Rockville Green Card Attorneys

Dedicated Green Card Lawyers Helping Immigrants in Rockville, MD

Immigrants who wish to move to the United States will usually need to make sure they receive approval to become permanent residents. A person who achieves lawful permanent resident (LPR) status will receive a permanent resident ID card, which is commonly known as a Green Card. People with Green Cards will be able to live and work permanently anywhere within the U.S. The process of applying for LPR status can be challenging, and immigrants will need to understand their sponsorship requirements, the forms and documents that must be submitted, and other issues that may need to be addressed. The attorneys at Salvado Law Offices provide legal guidance in immigration cases, and we can help people determine the best pathways to permanent residency while working to resolve any concerns that may affect their status in the United States.

Options for Receiving Green Cards

There are several ways to obtain a Green Card, including family-based and employment-based sponsorship. Some people who do not meet the criteria for these categories may qualify as special immigrants. Potential options may include:

Family Sponsorship

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: People with U.S. citizenship can provide sponsorship for close family members, including their spouses, parents, and unmarried minor children. This category of immigrant visa does not have annual limits.
• Family Preference categories: Sponsorship may be provided for certain family members who are not immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. People who currently have Green Cards may sponsor their immediate relatives, and U.S. citizens can sponsor family members such as adult children or siblings. These categories of immigrant visas are subject to annual numerical limits.
• Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens: People residing in other countries who are engaged to U.S. citizens can apply for K-1 visas, which will allow them to enter the U.S. and get married. After marriage, they can apply for a Green Card.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Employers in the United States can provide job opportunities for immigrants and sponsor them for visas that will allow for permanent residence. There are several different categories of employment-based immigrant visas, and there are limits on the number of visas available in each category and the number of people from each country who may receive visas:

• EB-1: Priority workers: This category is generally limited to people who are internationally recognized or highly regarded for their abilities in fields such as science, business, athletics, education, or the arts.
• EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or abilities: This category includes immigrants who have received bachelor's degrees followed by at least five years of experience in their fields. Other workers may qualify if they can show that they have exceptional abilities in the areas of business, science, or art due to factors such as at least 10 years of experience, high salaries, professional licenses, or recognition for significant achievements.
• EB-3: Professionals and skilled or unskilled workers: People who do not qualify for EB-1 or EB-2 visas may meet the requirements of this category if they have bachelor's degrees, have at least two years of applicable education or experience, or will be working in positions that require less than two years of experience or training.
• EB-4: Special immigrants: People in certain fields may qualify under this category, including religious workers, immigrants who have served in the United States armed forces, or people who have worked for the U.S. government in other countries.
• EB-5: Immigrant investors: People who plan to invest in commercial enterprises in the United States that will create at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers may receive Green Cards under this category.

Special Immigrant Categories

• Asylees and refugees: People who are seeking protection and are likely to experience persecution based on protected factors may apply for asylum. Immigrants who have fled their home countries due to wars or other dangerous conditions may be classified as refugees. After living in the U.S. for one year under asylee or refugee status, a person can apply for a Green Card.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile status: Minors who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents may qualify for Green Cards that will allow them to remain in the United States.
• Other special cases: Victims of human trafficking, crime victims, victims of domestic abuse, and other specific categories of immigrants may be able to apply for Green Cards without receiving sponsorship from a family member or employer.

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

There are two primary methods for applying for a Green Card. Adjustment of status may be used by people who are currently located in the U.S. and wish to change their status to lawful permanent resident while remaining in the country. They can file an application to adjust their status and work with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain the necessary visa. Advantages of adjustment of status include the ability to remain in the U.S. while the application is processed, and the possibility of obtaining work authorization and travel permits while awaiting a decision.

Consular processing will typically be used by people who are outside the U.S. In some cases, immigrants may choose to leave the United States and return to their home countries to apply for a Green Card and work with personnel at a U.S. embassy or consulate to complete the process. After submitting the required applications and documents, a person will attend an interview with U.S. immigration officials. After a person is approved for an immigrant visa, they will be able to travel to the United States, and they can apply for a Green Card after entering the country.

Contact Our Rockville Green Card Attorneys

For those who are seeking to become lawful permanent residents of the United States, the experienced attorneys at Salvado Law Offices can provide legal assistance. With our understanding of U.S. immigration laws, we can guide immigrants and sponsors through the application process and help address any issues that may affect their ability to obtain visas and Green Cards. Contact our firm at 301-933-1814 to arrange a consultation and begin the process of achieving permanent residency. Our dedicated team serves clients in Maryland from our Rockville office and people in Virginia from our Falls Church office.