Sterling Immigration Attorney

Lawyer Helping With Green Card Applications, Naturalization, and Other Immigration-Related Concerns in Sterling, VA

While the laws of the United States of America offer various ways for immigrants to enter, live in, and work in the country, the legal requirements and procedures followed in immigration cases can be complicated and difficult to understand. At The Estevez Group, PC, our lawyer works with people in Sterling, Virginia to make sure they understand their best options during every step of the immigration process, from applying for visas to achieving citizenship. We provides personalized guidance to help clients overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Steps in the Immigration Process

Immigrating to the United States involves several steps, which may include:

1. Applying for a Visa: Most people who are seeking to immigrate to the United States will need to apply for visas that will provide them with authorization to enter or remain in the country. Visas fall into two general categories. Non-immigrant visas allow for temporary stays for purposes such as work or tourism. Examples include H-1B visas for temporary workers who meet certain qualifications and K-1 fiancé visas for people who plan to come to the U.S. to get married. Immigrant visas will usually be required for those intending to live permanently in the United States, and they will typically require sponsorship from a family member or employer.
2. Receiving a Green Card: After being approved for an immigrant visa, a person can apply for lawful permanent resident status. When they are approved and receive a Green Card, they will be able to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Green Cards can be obtained through family sponsorship, including Immediate Relative visas or Family Preference visas. Employment sponsorship may also be an option, and employers can sponsor employees for Green Cards based on their qualifications and job roles through EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 visas.
3. Taking Steps to Obtain Citizenship: Naturalization allows lawful permanent residents to become citizens of the United States. The requirements for naturalization include holding a Green Card for a minimum number of years (five years in most cases, or three years for spouses of citizens), maintaining continuous residence in the U.S., being physically present in the United States for a certain number of months, and passing English and U.S. civics tests.

Our firm provides legal support throughout the entire immigration process. We can help immigrants and their sponsors understand the available options and the requirements they will need to meet. Our lawyer can assist with applications for visas and Green Cards, making sure all forms and documents are submitted correctly. We can also help prepare for the naturalization process while working to resolve any complications that may arise.

Addressing Other Immigration Concerns

At The Estevez Group, PC, we understand that issues may arise during the immigration process, and we work with clients to overcome any obstacles they may encounter. We can also help address situations where a person's safety or well-being may be at risk while ensuring that they can address concerns that may affect their immigration status. We can assist with:

• VAWA Self-Petitions and U Visas: Survivors of domestic violence can apply for immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act, which will ensure that they can continue living in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship from an abusive family member. Victims who have suffered physical or mental harm due to crimes such as sexual assault or kidnapping can apply for U visas, and if they cooperate with law enforcement during a criminal case, they may be able to maintain a legal status in the United States.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status: Children who are under the age of 21 and who have received a juvenile court order removing them from the custody of a parent due to issues such as abuse or abandonment can apply for SIJ status. This will allow them to stay in the U.S., apply for Green Cards, and eventually take steps to become citizens.
• Waivers of Inadmissibility: When immigration officials have determined that someone is inadmissible, this could affect their ability to qualify for a visa or receive a Green Card. However, demonstrating that a person's presence in the U.S. is necessary to help a loved one avoid hardship may allow them to receive a waiver of inadmissibility.

Contact Our Sterling, Virginia Immigration Lawyer

At The Estevez Group, PC, we can help you address immigration matters, protecting your rights and advising you on the steps you can take to achieve your goals. Call us at 703-829-5179 or submit an online contact form to arrange a free consultation today.