Milwaukee, WI Green Card Attorney
The United States Permanent Resident Card is an identification card documenting the permanent resident status of an alien in the United States. It is known as a “green card” because it is green. You may be eligible to apply for a green card through your family, a job offer or employment, refugee or asylum status, or other special provisions. In some cases, you may even be able to self-petition. If you are interested in pursuing this path, would like to know more, or to discuss your situation with an attorney, contact Sesini Law Group.
Eligibility for a Green Card
In order to qualify for permanent resident status, a non-United States citizen must reside within the United States and meet certain criteria. Eligibility categories are:
- Family-Based
- Job or employment-based
- Refugee or asylum
- Special programs
Family-based: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait for a visa, and there is no limit to the number of visas that can be issued unlike with some other eligibility categories.
Immediate relatives include:
- Parents of a U.S. citizen
- Spouses of a U.S. citizen
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen
Job or employment-based: People who would like to become immigrants based on employment or a job offer may apply for permanent residence or an immigrant visa when they are outside of the country. Entry in this category is limited.
Refugee or asylum: If you were admitted to the United States as a refugee or as a qualifying spouse or child of a refugee, you are required to apply for permanent residence one year after your entry into the United States. Additionally, if you were granted asylum in the United States or are a qualifying spouse or child of an asylee, you may apply for permanent residence one year after the grant of your asylum status.
Petitioning for a Green Card
Petitioning for adjustment of status can take several months to more than a year and will require biometrics and a formal interview. If the person petitioning is the spouse of a United States citizen, then the immigration officer conducting the interview will require proof of a valid marriage. While the Adjustment of Status Application is being processed, many people also file for employment authorization and “advance parole” allowing them to work and travel to and from the United States prior to completion.
Contact Sesini Law Group
If you would like to apply for citizenship, consult with an experienced immigration attorney. It is always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney when you prepare an immigration-related petition or waiver request to obtain legal advice and assistance. Also, an attorney can assist you in identifying and collecting the best evidence to support your petition or waiver request.