Beginning a new life in the United States is a dream for many people around the world. Obtaining a green card to live and work here lawfully can be a first step to pursuing citizenship. Both processes are lengthy and complicated, and you can benefit from working with skilled guides to ensure you fulfill the requirements correctly.
Barrios & Virguez is experienced in helping new and prospective US residents attain their green cards. Our family-run law firm provides outstanding assistance to help you build your future. We are bilingual and committed to supporting your goals for a new life.
When you need a Duluth green card lawyer, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Green Card Options
There are many reasons people seek a green card in the US. The government has created different types of cards for different situations, such as employment, asylum, or family reasons. The most frequently used green cards include:
Employment-Based
US-based and international companies will sometimes hire a person from outside the United States to fill a position within the country. That person may or may not seek citizenship but needs legal status for the duration of their assignment.
There are a variety of these employment-based cards, such as:
- Priority workers (EB-1): Workers (usually executives or managers) with extraordinary abilities, and artists.
- Professionals with advanced degrees (EB-2): Workers with advanced degrees, physicians, and employees for positions of national interest.
- Skilled, unskilled, and professional employees (EB-3): Workers with a degree or two or more years of training or experience who are not seasonal employees.
- Special workers (EB-4): Foreign nationals who served the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan, religious workers, and media professionals.
- Investors (EB-5): Individuals who are not US citizens investing $1 million or more to create a new US business with a minimum of 10 full-time jobs.
Family-Based
A family-based green card is the type of card most people think of, and it is used to provide legal status for spouses, children, siblings, and parents of US citizens and those already holding a green card. Individuals may apply for this card before or after arriving in the United States. A family-based green card is also appropriate for widows and widowers of deceased US citizens.
Longtime-Resident
If you or a loved one have physically lived in the US since January 1, 1972, you are eligible for a longtime-resident green card. Regardless of your legal status, you can complete the registry process to receive a card. You must fulfill many requirements and provide documents showing you are of good moral character, are eligible to apply, and have not left the country since your arrival.
Diversity Lottery
The US government conducts a lottery each year to award 50,000 green cards to randomly selected individuals worldwide. The purpose is to encourage immigration from areas that have historically had few applicants for US residency. Applicants must complete an entry process to be considered, which can be done either in their country of origin or once they are in the United States.
Humanitarian
Special visas that fall under the humanitarian green card category are used to provide asylum and protection for individuals who have experienced dangerous situations. If an immigrant lives in fear of or has suffered persecution in their home country, or is at risk of human trafficking, they can apply for a specific visa and this card. It also is used for those immigrants who are victims of abuse or crimes within the United States.
For a legal consultation with a green card lawyer serving Duluth, call 678-888-2222
The Green Card Process
Immigration laws and procedures in the United States are very complicated and demanding. Coming to the country is best done lawfully, and a green card is critical to working and living here without fear of deportation. Whether you intend to remain in the US or return to your home, the green card provides security and protection.
The application process involves many lengthy forms and significant fees. Individuals can apply before traveling to the US through the consular process in their home country. If you are already here, you will need to complete the Adjustment of Status process.
Both routes require interviews and medical exams, and fees range from $1200 outside the US to $1760 inside the country. The wait time is very long for either route, lasting from a few months to a few years. Making mistakes or leaving out information on paperwork can set you back significantly.
Thousands of new people arrive every year to pursue citizenship, and they must all be processed through the system. Having a skilled green card lawyer in Duluth working for you can reduce the time you need to wait and avoid problems.
Duluth Green Card Lawyer Near Me 678-888-2222
How a Green Card Attorney in Duluth Can Help You
The forms and filing deadlines for green cards can be overwhelming for those who don’t speak English as a first language or those who are escaping dangerous conditions in another country. Many companies will take advantage of someone who simply wants a better life. Instead of working alone or being scammed, putting your trust in a skilled and compassionate Duluth green card attorney can help you realize your dreams faster.
An experienced attorney will put their professional legal team to work for you, providing services such as:
- Helping you complete forms
- Communicating with government agencies
- Advising you honestly
- Filing forms on time
- Explaining fees
- Avoiding dishonest green card assistance companies
- Keeping you updated on your progress
- Reducing confusion about your eligibility
A qualified green card lawyer can free you from learning how the system works so you can build your life. Barrios & Virguez is committed to guiding our clients to success. We are bilingual and ready to help you and your loved ones.
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Get Help from a Duluth Green Card Lawyer Today
Applying for your green card requires attention to detail and knowledge of the immigration system. You need someone who stays current on changes to the application process and wait times. The Duluth green card lawyers at Barrios & Virguez personally understand the challenges you face as an immigrant with laws that often seem unfair.
Our attorneys have witnessed how the most vulnerable people become targets for those who want to benefit from another person’s confusion. We are committed to helping you through fair and professional legal representation. We do not believe costs should keep you from seeking help to begin living a safe and happy life in the United States.
Contact us using our convenient online form or call us for a consultation today.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Case Evaluation form