Unmarried children of U.S. citizens and LPRs
- Married children of U.S. citizens (and their spouses and minor children)
- Parents of U.S. citizens aged 21 or over
- Siblings of U.S. citizens aged 21 or over
Those seeking an immigrant visa based on employment must usually have a job arranged with an employer. Furthermore, the employer must obtain permission from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Process of Obtaining a Green Card
In most situations, the process of obtaining a Green Card begins with the filing of a petition to immigrate with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS. A U.S. citizen or LPR files this petition on behalf of the person who wishes to immigrate. Usually, the person who files the petition also serves as the sponsor of the immigrant.
After a petition is approved, the individual seeking a Green Card files a visa application. This application will be processed by the U.S. State Department. Once the State Department has all the required documentation to demonstrate qualifications, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview.
Because so many people want Green Cards, the process may take many years to complete. The wait will usually be longer for those coming from countries with high rates of immigration or those whose applications are considered lower in preference because their family connection is not as close, or their employment qualifications are not as high as those of other applicants. Fortunately, a Green Card lawyer in NoVa could help ensure the process goes smoothly.
Get Help from a Virginia Green Card Attorney Today
Competition to obtain a Green Card can be very intense. The annual number of immigrant visas is limited by law and ranked according to preference standards, so it is wise to document characteristics that demonstrate the highest possible qualifications.
A Virginia Green Card lawyer could assist at any stage in the process. Whether you are just starting to investigate the possibilities or applied for a visa long ago and want help getting past a delay, a dedicated immigration lawyer can help make the process as smooth as possible. To learn more about the assistance available from an immigration attorney familiar with the Green Card process, call for a consultation.
