For many people, America is still the land of financial and educational opportunity, and a green card can help you achieve that dream. However, immigrants may not fully understand the green card process, and there are plenty of scammers out there who are ready to take advantage of that confusion.
To ensure that you are getting accurate and reliable information, you need to speak with a Jersey City green card lawyer. At The Law Office of Eric M. Mark, our experienced immigration lawyers can help you with the complexities of obtaining a green card and help you take one step closer to achieving the American Dream.
A green card—officially known as a Permanent Resident Card—is a sign of an immigrant’s status in the United States. It allows the individual to live and work permanently in the United States and is the next best thing to citizenship. While green card holders do not enjoy all of the same rights and benefits as citizens, they can travel more freely, access some government benefits, and even sponsor other family members to come to the United States.
Not every immigrant is eligible to become a permanent resident. In fact, there are several different categories of people who may be eligible, and each category has slightly different requirements. The main categories include:
U.S. citizens can sponsor their immediate relatives—spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21—for a green card. There is also a family preference category, which allows citizens to sponsor more distant family members, but that process can take longer. Like citizens, current lawful permanent residents can sponsor some family members for green cards.
People who are in the United States for work may be eligible for employment-sponsored green cards. Our firm does not handle these cases, but we can advise people whether they may qualify for this type of green card.
Those in the United States as an asylee or refugee can apply for a green card after having their status approved. It can be one of the fastest ways to get a green card, though it can be challenging to qualify as an asylee or refugee.
In addition, there can be special categories that people can pursue. For example, victims of domestic violence may be able to pursue a green card, even if they do not have family sponsorship. There is also the Diversity Visa Lottery, which provides some people the opportunity to apply for a green card but has no guarantees.
Sometimes, an immigrant may qualify for multiple ways to pursue a green card. A Jersey City green card attorney could help you explore which pathway is right for you.
There is no set timeline for getting a green card. In fact, the timeline differs depending on a person’s eligibility category, country of origin, and individual circumstances.
The shortest waiting periods are usually for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. While there is no guaranteed period, it usually takes around a year for these applicants to get their green cards.
Refugees and asylees have a similar waiting period to the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. However, they have a waiting period of one year after they have their status granted before they can apply for a green card.
The other categories generally take more than a year and can take several years. The category and the applicant’s home country both influence how long it will take. Administrative delays, backlogs, and changes in immigration policies can also impact how long the process will take. A green card attorney in Jersey City could provide a better estimate after learning about an immigrant’s situation.
The green card process can be challenging and confusing, but you do not have to tackle it alone. A Jersey City green card lawyer could help you by determining eligibility, preparing your application, ensuring it is submitted correctly, and helping you with any challenges or delays.
To learn more, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Eric M. Mark today.
CALL US TODAY