Fairfax, Virginia Family Immigration Attorney for Green Cards

Lawyer Helping Family Members Immigrate to the U.S. and Receive Green Cards in Fairfax, VA

For many people who plan to relocate to the United States, obtaining a Green Card will be an important goal. A Green Card provides an immigrant with lawful permanent residency in the United States, ensuring that they can continue living in the country, travel freely, and earn an income. While family-based immigration is one of the most common methods of obtaining a Green Card, the process can be complicated, involving extensive documentation, deadlines, and potential legal hurdles. At The Estevez Group, PC, our attorney helps families in Fairfax, Virginia navigate this process successfully.

Benefits of a Green Card

Obtaining a family-based Green Card can provide a person with many advantages, including:

• Lawful Permanent Residency: Green Card holders can live anywhere in the United States without restrictions, and they may receive employment authorization.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After maintaining Green Card status for three or five years, depending on eligibility, immigrants can apply for U.S. citizenship.
• Access to Benefits: Permanent residents may qualify for certain government benefits, including health care and education assistance programs.
• Family Reunification: Green Card holders can sponsor eligible family members for immigration.

Options for Obtaining a Green Card Through Family-Based Immigration

There are several types of visas that will allow a person to receive a Green Card through sponsorship from a qualifying family member in the United States:

• Immediate Relative Visas: Spouses of citizens will qualify for these visas, and parents or minor children who are not married may also be eligible. There are no annual caps, making this faster than other family-based options.
• Family Preference Visas: More distant relatives may qualify for these visas. These include the brothers or sisters of citizens and children of citizens who are adults or are married. The spouses and certain children of lawful permanent residents may also qualify. There are annual numerical limits, which will usually lead to longer wait times.
• Fiancé Visas: These visas provide citizens with the ability to bring romantic partners to the U.S. to get married. The couple will have 90 days to become legally married after the immigrant fiancé enters the country, after which they can apply for a Green Card.

Applying for a Family-Based Green Card

If an immigrant family member is currently in the United States, they may apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485. This is an application for an adjustment of status. Before a Green Card can be issued, an immigrant visa must be available. Form I-485 can be filed at the same time as filing a petition for a visa, while a visa petition is pending, or after it has been approved.

In situations where a family member is not located in the United States, they and their sponsor can apply for a Green Card through a process known as Consular Processing. In these cases, they must file a petition for a visa, attend an interview at an embassy or consulate of the United States, and receive approval for entry into the country. After being admitted into the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, they will receive their Green Card.

Legal Help With Green Card Applications

At The Estevez Group, PC, our lawyer provides guidance and legal help for families who are applying for Green Cards. We will make sure sponsors understand what steps to take and what requirements they will need to meet. During the application process, we can assist with:

• Preparing Strong Applications: By thoroughly reviewing documents and addressing potential issues, we make sure applications are complete and include the necessary evidence demonstrating eligibility for lawful permanent residence.
• Navigating Legal Challenges: We can address inadmissibility concerns and determine the best ways to minimize delays when applying for visas and Green Cards. We help our clients find practical solutions that will allow them to achieve their immigration goals.
• Providing Interview Preparation: Our attorney works with family members to ensure they understand what to expect during interviews with immigration officials. Our goal is to help clients approach these situations with confidence.
• Advocating for Clients: If visa petitions or Green Card applications are denied, or if any other issues arise during the application process, our lawyer can help file appeals or requests for waivers. We will advocate for the best possible outcome that will help a family overcome these obstacles.

Contact Our Fairfax Family-Based Green Card Lawyer

To make sure your family will be able to address and resolve any concerns related to immigration, contact The Estevez Group, PC today. Call 703-829-5179 or fill out our online contact form to arrange for a free consultation. We are ready to help you achieve lawful permanent resident status and pursue the opportunities available to you in the United States.