Green Card Attorneys in New York City
Serving People All Over America
A lawful permanent resident is a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of permanently living and working in the United States. Unlike nonimmigrants, once you become a lawful permanent resident (often called a green card holder), you are permitted to work in the United States for any employer you choose.
You can obtain a green card in a variety of ways. The experienced New York City green card attorneys at Garganigo, Goldsmith & Weiss navigate through the process to help clients become lawful permanent residents as quickly as possible.
THE MOST COMMON WAYS TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY
FAMILY-BASED VISA SPONSORSHIP: U.S. citizens and permanent residents may sponsor certain family members to live permanently in the United States. Two groups of immigrant visa categories are available—immediate relatives and family preference. Immediate family members, including spouses, children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, are processed faster and visas are issued more quickly than those for more distant family relationships under the family preference category. All sponsors must file an immigrant visa petition and prove adequate financial means to support the incoming family member. The immigrant must also go through a number of administrative steps including a medical exam, and interview.
EMPLOYEMENT-BASED VISA SPONSORSHIP: Every year, the U.S. government grants a limited number of employment-based immigration visas. Visas are divided into five preference categories. Some priority workers may petition on their own behalf while most others require a prospective employer to file the petition. Most employers must first obtain a certification from the Department of Labor after proving no qualified workers in the United States are available and willing to perform the job. Analyze your situation with an experienced green card lawyer to ensure you optimize your chances of success and that you file the correct paperwork.
DIVERSITY IMMIGRATION LOTTERY: The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (green card lottery) is open to people from countries with lower rates of immigration to the United States. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements regarding education or work history. Each year winners are drawn randomly from all eligible entries. Our green card lawyers in New York City can advise you on eligibility and lottery entry dates.
INVESTORS – EB5 VISA: Another option is applying for an EB5-based visa. One type of EB5 visa allows immigrants the opportunity to obtain permanent residency by investing a minimum of $500,000 USD, which creates new jobs in areas in need of economic stimulation.
APPLYING FOR U.S. CITIZENSHIP
U.S. citizenship can be obtained after a permanent resident completes a probationary period of five years (three years if one became a resident as a result of marriage to a U.S. citizen). Of course, there is no obligation to become a citizen. In fact, many immigrants never become U.S. citizens, as they may not want to relinquish their foreign nationality as a result of obtaining U.S. citizenship if their country does not allow for "dual nationality."
We Are Here to Serve You!
An immigration lawyer in NY from the office of Garganigo, Goldsmith & Weiss will be happy to answer your questions regarding immigration to the United States. For more information on green card registration, requirements, or the interview process, contact our NY immigration law firm to discuss your situation by calling us at 888-312-9071 or email us online.
