100% Secure and Confidential
100% Secure and Confidential
After living in the U.S. for a while, you may decide to make your stay permanent. If you’re already a U.S. citizen or permanent resident holder, you may want to help a family member become a permanent U.S. resident.
In both cases, you can legally file a formal permanent residency card application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS).
However, applying for a green card or permanent residency card can be challenging since immigration policies change constantly, and the process involves many steps and paperwork. Our Georgia immigration attorney for green card applications understands the U.S. immigration system well and can help navigate the process. Contact Moffitt Law, LLC to begin.
What are Green Cards?
A green card, also known as a permanent residency card, is a physical document issued to an individual allowing them to work and live in the U.S. permanently.
Usually, green cards expire within ten years of being issued, after which they must be renewed at least six months before expiration. However, green cards can also be revoked before the ten-year tenure ends. That only happens if:
- A green card holder commits a crime
- A green card holder resident obtains U.S. citizenship
- A green card voluntarily revokes their permanent residency
In terms of being different from a visa, a visa is a temporary permit stamped on your passport as you enter the U.S. That means visas must be obtained from the U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling to the country to gain access at any point of entry.
Categories of Green Cards We Help With
Our immigration lawyer for green cards in Georgia can help you apply for the following permanent resident cards:
Family-based
Family-based green cards are awarded to immediate family members of permanent resident card holders or U.S. citizens who apply through the 1-130 application form. That includes parents, children, siblings, and spouses.
Children-based
Children’s green cards are awarded to a permanent resident card holder or U.S. citizen’s minor married and unmarried children over 21 years. They can also be awarded to stepchildren or adopted children in special cases.
Fiancé-based
Fiancé permanent resident cards are awarded to fiancés with K-1 non-immigration visas of U.S. green card holders and citizens. The two must also have been legally married within 90 days after the fiancé was admitted as a K-1 nonimmigrant to be eligible for a green card.
Employment-based
Employment green cards are awarded to workers in the EB-1 to EB-3 classifications. They’re awarded based on a worker’s potential ability, employment skills, outstanding performances, and achievements.
Religious nonprofit
Religious nonprofit green cards are awarded to special EB-4 religious immigrant members of a religious denomination with a nonprofit organization denomination in the U.S. An applicant must have been a religious nonprofit denomination member for at least two years to be eligible for a U.S. green card.
Investor-based
Investor green cards are awarded to investors in the EB-5 program with enough investments or assets in the U.S. economy. These green cards usually require a certain amount invested in target employee areas or sectors.
Asylum seekers
Asylum-based green cards are awarded to asylum seekers, refugees, and victims of human trafficking or crime against humanity. To get this type of permanent resident card, you must provide enough reasons and evidence showing the need for the card.
Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency in the U.S
There are several benefits of getting permanent residence status in Georgia. These main ones include:
- Pathway to citizenship: Permanent residents can apply for citizenship within three to five years of getting a green card
- Dual citizenship eligibility: U.S. green card holders still get to maintain citizenship in their native countries
- Eligibility for benefits: Permanent residents can apply for education assistance benefits and Social Security benefits.
- Legal protection: A permanent resident card gives holders legal rights like other citizens.
- Protection from immigration rights: Terms agreed upon a permanent residency application remain intact even if immigration laws change later
Attorney for Green Card Renewal
Renewing an expired green card is essential to confirm or maintain your current legal immigration status in the U.S. While you remain lawfully in the count even after green card expiration, you may be unable to access several vital services, such as:
- A job
- A professional license
- Renewing driver’s license
- Buying a house
- Reentering the U.S.
To renew a green card, you must complete form 1-90, Application to Replace a Permanent Resident Card online or via physical form transported by mail. Our experienced Georgia permanent residency card attorney at Moffitt Law can guide you through renewing your green card.
Contact a Georgia Immigration Lawyer for Green Cards
If you have questions or need assistance with applying for a green card, contact our Georgia immigration attorney. At Moffitt Law, LLC, we will provide personalized guidance throughout the green card application process.
FAQs on Green Cards and Permanent Residency
Can I appeal a green card application petition?
Yes. Permanent resident card appeals must be done within 33 days of receiving the denial or rejection letter.
How long does it take to process a green card application?
It usually takes 16 to 30 months to process a green card for a spouse or child under 21, but times may vary depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the U.S.
