Austin Green Card Lawyer

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The green card is the phrase used to describe theidentification card that authorizes foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. It has been called the “green card” because of its predominantly green color background. In order to get a green card, you must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Various paths have been established for obtaining a green card.

What Can I Do With a Green Card?

This identification card allows you to enter and exit our country, study, work, and live without the time limits of a temporary visa. It also provides the final step on the path towards achieving full U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.

Need help obtaining a green card? Contact Zavala Law, PLLC where our highly-skilled and experienced Austin green card attorney can help you with permanent residency. Call (512) 488-3970.

Obtaining a Green Card

The application process for permanent residency with a green card involves meeting certain requirements. These requirements are laid out according to categories that qualify an individual for a green card.

These green card eligibility categories include:

• Family-based immigration as the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen; these individuals have first priority for a green card, including the spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens.
• Family-based immigration as other relatives of U.S. citizens or relatives of current green card holders. These include unmarried and married children of U.S. citizens, siblings of U.S. citizens, spouses and children of green card holders, fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens and their children, widow(er)s of U.S. citizens, and certain abused family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders.
• Employment-based immigration as an immigrant worker, ranging from professors, researchers, and executives to unskilled workers as well as immigrant investors.
• Immigration as a “special” immigrant, such as for religious workers, special juveniles, broadcasters, and more.
• Immigration as a victim of human trafficking or crimes.
• Immigration as a victim of abuse, such as for the abused spouses or children of U.S. citizens or green card holders.
• Immigration through other special categories, such as for certain nationalities, refugees, or abused individuals.
• Immigration through “registry,” based on having living continuously in this country since before January 1, 1972.

The Application Process

Family-based immigration is the most commonly used category for obtaining a green card. Each category provides its own specific steps and procedures that you must follow in order to become a Legal Permanent Resident. Our Austin green card attorney can help you navigate the ins and outs of the U.S. green card process.

Can Green Card Holders be Denied?

It is possible for a green card to be denied for a number of reasons. These include:

• Entering into the U.S. illegally
• Lack of proven relationship to a family member
• They have a contagious disease
• They have a criminal conviction
• Lack qualifications for employment

When Can You Renew Your Green Card?

According to the USCIS, you are required to renew your green card every 10 years. It’s critical that you renew your green card on time, or else you could experience problems.

Schedule a consultation with our Austin green card lawyer online or at (512) 488-3970 today.