Securing a green card is a major milestone on the path to lawful permanent residency in the United States. Holding a green card grants you the right to live and work permanently in the U.S., access key benefits, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. However, the green card application process can be complex and time-sensitive.
The first step toward obtaining a green card is determining your eligibility. There are multiple paths to lawful permanent residency, and your application must fit within one of these categories:
Green Card Through Family
Sponsored by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.
Green Card Through Employment
Available for skilled workers, investors, and professionals.
Green Card as a Special Immigrant
Includes religious workers, translators, and international employees.
Green Card Through Refugee or Asylum Status
For those who were granted asylum or refugee protection.
Green Card for Human Trafficking or Crime Victims
Available under the T Visa or U Visa.
Green Card for Victims of Abuse
Includes VAWA self-petitions for domestic violence survivors.
Green Card Through Other Categories
Diversity Visa Lottery, Cuban Adjustment Act, and other special cases.
Green Card Through Registry
For individuals who have lived continuously in the U.S. since 1972.
For many green card holders, the ultimate goal is to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Once you are a U.S. citizen, you gain additional rights, including:
✔ The Right to Vote – Participate in federal, state, and local elections.
✔ A U.S. Passport – Travel freely without visa restrictions.
✔ Protection from Deportation – U.S. citizens cannot be deported for criminal convictions.
✔ The Ability to Petition for Family Members – Sponsor relatives for green cards.
✔ Eligibility for Federal Jobs – Many government positions require U.S. citizenship.
You can apply for a green card through family sponsorship, employment-based visas, asylum, or the Diversity Visa Lottery. Our attorneys can determine your eligibility and guide you through the adjustment of status or consular processing.
If you are in removal proceedings, contact a deportation defense attorney immediately. You may qualify for relief such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status based on family sponsorship.
The naturalization process typically takes 8-14 months, depending on application processing times. You must have been a green card holder for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) and meet residency, language, and civics test requirements.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members through Immediate Relative Visas (IR) for spouses, children, and parents, or Family Preference Visas (F Visas) for siblings, married children, and extended family members.
Yes! Many visas allow individuals to legally work in the U.S., including H-1B visas for skilled workers, L-1 visas for intra-company transfers, and EB-5 investor visas.
Start your legal journey today with a confidential consultation. Contact us to discuss your case and explore your legal options.