A green card attorney plays a crucial role in helping individuals and families secure lawful permanent residency in the United States. Whether your goal is to reunite with relatives, advance your career, or build a long-term life in the U.S., proper legal guidance ensures your application is prepared accurately and submitted without unnecessary delays.
If you are exploring how to get a green card, you may have questions about eligibility, application steps, travel rights, or how long the process takes. At Karlin & Karlin, our experienced green card attorney is here to provide you with the answers and support you need. We understand that navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, which is why we are committed to making the process as straightforward as possible.
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How to Get a Green Card
There are several pathways to obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States. At Karlin & Karlin, our primary focus as a green card attorney is on family-based green cards, humanitarian green cards and employment-based options that don’t involve the labor certification process such as the National Interest Waiver. We’ll explain in more detail here.
How many employment-based visas are available per year?
Family sponsorship is one of the most common and meaningful ways to secure permanent residency. Our attorneys help U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents reunite with their loved ones in the United States. Eligible family members may include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens and green card holders
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens and green card holders
- Parents of U.S. citizens over 21
- Siblings of U.S. citizens over 21
Each petition requires detailed preparation, supporting evidence, and proper filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An experienced green card attorney can help ensure accuracy and minimize avoidable delays.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based green cards are divided into five preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5). At Karlin & Karlin, we do not currently handle standard labor certification (PERM) cases under EB-2 or EB-3.
EB-1: Priority Workers
This category is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and certain multinational executives or managers.
EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
This includes individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field. Normally, this requires a job offer and labor certification, but under the National Interest Waiver (NIW), applicants can bypass those requirements if their work benefits the United States.
EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals
This category applies to skilled workers, professionals, and certain other workers. It requires a job offer and labor certification.
(Note: Karlin & Karlin does not currently handle EB-3 labor certification cases.)
EB-4: Special Immigrants
This category covers a variety of applicants, such as religious workers, certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts, and other special immigrant groups.
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
This category is for investors who make significant investments in U.S. businesses that create or preserve American jobs.
Other Pathways
In addition to family-based and employment-based categories, green cards may also be obtained through:
- Refugee or asylum status adjustment
- The diversity visa lottery
- Certain special immigrant categories
Each pathway has specific eligibility requirements and documentation. Our green card attorney ensures that every application is carefully prepared and aligned with USCIS standards.
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How Much Time Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
Many clients ask, “how much time does it take to get a green card?” But the answer depends on several factors. Processing times vary widely depending on your category and country of origin. Here’s an estimate:
Family-Based Green Cards: If you are applying as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (such as a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21), processing times are generally faster, often ranging between 6 months to 1 year. However, for other family-based categories, such as siblings or adult children, the wait can extend to several years or even decades, depending on your country of origin.
Employment-Based Green Cards: Processing times for employment-based green cards vary depending on the availability of visas within your category. For high-demand categories like EB-2, applicants from countries with higher backlogs (such as India or China) may face longer wait times, often several years.
Other Factors: Delays may occur based on the completeness of your application, potential background checks, or administrative processing. It is important to ensure all documents are accurate and submitted on time to avoid unnecessary delays.
To get a more accurate estimate of the processing time for your specific situation, you can check current wait times on the USCIS processing times page or consult with an experienced green card attorney for personalized assistance.
Why Work With a Green Card Attorney?
While it is possible to apply for a green card on your own, the process involves careful attention to eligibility requirements, forms, and deadlines. A green card attorney can:
- Review eligibility based on family, employment, or other grounds.
- Prepare and submit forms such as I-130, I-485, or I-140 accurately
- Respond to USCIS requests for evidence in a timely manner.
- Gather necessary supporting documentation.
- Help prepare affadavits of support that prove your eligibility.
- Provide guidance on travel and maintaining permanent residency.
- Reduce the risk of delays or denials caused by incomplete applications.
- Offer peace of mind and help ensure your case is presented as strongly as possible.
Maintaining Permanent Residency
After obtaining your green card, you must meet certain responsibilities:
- Renew your card every 10 years (or remove conditions if you received a conditional green card).
- Avoid extended trips abroad without proper reentry permits.
- File taxes as a U.S. resident.
- Obey federal and state laws.
Eventually, many permanent residents consider applying for U.S. citizenship. A green card attorney can explain when and how you may qualify to take this step.
Can Green Card Holders Travel?
A common concern is whether green card holders can travel outside the United States. The answer is yes—permanent residents may travel internationally and return, provided they follow certain rules:
- Short Trips (Less Than 6 Months): Generally permitted without issue.
- Trips Longer Than 6 Months: May raise questions about whether you have abandoned residency.
- Trips Over 1 Year: Require a reentry permit in advance to avoid jeopardizing your status.
It is important to keep your green card valid, maintain a permanent U.S. address, and file taxes as a resident. A green card attorney can advise on safe travel practices to ensure you do not unintentionally risk your status.
Schedule A Consultation with a Green Card Attorney
If you are considering lawful permanent residency, working with a green card attorney can make the process smoother and less stressful. Whether you want to know how to get a green card, need advice on whether green card holders can travel, or are asking how much time it takes to get a green card, professional guidance ensures you receive accurate answers tailored to your situation.
Contact our office today to discuss your case and take the first step toward permanent residency in the United States.
