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 PLLC, 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.
Don't risk your future by navigating the complexities of immigration on your own. Trust a professional to guide you through the process.
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:
The process for obtaining a Green Card for a family member can be complex and time-consuming, but at Immigration Spurgin PLLC, we will guide you through each step, ensuring that the application is completed correctly and submitted on time.
The general process is as follows:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At Immigration Spurgin PLLC, 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:
At Immigration Spurgin PLLC, 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 professional guidance and personalized attention you need throughout the Green Card process.
Here’s why families choose us:
If you are ready to start the process of bringing your family members to the United States, Immigration Spurgin PLLC is here to help.
Our team of experienced immigration professionals will guide you through the Green Card process efficiently and effectively.
Call 915-615-3524 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and begin the process of reuniting with your loved ones.
