Richmond, VA Immigration Attorney

Lawyer Helping Apply for Green Cards and Address Other Immigration Issues in Richmond, Virginia

While immigrants who are looking to resettle in the United States may have a number of options, the immigration process can be very challenging. Understanding the steps that will need to be taken to qualify for immigration, the forms and documents that will need to be filed, and the proper responses to requests from immigration officials can seem overwhelming. When addressing these issues, knowledgeable guidance from an attorney with experience in immigration law can be essential.

At The Estevez Group, PC, we help people in Richmond, Virginia address a wide range of immigration-related issues. We help family members determine their options for family-based immigration, and we work with employers and employees to address employment-based immigration concerns. Whether we are assisting with applications for visas or Green Cards or addressing complications such as inadmissibility, our attorney provides compassionate, dedicated support to help clients achieve their immigration goals.

The Benefits of Green Cards

A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants an immigrant lawful permanent residency in the United States. Green Card holders will benefit from lawful permanent resident status in many ways, including:

• Long-Term Residency: A Green Cord holder can live and work in the United States indefinitely.
• Path to Citizenship: A lawful permanent resident will be eligible to apply for naturalization after meeting residency requirements.
• Family Sponsorship: Green Card holders can sponsor certain family members for visas and Green Cards.
• Legal Protections: Lawful permanent residents are protected from deportation under most circumstances.

Our firm helps clients navigate the Green Card application process, ensuring they understand the requirements and procedures for securing permanent residency.

Applying for Immigrant Visas and Green Cards

Immigrant visas allow for entry to the U.S. on a permanent basis, allowing a person to receive a Green Card. There are two primary options for obtaining an immigrant visa:

• Employment-Based Immigrant Visas: Employers can sponsor workers for immigrant visas based on their skills, qualifications, and job roles. Employment-based Green Card categories include EB-1 (people who have exceptional abilities in certain fields), EB-2 (professionals who have obtained advanced educational degrees), and EB-3 (workers classified as professionals or skilled/unskilled laborers).
• Family-Based Immigrant Visas: Family sponsorship allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to help relatives immigrate to the United States. Eligible relationships include immediate relatives (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens) and family preference categories (siblings and married children of U.S. citizens and spouses and children of lawful permanent residents).

The Estevez Group, PC assists clients with preparing immigrant visa petitions, gathering supporting documentation, and addressing potential challenges to ensure a smooth application process. We can help ensure that family members meet the requirements for sponsorship and that the proper petitions and supporting documents are filed. We also work with employers to address compliance issues such as labor certification while helping to prepare and file applications on behalf of employees.

Addressing Complications During the Immigration Process

Even with careful preparation, challenges can arise as people file applications for visas and Green Cards and address other immigration concerns. The Estevez Group, PC provides skilled legal representation to help clients overcome these challenges, including:

• Waivers of Inadmissibility: Certain legal issues, such as prior immigration violations or criminal convictions, can prevent a person from being approved for a visa or Green Card. Fortunately, waivers may be available for people who can show that they have addressed issues related to inadmissibility and will be needed to provide for the needs of family members in the U.S. Our firm helps clients prepare strong waiver applications, demonstrating the reasons a waiver should be granted based on the potential for hardship that may affect U.S. citizens or Green Card holders.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status: Minors who have suffered harm due to abuse or neglect and who have been removed from the custody of a parent may apply for SIJ status and qualify for Green Cards. Our firm works closely with minors and their guardians to navigate the SIJ process, ensuring that they meet their eligibility requirements while addressing any complications that could affect them.

Contact Our Richmond Immigration Lawyer

At The Estevez Group, PC, we can help you navigate the U.S. immigration system successfully. Whether you are seeking a Green Card, sponsoring a family member or employee, or addressing complications like inadmissibility, our attorney is ready to provide the support and guidance you need. Arrange your free consultation today by contacting us or calling 703-829-5179.