Green Cards
A Green Card, known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants individuals the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States.
For many families, obtaining a Green Card is the final step in the family immigration process, enabling loved ones to reunite and build a life together in the U.S.
At Immigration Spurgin, we specialize in helping families through the complex process of obtaining Green Cards for their relatives.
Led by Stephen Spurgin, an experienced immigration attorney with nearly 40 years of experience, our team is dedicated to guiding you through each step of the family-based Green Card process.
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What is a Family Green Card?
A family Green Card allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their relatives for permanent residency in the United States.
This process is based on the principle of family reunification, which is one of the key priorities of U.S. immigration law.
The process for obtaining a Green Card depends on the relationship between the U.S. citizen or permanent resident (the sponsor) and the family member seeking a Green Card.
The U.S. government categorizes family members into two main groups:
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: These family members include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives have the highest priority and are not subject to annual numerical limits on visas.
- Family Preference Categories: These categories include more distant family members such as adult children, siblings, and spouses or children of lawful permanent residents.
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Steps to Obtain a Green Card for a Family Member
The process for obtaining a Green Card for a family member can be complex and time-consuming, but at Immigration Spurgin, we will guide you through each step, ensuring that the application is completed correctly and submitted on time.
The general process is as follows:
1. Petition for a Family Member
The first step in the family-based Green Card process is for the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to file a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the family relationship and starts the immigration process.
2. Wait for Petition Approval
Once the I-130 petition is filed, USCIS will review it and make a decision. If the petition is approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. For immediate relatives, this process is usually faster, as there are no annual quotas for visas in this category.
3. Immigrant Visa or Adjustment of Status
Consular Processing: If the family member is outside the U.S., they will undergo consular processing, which involves applying for an immigrant visa through the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
They will attend an interview, and if everything is approved, they can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Adjustment of Status: If the family member is already in the U.S., they may be able to apply for a Green Card through Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status).
This allows the applicant to stay in the U.S. while their Green Card application is processed.
4. Green Card Interview
Most applicants will need to attend an interview, either at the U.S. consulate abroad or at a local USCIS office in the U.S. The purpose of the interview is to verify the information provided in the Green Card application and ensure the applicant is eligible for permanent residency.
For marriage-based Green Cards, the couple may also be asked to provide additional evidence of the legitimacy of their relationship.
5. Green Card Approval
If the interview is successful and the applicant’s case is approved, they will be granted a Green Card. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens will receive a Green Card for two years (conditional residency) if their marriage is less than two years old. After two years, they must apply for the removal of conditions.
In other cases, the Green Card is typically granted for 10 years, and the applicant must renew it before it expires.
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Who Can Be Sponsored for a Family Green Card?
At Immigration Spurgin, we help U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor their family members for Green Cards. The following family members may be eligible for a Green Card:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
- Spouses of U.S. Citizens: A U.S. citizen can petition for their foreign-born spouse to obtain a Green Card.
- Children Under 21 of U.S. Citizens: Unmarried children under the age of 21 can be sponsored for a Green Card by their U.S. citizen parent.
- Parents of U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens who are 21 years or older can petition for their foreign-born parents to obtain Green Cards.
Family Preference Categories
- Adult Children of U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens can petition for their adult children (over 21) to obtain a Green Card.
- Siblings of U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens can petition for their siblings to obtain a Green Card (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older).
- Spouses and Children of Green Card Holders: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can petition for their spouses and children to obtain a Green Card.
Why Choose Immigration Spurgin for Your Family Green Card Process?
At Immigration Spurgin, we understand how important it is for families to be reunited. Our experienced team, led by Stephen Spurgin, is committed to providing you with the expert guidance and personalized attention you need throughout the Green Card process.
Here’s why families choose us:
- 40+ Years of Experience: Stephen Spurgin’s deep expertise in family immigration law ensures your Green Card application is in good hands.
- Bilingual Services: We offer services in both English and Spanish, helping families from all backgrounds navigate the complex process.
- Thorough, Personalized Guidance: From filing the petition to attending interviews, we provide step-by-step guidance to ensure you meet all the requirements and deadlines.
- Compassionate Legal Support: We treat each case with care and dedication, understanding the emotional importance of family reunification.
Start Your Family Green Card Process Today
If you are ready to start the process of bringing your family members to the United States, Immigration Spurgin is here to help.
Our team of experienced immigration professionals will guide you through the Green Card process efficiently and effectively.
Call 915-779-2800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and begin the process of reuniting with your loved ones.
