How to Immigrate to the U.S. Permanently
As immigration lawyers in the U.S., people reach out to us a lot to ask: What are my options for getting a "green card" and immigrating to the U.S. permanently? Below is an overview of the basic requirements. Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 to learn more.
Generally a petitioner/sponsor is necessary. The sponsor can be (1) a U.S. employer, (2) a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) spouse or parent, or (3) a U.S. citizen sibling or child over the age of 21. If an employer is willing to sponsor you, then they will be the one working with us (the lawyers) and the government, and will need to contact us directly to get started. If a family member is able and willing to sponsor you, then you will need to prove the familial relationship. If your spouse is the sponsor, then you will need to show that the marriage is real and not just for immigration purposes. You will also need to prove that your family member makes sufficient income - otherwise a cosponsor or assets will be necessary. Required income varies based on the sponsor's household size, but for year 2019 it starts at around $22,000 per year.
Self-sponsorship for a green card is possible in limited circumstances. If you can prove extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim, then it may be possible to apply for a green card without a sponsor. We offer a thorough initial legal evaluation to determine whether this is possible.
The diversity visa (DV) lottery is an option in some cases. If you are a citizen of a country included in the DV lottery program, then you can submit an application to be entered into a lottery to obtain a U.S. green card. You can learn more here:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
You - the person seeking the green card - must prove your identity and eligibility. The government looks at a lot of factors to determine eligibility. These include (but are not limited to) prior criminal history, history of prior visas and visits to the U.S., past immigration violations, and prior misrepresentations made to gain a benefit here in the U.S. We offer a thorough initial legal evaluation to ensure that you will be eligible for a green card before you begin the process.
Contact us today at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 to learn more about applying for a green card!
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the September Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for September 2019 to see if your priority date is current next month.
USCIS has determined that in September, the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, with the exception of F2A category applicants, who may use the Final Action Dates chart. The Final Action Dates Chart must be used for employer-sponsored green cards.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application?
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the August Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for August 2019 to see if your priority date is current next month.
USCIS has determined that in August, the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, with the exception of F2A category applicants, who may use the Final Action Dates chart. The Final Action Dates Chart must be used for employer-sponsored green cards.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for August 2019 to see if your priority date is current next month.
USCIS has determined that in August, the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, with the exception of F2A category applicants, who may use the Final Action Dates chart. The Final Action Dates Chart must be used for employer-sponsored green cards.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application?
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Why your green card or naturalization interview could now be scheduled farther from home
A new government policy makes it possible for your green card or naturalization interview to be scheduled outside of your normal USCIS jurisdiction.
A new government policy makes it possible for your green card or naturalization interview to be scheduled outside of your normal USCIS jurisdiction.
There are currently large backlogs in some areas of the country in the processing of applications to adjust status (green card) applications, and applications for naturalization. This is causing a big discrepancy in processing times based on where an applicant resides. To help ensure more uniformity across the nation, USCIS has announced that it will begin shifting caseloads between field offices. That means that your green card or citizenship interview may now be scheduled earlier, but at a USCIS office located farther from home. USCIS has stated that the change will not affect the location of biometrics appointments.
For assistance with your green card or citizenship application in any jurisdiction, please contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040.
Spouses of Permanent Residents can File Their Green Card Applications in July!
Are you the spouse of a permanent resident who has been lawfully residing in the U.S., waiting for the F2A preference category to become current so that you can apply for your green card? Well wait no more! The U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for July 2019 has just been released, and shows the F2A category as current across all countries.
This means that in July, the spouse of a permanent resident will be able to submit the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and I-485 Application to Adjust Status concurrently. Alternatively if your permanent resident spouse has already filed an I-130 Petition on your behalf, you will be eligible to submit the I-485 Application for your green card beginning July 1st.
Assembling the required documentation for a green card application takes time. Contact us today at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 to get started now!
