Applying for permanent residency and immigrating to the United States can be a life-changing milestone. A green card attorney can ensure a smooth and successful application, whether you’re applying as a family member, an employee, or seeking humanitarian relief in the U.S.

Our guide will cover everything you need to know to make informed decisions about your green card application. We’ll explain the role of a green card attorney, the pathways to permanent residency, expected timelines, and why legal guidance is invaluable for your immigration journey.

There are several ways a green card attorney can help you get a green card. Being eligible for one depends on several factors, such as:

• relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• professional background or employment in the U.S.

• humanitarian considerations

A green card attorney may assess your case, review your qualifications, and guide you to the most suitable application route. Depending on your situation, they’ll also inform you of potential obstacles you may encounter while applying for a green card.

Individuals may seek permanent residency through their family connections:

Immediate Relatives (IR) of U.S. Citizens

Immediate relatives may include spouses, children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over 21. There is no cap to the number of immediate relative visas granted a year. This is the fastest and easiest path to a green card.

Family Preference Visas

Under this category, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor additional family members.

For U.S. citizens:

• Adult children

• Siblings

• Married children

For lawful permanent residents:

• Spouses

• Unmarried adult children

• Children under 21 years old

Foreign professionals, skilled workers, and extraordinary individuals may apply for a green card through U.S. employment. Eligible individuals may apply for an employment-based green card in the following categories:

• EB-1 Green Card – For individuals with extraordinary ability, such as accomplished researchers, executives, and artists.

• EB-2 Green Card – Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in science, technology, or business may apply for an EB-2 green card. Eligible applicants may also apply for the national interest waiver under this category to eliminate the sponsorship requirement.

• EB-3 Green Card – Skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers may apply for permanent residency if U.S. employers cannot find qualified candidates locally.

Eligible applicants seeking refuge in the U.S. may pursue green cards through:

• Asylum: You can apply for a green card through asylum at least one year after you maintain your asylum status. You may also do so with the help of an asylum lawyer.

• U Visas: Victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement investigations may apply for a U visa. If they maintain their immigration status after three years, they can apply for legal permanent residency.

• VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petitions: Victims who suffered domestic abuse or extreme cruelty by U.S. citizens or permanent residents may self-petition for a green card through VAWA.