Naples Green Card Lawyer

Helping You Establish Permanent Residency

Getting a green card allows you to work and live permanently in the United States, even if you are not a citizen. For many immigrants, obtaining a green card is all they need to begin building their life in the U.S. The application process can be lengthy and often involves extensive legal paperwork. By working with our immigration lawyer, you can dramatically increase your chances of success and get your application approved quickly.

Veritas Immigration Law, P.A. understands how important it is to receive your green card. Becoming a green card holder opens up many possibilities and allows you to get gainful employment and support your family. If you’d like to start the green card application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our law firm. Call 305-680-1747 today for a consultation about your case.

Who is Eligible for a Green Card?

Determining your eligibility is the first step in the application process. If you are not eligible, your application will be automatically denied.

There are a few different categories you can be eligible under, including:

Green Card Through Family

If your family member is a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident, you may be able to apply for a green card. Immediate family members include a spouse, underage child, or parent. If you are a relative but not an immediate relative, you may still be eligible with a lower priority in your application processing.

Green Card Through Employment

Finding a job in the United States can make you eligible for a green card. There are a few categories of workers who can receive a green card, including:

• Immigrant workers with “extraordinary abilities” in the sciences, arts, athletics, or business
• Outstanding professors and researchers
• Workers holding advanced degrees
• Skilled working professionals

Green Card Through Refugee Status

Seeking refugee or asylum status allows you to apply for a green card. If you were admitted as a refugee at least one year ago or you were granted asylum at least one year ago, you may be eligible.

Green Card as a Special Immigrant

Special immigrants include religious workers, international broadcasters, retired officers or employees of NATO, Afghanistan or Iraq nationals previously employed by the United States, and more. If you are a family member of a special immigrant, you may also be eligible.

Green Card for Victims of Abuse

Children and spouses who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may be eligible for a green card. Victims of abuse do not have to use their abusers as sponsors.

Green Card for Human Trafficking Victims

Victims of human trafficking and other crimes who have a T or U visa can apply for a green card.

There are other categories that make you eligible to apply for your green card that may not be listed here. Our green card immigration lawyer will walk you through the eligibility requirements to determine what your next steps are. For more information, contact our law office today.

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of status is a specific process that you can apply through if you are currently in the United States. If you are in the country on a visa, you may be able to get a green card without going back to your home country first.

The steps to adjust your status include:

• Determining whether you are eligible for a green card or not.
• Filing an immigration petition.
• Checking your visa availability. In most cases, you cannot file until a visa is available.
• Filing Form I-485.
• Attending your Application Support Center appointment. You will provide your photograph, fingerprints, and a signature.
• Going to your interview. If required, you will be asked to attend an interview and answer questions about your background and application.
• Responding with additional evidence. You may be asked to provide additional documents with further proof of your eligibility.
• Receiving your decision. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will mail you a decision about your application. If your application is approved, you will then receive your green card.

If the application to adjust your status is denied, your denial letter will explain why and also include your next steps. You may be able to appeal this decision by submitting additional information. You may also be able to file a motion to reopen your application.

What is a Green Card Sponsor?

A green card sponsor is a person who agrees to be financially responsible for a green card holder. A sponsor must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident related to the person who wants to live in the United States. Employers can also be sponsors for their employees.

To be a sponsor, you must prove that your household income is equal to or higher than 125% of the U.S. poverty level. Sponsors generally submit their federal income tax return and proof of employment as evidence. Sponsors are financially responsible for green card holders until the green card holder is a United States citizen or has worked in the U.S. for 40 quarters.

Should You Consult a Green Card Lawyer?

Living and working in the United States is a goal for many people. Unfortunately, the green card process is not straightforward, and many individuals find themselves frustrated when gaining permanent residence. A green card lawyer will walk you through the entire application process from beginning to end, answering your questions and preparing you the entire time.

Please don’t feel like you must tackle this challenging situation on your own. Contact Veritas Immigration Law, P.A. by calling 305-680-1747 today.