Green Card Lawyer San Francisco

Immigrants to the United States need to apply for what is known as a green card if they want to live and work permanently in the USA. You can apply for a green card in several ways, including through a family member or your employer petitioning for you. Regardless of how you apply, you need to be aware of some essential information that applying for a green card involves.

Types Of Green Card Applications

There are different ways a person can get a green card, including the following:

Fiance visas and green cards for the spouses of US citizens - Forms I-129F, I-130 and I-485

Both opposite-sex and same-sex partners that are not U.S. citizens are eligible for a green card. These immigrants can get sponsorship from their fiancé or spouse, who is already a U.S. citizen. For engaged individuals, the spouse or fiancé who is a foreign citizen must first get a K-1 visa - the US citizen will file a Petition involving Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancée. After marriage, the spouse can then apply for a conditional green card, and after some years of marriage, they can obtain a “permanent” 10 year green card. 

Employment-based green cards

A qualifying employer can sponsor an individual for an employment-based green card if they have a candidate. Both the employee and employer are involved in this process and must file separate forms related to the green card application process.

Green card lottery

Officially known as the Diversity Visa Program and created in 1990, the Lottery awards 55,000 green cards to foreigners each year. This Green Card Lottery allows you to immigrate to the US without a sponsor. You and your family can live, study, and work in the US if selected.

Family-based preference category green cards - Forms I-130, DS-260, and I-485

A permanent resident - green card holder - may sponsor their spouse and children for a green card.

In Summary

Filing for a green card in the U.S is a tricky process. So, if you are overwhelmed and don't know where to start, the best strategy is to hire an attorney. Contact Hurtubise Weber Law LLP today to maximize your chance at becoming a permanent resident of the United States. We have qualified immigration lawyers in San Jose and San Francisco California to help you through the process.