man with laptop with United States Permanent Resident Card website

Queens Green Card Lawyer

If you’re looking to live and work permanently in the United States, getting a green card is often the first big step. Whether you’re applying based on a job offer, a family relationship, or under a special category, the green card process isn’t always straightforward. That said, at Monica Saran-Nace, P.C., we help individuals and families through the green card process regularly, and we’re here to help you, too. Contact a knowledgeable and dedicated Queens immigration lawyer from our firm for assistance with your green card today.

What is a Green Card?

A green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, is proof that you are authorized to live and work in the United States permanently. While the name comes from the traditional color of the card, the significance goes far beyond appearance. Holding a green card allows you to lawfully stay in the country and enjoy many of the rights that U.S. citizens have, although it does not grant full citizenship.

Green cards are typically issued to individuals who qualify under specific categories laid out by U.S. immigration law. These categories include family-based petitions, employment-based petitions, asylum or refugee status adjustments, and special programs such as the Diversity Visa Lottery. Depending on your situation, you may either apply while inside the United States through a process called Adjustment of Status, or you may apply from abroad through Consular Processing.

Knowing which path applies to you is critical. It determines what forms you need to file, which supporting documents you must include, and which government agency you will deal with.

Green Cards Through Employment

If you have a job offer in the United States, a specific skill set, or extraordinary ability in your field, you may be eligible for an employment-based green card. The U.S. offers several employment-based immigrant visa categories, each with its own qualifications and procedures:

  • EB-1 (First Preference): For individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Also includes outstanding professors, researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
  • EB-2 (Second Preference): For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. This category may also include individuals applying for a National Interest Waiver.
  • EB-3 (Third Preference): For skilled workers (those with at least two years of experience), professionals (with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent), and other workers (for unskilled labor where qualified workers are not available in the U.S.).
  • EB-4 (Fourth Preference): For “special immigrants” including religious workers, certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts, retired employees of international organizations, and others.
  • EB-5 (Fifth Preference): For investors who make a significant financial investment in a U.S. business that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

If you’re seeking a green card through employment, please don’t hesitate to speak with an immigration lawyer from Monica Saran-Nace, P.C.

Green Cards for Spouses & Family Members

One of the most common ways people obtain green cards is through family-based immigration. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain family members to receive green cards. Here are the main categories:

  • Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:
    • Spouses of U.S. citizens
    • Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
    • Parents of U.S. citizens (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old)
  • Family Preference Categories:
    • F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 or older) of U.S. citizens
    • F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
    • F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and over) of lawful permanent residents
    • F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
    • F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the petitioner is at least 21)

Family-based petitions often involve waiting periods, especially for preference categories where visa numbers are limited. In contrast, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to the annual cap and generally have shorter processing times.

Other Types of Green Cards

Not all green cards are granted through employment or family ties. Several other paths to permanent residency exist, and they may apply to you depending on your individual situation:

  • Asylees and Refugees: If you were granted asylum or refugee status at least one year ago, you may apply for a green card.
  • Diversity Visa Lottery Winners: Individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. can apply for green cards through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS): For minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents and are under the protection of a juvenile court.
  • Victims of Abuse or Crime:
    • VAWA (Violence Against Women Act): Allows spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for a green card if they have suffered abuse.
    • U Visas: For victims of certain crimes who have helped or are willing to help law enforcement.
    • T Visas: For victims of human trafficking.
  • Registry: If you’ve been in the U.S. continuously since before January 1, 1972, you may qualify to register for a green card.

What Happens Once I Get My Green Card?

Getting your green card is a major milestone, but it’s not the end of your immigration journey. As a lawful permanent resident, you’ll have many of the same responsibilities and protections as U.S. citizens. You’ll be allowed to work in the United States, travel abroad, and petition for certain relatives to join you.

However, permanent residency also comes with conditions. For example, if you plan to travel outside the U.S. for extended periods, you may need to obtain a re-entry permit. Abandoning your residency by staying abroad too long without proper documentation can put your green card status at risk.

Another key point is that green card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain criteria. Typically, you must:

  • Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
  • Demonstrate good moral character
  • Show an understanding of the English language and U.S. civics
  • Be physically present in the U.S. for a required amount of time
  • Take the Oath of Allegiance

Contact an Astoria Green Card Lawyer Today

At Monica Saran-Nace, P.C., we are committed to helping our clients move from permanent residency to full citizenship if that is their goal. If you are ready to start the green card process or need help understanding your options, contact Monica Saran-Nace, P.C., your trusted Queens green card lawyer. Our office is here to provide clear answers, personalized advice, and experienced representation for you and your family.

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