Coming to the United States for a new life can be exciting as you look forward to realizing your dreams. If you already have family here, you can depend on their support as you follow the immigration process to live and work in the US legally. The steps involved can be confusing, and you will need competent, trusted advisors to ensure everything is completed properly.
An experienced immigration attorney at Barrios & Virgüez is here to be that trusted advisor. Our family-run law firm offers many years of experience helping individuals secure their green cards. Our Augusta green card lawyer provides excellent service with honest, constant communication so you and your loved ones can focus on building your future while we focus on working for you.
How a Green Card Works
The United States has many paths to legal status, and green cards are the most common choice for non-citizens to obtain permanent residence. Having a green card lets you lawfully live and work in the country while you complete the naturalization process. Most green cards are issued to family members of those who are already US citizens or hold green cards.
Others come to the US on employment green cards to work for a set period of time. To apply, you will need to complete several forms and pay fees. If you apply before arriving in the country, you will use the consular process and complete a series of interviews.
You will need to follow several steps, and the wait time can vary from weeks to years. For guidance throughout this process, it’s best to consult an Augusta green card attorney.
The Adjustment of Status Procedure
Applying for a green card when you are already here requires an Adjustment of Status procedure. It is a similar process, but can take between three and five years. Patience is important, along with having a skilled green card lawyer in Augusta to help speed things along.
When you are filing from outside the US, the fee is $1200. Inside the country, the fee is $1760. These fees do not include any medical exams or other requirements you may need to meet.
At Barrios & Virgüez, we have personal experience in the immigration process and have helped many clients obtain their green cards successfully.
Types of Green Cards
There are many types of green cards available for specific situations. Some people want to come to the US for a few years to work or complete research, and others are looking to escape oppression in their homeland. The most commonly sought green cards are:
Family-Based Green Card
The family-based green card is available for spouses, children, siblings, and parents of current US citizens and green card holders. This card is also available to those who were married to now-deceased US citizens. They may apply through consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on their location when they begin.
Employment-Based Green Card
Employment-based green cards are issued for those hired to work in a position within the United States but who may or may not continue with the citizenship process. Types of these green cards include:
- Priority workers (EB-1): Artists, workers, managers, or executives with extraordinary abilities.
- Professionals with advanced degrees (EB-2): Those with advanced degrees or experience in positions requiring exceptional ability, positions of national interest, and physicians with a special waiver.
- Skilled, unskilled, and professional employees (EB-3): Positions that require a degree or two years of training or experience, not seasonal.
- Special workers (EB-4): Media professionals, religious workers, or foreign nationals from Iraq and Afghanistan who served the US government.
- Investors (EB-5):Non-US nationals who are investing at least $1 million in a new US business to create at least 10 full-time jobs.
Humanitarian Green Cards
This card is designed to assist those who fear or have experienced persecution in their homeland or are victims of human trafficking. It is also available for immigrants who are victims of crimes or abuse while in the US, especially when caused by a US citizen or green card holder. Special visas are used to assist these applicants, who must also meet other requirements.
Diversity Lottery Green Card
These cards are distributed to 50,000 randomly selected individuals each year. Those who are interested must enter the lottery and are chosen from countries with very few past immigrants to the United States. The lottery is open to participants from six regions of the world, whether they are in their home country or already reside in the US.
Longtime-Resident Green Card
The longtime-resident green card is meant for those who have physically lived in the US since January 1, 1972. They may have been here with or without legal status and must complete a process called the registry to receive a card. Those who apply must show documentation that they have not left the US since arriving, have good moral character, and are eligible to apply for citizenship, among other requirements.
For assistance in understanding eligibility and navigating the application process, it’s best to consult an Augusta green card attorney.
How a Green Card Lawyer in Augusta Can Help You
Green cards are the key to lawfully remaining in the United States while you work or seek naturalized citizenship. Since becoming a citizen can take several years, you need to prove that you are a person of good moral character and are obeying the law throughout the time it takes to complete the process. Many people apply for an H1-B visa when they first come to the US, and maintaining this document can be critical to creating a smooth path to a green card.
The process of applying for a green card is strenuous and time-consuming. The forms and deadlines can be overwhelming if you have never immigrated or are here after fleeing persecution. A compassionate and capable Augusta green card attorney can make the procedure less stressful and confusing.
At Barrios & Virgüez, we are proud to be a hero for those who seek safety in their new homeland. Our professional legal team will assist you or your loved one in promptly completing forms and sending fees. Because the process takes so long, it can be challenging to manage on your own while trying to work and live your new life.
The best way to get a green card is to let an experienced green card lawyer handle everything for you while they keep you constantly updated on your progress.
Hire an Augusta Green Card Attorney Today
Applying for a green card is exciting, but it is also complicated. Making a small or accidental error in your paperwork information or missing a payment deadline can be devastating. The procedure is already lengthy, and you do not want to make any mistakes that will cost you additional time.
Your Augusta green card lawyer at Barrios & Virgüez has the experience and knowledge of immigration law to help your application go smoothly. At Barrios & Virgüez, we offer superior customer service and honest communication. We are committed to serving those looking for a new life in the United States.
Do not let cost keep you from seeking legal help. Contact us through our convenient online form or call us for a consultation today.
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