Passionate And Knowledgeable Green Card Lawyer
At MCD Immigration Law, P.C., we understand the importance of achieving lawful permanent residency in the U.S. As your dedicated green card lawyer, Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette provides thorough and compassionate guidance to individuals and families in Salem and throughout Massachusetts who are seeking green card status.
Contact our Salem office today via phone at 978-627-8560. Or, use our email form to schedule a consultation for personalized assistance with a green card or any immigration law issue.
What Is A Green Card?
Having a green card is a common nickname for having lawful permanent residency in the United States. This status allows you to live and work here permanently as long as you do not break the law. With a green card, you can also apply for U.S. citizenship if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Who Is Eligible For A Green Card?
Eligibility for a green card can be achieved through various pathways. Here are some of the common categories:
- Green card through family: You may be eligible if you are a close relative of a U.S. citizen or a current green card holder.
- Green card through employment: This category includes immigrants who are offered permanent employment in the U.S.
- Green card as a special immigrant: Certain immigrants, such as religious workers or international broadcasters, fall under this category.
- Green card through refugee or asylee status: If you were admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, you may apply for a green card.
- Green card for human trafficking and crime victims: Victims of crimes such as human trafficking who assist in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity may qualify for a green card.
- Green card for victims of abuse: This includes abused spouses, children or parents under certain visa categories.
- Green card through other categories: There are other less common categories that might apply to your situation.
- Green card through registry: Individuals who have lived continuously in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972, may apply.
This list outlines the primary categories, but specific circumstances may vary. Green card lawyer Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette will be here to clarify your eligibility and discuss your options.
How To Get A Green Card
Obtaining a green card involves several steps. Here’s a simplified overview:
- Verify that you are eligible through the categories listed above.
- In most cases, obtain a sponsor. This is a person or company that will file an immigrant petition on your behalf. In some cases, you can file this form yourself.
- Once the USCIS approves the immigrant petition, identify an immigrant visa you qualify for and apply for it through the U.S. Department of State.
- Once the State Department (in most cases) approves your visa, you can apply for lawful permanent resident status through the USCIS.
- Attend a biometrics appointment, during which your fingerprints, photo and signature will be collected.
- Attend an interview with a USCIS agent.
- The USCIS will grant or deny your application for a green card.
Although this overview seems relatively straightforward, there are many variations and details that you must get exactly right or your application for a green card could be turned down. This need for detailed guidance means you need an immigration attorney who is always up-to-date on the process. Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand and are prepared for what comes next.
Reminder To Remove The Conditions On Your Marriage Green Card
If your green card was granted based on a marriage that was less than two years old at the time of application, your status in the United States is considered conditional. This conditional status is a precautionary measure by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to help prevent fraudulent marriages solely for the purpose of gaining immigration benefits.
Conditional residency grants you the same rights as a permanent resident, such as working and traveling in and out of the U.S. However, it only lasts for two years. To continue living in the U.S. beyond this period, you must take steps to make your residency permanent before your conditional residency expires. Attorney Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette can help you remove these conditions.
Failing to remove the conditions on your green card can have serious consequences, including losing your resident status and having to leave the United States. Therefore, it is important to understand this process and act promptly.
Let Us Help You Secure Your Future
Embarking on your journey towards permanent residency is a significant step. At MCD Immigration Law, P.C., we are committed to supporting you throughout this process. Contact our Salem office today via phone at 978-627-8560. Or, use our email form to schedule a consultation.