If you wish to live and work permanently in the US, you need a green card. Expectedly, the green card application process is complex and time-consuming, and a mistake in the documentation or forms could ruin your chances. The best way to get an assessment is to meet an immigration lawyer. In Salem, there are law firms like Vanderwall Immigration, which offer comprehensive support and expert assistance for people seeking green cards. In this post, we discuss everything you need to know before you start.
Benefits of permanent resident status
A green card, or permanent resident status, allows individuals to live and work in the US indefinitely without becoming citizens. For those who want to come here and explore new opportunities, having permanent resident status is always the ultimate goal. Green card holders are also allowed to own and invest in properties, which means they can find permanent roots in the country. A green card holder also has the option to sponsor certain family members to come and stay with them and eventually become permanent residents. Eligible family members include spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
There are also employment-based green cards, which are available to people from other countries who want to work in the US. The first preference is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in their respective fields. Individuals with advanced degrees get a second preference. Professionals who have a job with the required degrees also qualify for a green card.
Finally, granted asylees and those with refugee status may also be eligible.
What is the process like?
Typically, one needs to have a sponsor who files the petition for them with the USCIS. For those seeking employment-based green cards, they may also need to go through the labor certification process. If the petition is approved, the individual must clear in the interview. If you are already in the country, you must go through Adjustment of Status, and in other cases, individuals must go through Consular Processing. Past criminal convictions and other factors may lead to denial of green card applications.
Time to get a green card
There are several variables that can impact the time required to get a green card. Processing times differ vastly for diverse green card categories. Employment-based visas are often processed faster than family-based ones. Also, the country of origin is a critical factor for the approval of family-based visas. Citizens of some countries may have to wait for a longer time because of existing backlogs. You must also remember that the workload of USCIS also affects the processing times. If you are seeking a marriage green card, the wait time can be between 12 and 26 months, while minor children of US citizens seeking citizenship may have to wait for up to 13 months.
Should you hire an immigration attorney?
Ideally, it is always better to hire an attorney for the immigration process. The immigrant petition process is not just complex but involves intricate paperwork. Before you take the first step for your green card application, meet an attorney to know where you stand. They will offer assistance at every step, focusing on various aspects like the interview and getting the documentation right. During the first meeting, the immigration attorney may ask a bunch of questions, and if your application has been denied, they can guide accordingly.
Final word
Getting a green card can change your life. Having an immigration attorney ensures you don’t make the usual mistakes that cost your application. When you consult an attorney, you also have the chance to ask relevant questions and understand the entire process better. Check online to find immigration attorneys in Salem today.