Immigration Process & Obtaining A Green Card
Securing a Green Card is a pivotal step towards achieving your dreams of living and working in the United States on a permanent basis. It allows you to petition for certain family members to have them join you in the United States. At Bueno Law, we recognize the significance of this milestone and the challenges that may arise along the way.
Our team of immigration lawyers & attorneys is well-versed in the intricacies of the immigration system, and we listen to the unique circumstances and needs of each client. We are committed to providing solutions tailored to your situation, guiding you through the process with utmost care and professionalism. We want to help you obtain your Green Card.
Obtaining a Green Card may seem daunting, given the complexities of the immigration system and the evolving legal landscape. However, with the guidance of Bueno Law, you can be confident that you have a dedicated team of professionals by your side, advocating for your best interests and working tirelessly to help you achieve your immigration goals.
How Do You Get a Green Card?
Obtaining a Green Card, also known as lawful permanent residency, is a significant step towards establishing permanent residence in the United States. There are several pathways available, each with its own set of requirements and application procedures.
Family-Based Green Card
One of the most common ways to obtain a Green Card is through family sponsorship. If you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, they may be eligible to sponsor you for a Green Card. Immediate relatives, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 years old, have priority in this category. Other family members, such as siblings and married children, may also be eligible but may face longer wait times.
Humanitarian-Based Green Card
There are humanitarian programs that provide opportunities for individuals facing specific circumstances to obtain a Green Card. These include:
Each of these humanitarian-based Green Cards have specific requirements you must meet to qualify for the Green Card. Click in to read more about each of these services and the required qualifications.
How Difficult Is It
to Get a Green Card?
The difficulty of obtaining a Green Card can vary depending on several factors, including the specific pathway pursued, individual circumstances, and the current immigration landscape.
Visa Availability and Quotas:
The availability of Green Cards can be limited by annual quotas and visa backlogs. Some categories, such as family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories, have numerical limits on the number of Green Cards issued each year. Certain countries may also have higher demand, resulting in longer wait times for applicants from those nations.
Eligibility Requirements:
Each pathway to a Green Card has its own set of eligibility requirements. These requirements can be complex and may involve factors such as family relationships, employment qualifications, or meeting specific criteria for humanitarian-based categories. Understanding and fulfilling these requirements accurately is crucial to the success of your Green Card application.
Document Preparation and Submission:
The process of obtaining a Green Card involves submitting extensive documentation to support your eligibility. Gathering the necessary documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, employment records, and financial records, can be time-consuming and require attention to detail. Any errors or omissions in your application can lead to delays or even denials.
Changing Immigration Policies:
Immigration policies and regulations can undergo changes over time, impacting the Green Card application process. These changes may involve new eligibility criteria, revised documentation requirements, or modifications to the prioritization of visa categories. Staying up-to-date with the latest immigration policies and navigating potential policy shifts is crucial for a successful Green Card application.
Complex Application Process:
The Green Card application process can be intricate and involve multiple steps, including filing various forms, undergoing background checks, attending interviews, and providing supporting evidence. Navigating this process successfully requires a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and procedures involved.
Bueno Law Can Help
Despite the challenges, Bueno Law is here to help you overcome the complexities associated with obtaining a Green Card. Our immigration attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of the immigration system and stay updated with the latest changes in policies and procedures. We can guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your application is accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner.
By working with Bueno Law, you can benefit from our personalized approach, tailored strategies, and diligent representation. We will provide you with the support and advocacy you need to navigate the difficulties of the Green Card application process, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Remember, the difficulty of obtaining a Green Card should not discourage you from pursuing your dreams of permanent residency in the United States. With the right legal assistance and a dedicated approach, you can navigate the process effectively and take steps towards a brighter future.
Asylum
Asylum law is for those who have run away from their country of origin because of past persecution, and who are looking for safety in the United States. We represent clients in immigration court as well as before the Asylum Office.
VAWA
If you suffered cruelty in a relationship by a spouse, parent, or step-parent that occurred in the United States, we can assist you in applying for a Green Card under the VAWA provisions.
U Visa
The U visa enables victims of serious crimes to report the incident to law enforcement without fear of a subsequent investigation into their own activities or immigration status, and creates a pathway towards a green card.
T Visa
If you have been a victim of human trafficking, we can assist you in pursuing a T Visa. Our attorneys understand the challenges faced by trafficking victims and will provide the necessary support throughout the T Visa application process.
Marriage-based Green Card
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, we can help you navigate the process of obtaining a Green Card through marriage. Our attorneys will guide you through the documentation requirements, assist with the preparation of the necessary forms, and assist you with any other necessary proceedings.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
For minors under 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned, we can assist in pursuing SIJS. We will guide you through the SIJS application process and represent your best interests in court. We are dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of immigrant children and helping them obtain the Green Card they deserve.
Family-based Green Card
Whether you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident seeking to sponsor a family member for a Green Card, our attorneys will work with you. We will help you gather the necessary documentation, prepare the appropriate forms, and advocate for your family’s best interests throughout the green card application process.
What Qualifies and Disqualifies You From Getting a Green Card?
When applying for a Green Card, there are certain factors that can either qualify or disqualify you from obtaining one. Understanding these factors is crucial for a successful application. Here are some key points to consider:
Qualifying Factors:
Eligible Family Relationships: If you have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and is willing to sponsor you, you may be eligible for a family-based Green Card.
Employment-Based Qualifications: Individuals with valuable skills, qualifications, or job offers from U.S. employers may qualify for an employment-based Green Card. Meeting the specific requirements for the desired employment category is essential.
Humanitarian Relief Eligibility: Victims of persecution, domestic violence, human trafficking, or other qualifying humanitarian circumstances may be eligible for a Green Card through asylum, VAWA, U Visa, or T Visa.
Diversity Visa Lottery: If you are a citizen of a country with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, you may have an opportunity to obtain a Green Card through the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
Disqualifying Factors:
Inadmissibility: Certain grounds of inadmissibility, such as criminal history, immigration fraud, health-related issues, or public safety concerns, may disqualify you from obtaining a Green Card. However, waivers or other legal options may be available in some cases.
Violation of Immigration Laws: If you have violated U.S. immigration laws, such as overstaying a visa or engaging in unauthorized employment, it may negatively impact your eligibility for a Green Card. However, specific circumstances and legal remedies can be explored with the assistance of an immigration attorney.
Immigration Quotas and Backlogs: Due to annual quotas and country-specific limitations, there may be waiting periods or backlogs for certain visa categories, affecting the timing of your Green Card application.
It is important to note that each Green Card category has its own set of eligibility requirements and disqualifying factors. The immigration system can be complex, and individual circumstances may vary. Consulting with an immigration attorney, such as Bueno Law, can provide clarity on your specific situation and help you navigate the process.
Who We Serve
LGBTQ+
Women
Children
Political Asylees
Indigenous Peoples
Hispanic Immigrants
Brazilian Immigrants
Central American Immigrants
However, you may still be eligible to be represented by us if you do not consider yourself a part of these demographics. We encourage you to contact us if you have experienced violence, discrimination, threats, intimidation, or abuse in any form.
Other Methods of Getting US Residency
In addition to the pathways mentioned earlier, there are alternative methods to obtain U.S. residency that we do not provide at Bueno Law, but may be a good option for you. Here are some notable options:
EB-5 Investor Program: This program allows foreign investors who make a substantial investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise and create jobs to obtain a Green Card.
National Interest Waiver (NIW): Individuals with exceptional abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics may be eligible for a Green Card through the NIW, which exempts them from the usual labor certification process.
Registry: If you have continuously resided in the United States since before January 1, 1972, you may qualify for a Green Card through the registry provisions, provided you meet certain eligibility criteria.
These alternative methods have their own specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes. We do not offer these methods in either of our office, but they may be the best course of action for you.
Let Us Help You
Obtaining a Green Card is a significant milestone in establishing permanent residence in the United States. The qualification and disqualification factors, as well as the alternative methods of obtaining U.S. residency, highlight the importance of legal guidance throughout the immigration process. Bueno Law is dedicated to providing assistance, tailored strategies, and diligent representation to individuals seeking a Green Card in San Diego or San Rafael, CA.
Our team of immigration attorneys will assess your eligibility, guide you through the complex application process, and advocate for your best interests. We understand the complexities, challenges, and evolving nature of immigration law and will work tirelessly to help you achieve your immigration goals.
With Bueno Law by your side, you can navigate the complexities of the immigration system with confidence, knowing that you have a knowledgeable and dedicated team supporting you every step of the way. Take the first step towards obtaining your Green Card and securing a brighter future in the United States by reaching out to Bueno Law today.