Fairfax County Green Card Lawyers

Most immigrants here in the United States have the end goal of becoming Lawful Permanent Residents, i.e. receiving a green card. That said, there are several potential routes available to become a permanent resident, depending on your individual situation. Contact the seasoned Fairfax County green card lawyers here at Goel & Anderson to learn more about the process of obtaining a green card in the U.S. and how our legal team can help you through it.

Green Card Lawyers Serving Virginia & the DMV Area

If you’re seeking a green card here in the United States, you’ve come to the right place. Our knowledgeable Virginia immigration lawyers have decades of experience representing clients in the DMV area. Speak with us today so we can assess the circumstances of your case and build an effective strategy on your behalf.

Do I Qualify for a Green Card?

There are several avenues through which you can qualify for a green card, depending on your unique situation. Below are the primary categories:

• Family-Based Green Cards:
  • Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: This includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
  • Family Preference Categories: Other family members, such as siblings of U.S. citizens, adult children, and married children, may qualify under different preference categories, though these categories often have longer waiting periods.
  • Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen: If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry within 90 days of entering the United States, you may qualify for a fiancé(e) visa, which can lead to a green card after marriage.
• Employment-Based Green Cards:
  • Priority Workers: Individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, art, education, business, or athletics, as well as outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
  • Professionals with Advanced Degrees: Individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their professional fields may qualify.
  • Skilled Workers and Professionals: Workers in positions requiring at least two years of training or experience, and professionals holding bachelor’s degrees, may be eligible.
  • Special Immigrants: This category includes religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, and other special categories.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: The U.S. Department of State runs an annual lottery for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. Winners of this lottery can apply for a green card.
• Asylum or Refugee Status: If you were granted asylum or refugee status at least one year ago, you may apply for a green card. This path is available to those who have fled persecution or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
• Special Immigrant Juveniles: Minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents may qualify for a green card if they are under the jurisdiction of a juvenile court.
• Victims of Abuse or Crime:
  • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Victims of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child may be eligible for a green card under VAWA.
  • U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa): Victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime may be eligible for a U visa, which can lead to a green card.
• Other Special Categories:
  • Cuban Adjustment Act: Cuban natives or citizens, and their spouses and children, who have been present in the U.S. for at least one year may be eligible for a green card.
  • Registry: Individuals who have continuously lived in the United States since before January 1, 1972, may apply for a green card through the registry provision.

How Do I Get a Green Card?

The process of obtaining a green card is complex and involved, but a brief outline of this process is as follows:

1. Determine Your Eligibility: Review the various categories listed above to determine the best path for your situation. Each category has specific requirements that must be met before you can apply.
2. File the Appropriate Petition:
   • Family-Based Petitions: Your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf.
   • Employment-Based Petitions: Your employer typically must file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. Some categories may allow self-petitioning.
   • Other Petitions: Depending on your category, you may need to file a specific petition, such as Form I-360 for special immigrants or Form I-526 for immigrant investors.
3. Wait for Visa Availability: If your green card category has an annual numerical limit, you may need to wait for a visa to become available. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin provides monthly updates on visa availability.
4. Submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: If you are already in the United States and meet the eligibility criteria, you may file Form I-485 to adjust your status to that of a lawful permanent resident. If you are outside the U.S., you will go through consular processing and submit your application to a U.S. consulate or embassy.
5. Attend Biometrics Appointment: After filing Form I-485, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be taken.
6. Attend Your Green Card Interview: Most applicants will be required to attend an interview at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office or at a U.S. consulate. During the interview, an officer will ask you questions about your application and background.
7. Receive a Decision: After your interview and any necessary follow-up, USCIS or the U.S. consulate will make a decision on your green card application. If approved, you will receive your green card. If you are in the United States, your status will be adjusted to permanent resident. If you are outside the U.S., you will be granted an immigrant visa to enter the country as a permanent resident.
8. Receive Your Green Card: If you are approved for a green card, it will be mailed to you. This card serves as proof of your status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Contact Our Fairfax County Immigration Law Firm

Goel & Anderson is dedicated to representing all those looking to realize their American Dream. Whether you’re seeking a green card through family or employment, our seasoned Fairfax County green card lawyers stand ready to effectively represent you, every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with our firm.