Green Cards & Other Visas
Green Cards serves as proof that its holder, a Lawful Permanent Resident, has been officially granted immigration benefits including permission to live and take employment in the USA. A Lawful Permanent Resident can apply for United States citizenship, or naturalization, after five years of residency. This period is shortened to three years if married to a U.S. citizen, or four years if permanent residency was received through asylum. Lawful Permanent Residents may submit their applications for naturalization up to 90 days before meeting the residency requirement.
Obtaining a Green Card is a three step process which can be time consuming and at times a bit technical. The first part of the process is the Immigrant Application, in which the USCIS approves the immigrant petition by a qualifying relative or employer. In some cases, such as foreign U.S. investors, it is possible for the immigrant to be self-qualifying.
The second step it attaining an immigrant visa number. Unless the applicant is an immediate relative of their sponsor, an immigrant visa number through the National Visa Center of the United States Department of State must be available, and because these numbers are issued in limited numbers, immigrants applying for a number are generally put on a waiting list. The wait times may vary from months to potentially years, as the volume of immigrant visa numbers created every year is different depending on country of origin.
The final step in acquiring a Green Card is the Immigrant Visa Adjudication process. Should a immigrant visa number become available, the applying immigrant must either apply with USCIS to adjust their current status to permanent resident status or apply with the U.S. Department of State for an immigrant visa at the nearest US consulate before being allowed to come to the United States. If at any time during this process deadlines are missed, fees are not paid, or other errors occur, the application may be denied, the applicant may be deported or removed, and the entire process may have to be restarted from the beginning.
Throughout the application process there are many forms and fees that must be submitted. Building a strong case, understanding the full process, and meeting the required deadlines are critical components to success. The Denver, Colorado based Denver Immigration Advocates has the experience and expert ice to assist you with preparing the required documents and letters, and continuing the case through the Immigrant Visa Adjudication process, until you and your family members receive your respective green cards. Further, we can carefully analyze your case and make recommendations on the best strategies for building your case, thereby maximizing your chances of success. Denver Immigration Advocates is there to assist you in filing for extensions of stay for persons already in the US as well.
Don’t wait: you could be missing important deadlines right now. Contact Denver Immigration Advocates today and arrange for your initial consultation.
To speak with an attorney about any of these services please call (303) 477-2309 or email us through our contact page.