Green Card Attorney San Diego

Providing Help in Obtaining Green Cards Via Family or Employment in the U.S.

When an immigrant is given a green card, it means that they have been granted lawful permanent resident status (LPR). The "green card" refers to the identification card given to LPRs, which is, as you might expect, were initially colored green. However, obtaining a green card is not a simple process. Since the U.S. only grants a certain number of green cards each year, the application process is quite competitive and full of potential pitfalls which could cost you favorable adjudication of your application.

Seeking assistance from a green card lawyer in San Diego can improve your chances of being approved by ensuring the application you submit is complete and proactively addresses potential pitfalls. At Jacobs & Schlesinger, we can provide you with the best legal strategy for your application given your specific circumstances.

Green Card Benefits and Eligibility

For most individuals, once someone has been granted LPR status, it lasts for 10 years before it needs to be renewed. LPR status also provides protections against deportation in most circumstances. There are a number of circumstances that may make you eligible to apply for a green card. For example, if you have a family member who is a permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor your application. You can also receive a green card through employment, including self-employment, and through your own business.

Eligibility factors for LPR status vary based on the avenue through which you apply. We can work with you to determine which one is right for you given your specific circumstances and give you information regarding current government application processing times for each available route.

A few other approaches to applying for a green card include:

• Obtaining refugee/asylum status
• U visa and VAWA status

Application Requirements for a Green Card

Most green card applications need an immigrant petition filed on their behalf, such as Form I-130, I-140, or another petition. This petition will determine your immigration classification, which further determines what requirements apply to you. Immigrants already living in the United States can apply through an Adjustment of Status, while immigrants living outside the United States must go through consular processing.

When you apply for a green card in the United States, different documents can be required depending on your immigration situation. Generally, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Birth and/or marriage certificate
• Financial documents
• If sponsored by a citizen or permanent resident, proof of sponsor's citizenship or LPR status

You may additionally be required to provide proof you entered the country lawfully, military records, or criminal records if applicable.

Client-Focused Green Card Services

Since our foundation, Jacobs & Schlesinger has helped hundreds of clients obtain green cards. Our green card lawyers in San Diego strive to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, handling all the tricky paperwork and walking you through every step of the application and adjudication process. We believe that every person deserves services tailored to their needs – that is why we go the extra mile to get to know you and understand your goals going into your case. Reach out to us today for a consultation.