Orlando Green Card Lawyer

The United States provides numerous options for people seeking a better life for themselves and their families. The potential to receive a green card and become a lawful permanent resident of the country is one of the most sought-after opportunities. A green card allows you to live, work, and study in the United States without fear of being deported. It also permits you to travel with the confidence that you will be able to return to the country without difficulty. Angel Law Firm can assist you in navigating the complex immigration process and obtaining a green card.

Schedule a consultation with our green card attorney in Orlando by calling (407) 337-8799 or contacting us online. Se habla Español.

Who Can Get a Green Card?

Obtaining a green card in Orlando, FL can take a variety of paths. Sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member is a typical route, especially if you are married to a U.S. citizen. Alternatively, an employer's sponsorship, significant business or investment ties, asylum, or refugee status can all qualify you for a green card. Orlando's immigration options provide a variety of paths to lawful permanent status.

The Green Card Application Process

Once you've chosen your green card path—marriage, employment, investment, or another reason—the application journey begins. Gather proof of your relationship with the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor and eligibility for your green card category. For instance, a marriage-based green card requires marital documentation, while an employment-based one needs employment proof.

With your documents in hand, complete the English application, then have your lawyer review it. Submit the application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will assess your eligibility and schedule an interview where you must demonstrate qualification and legal permanent residency.

For marriage-based applications, expect questions about your union; employment-based inquiries revolve around your work, and investment-based applications require discussing your investments.

Following the interview, the USCIS officer reevaluates your application. If approved, you'll receive your green card. If not, you'll receive a denial explanation and guidance on reapplication steps.

The Benefits of a Green Card

A green card grants you the freedom to reside, work, and study in the United States without deportation concerns. It offers worry-free travel and a path to U.S. citizenship. You can obtain lawful permanent resident status through a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative, employer sponsorship, or significant business or investment ties in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Green Cards and Immigration

1. What is a green card?
A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows an individual to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. It provides the right to work legally, travel in and out of the country with fewer restrictions, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. As a green card holder, you are considered a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the U.S.

2. How can I qualify for a green card?
There are several pathways to obtaining a green card, including:

• Family-based: Being sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member (e.g., spouse, parent, child).
• Employment-based: Sponsored by a U.S. employer based on a job offer or work skills.
• Investment-based: Through significant investment in a U.S. business under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
• Asylum or refugee status: If you’ve been granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S., you may apply for a green card after one year.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: If you are selected in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, you may apply for a green card.

3. How do I apply for a green card in Orlando?
The application process for a green card generally involves the following steps:

1. Determine eligibility: Identify the green card category that applies to your situation (family, employment, investment, etc.).
2. Gather documents: Collect supporting documents to prove your eligibility, such as marriage certificates, employment records, or financial statements.
3. Submit your application: Complete the required forms and submit them to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
4. Attend an interview: After submission, USCIS may schedule an interview to verify your eligibility and the authenticity of your application.
5. Receive a decision: If approved, you will receive your green card. If denied, you will receive information on next steps, including the possibility of an appeal.

4. How long does it take to get a green card?
The timeline for obtaining a green card can vary depending on the type of application and your individual circumstances. On average, the process can take anywhere from several months to a few years. Family-based green card applications may take longer if there is a long waiting list for certain categories. Employment-based applications may be faster, depending on the specifics of your case and priority dates.

5. What documents do I need to apply for a green card?
Documents required for your green card application may include:

• Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of eligibility for the specific green card category (e.g., marriage certificate, job offer, investment records)
• Medical examination results
• Financial records (to prove that you can support yourself and won’t become a public charge)
• Police clearance or background check
• Recent photos for identification purposes Your immigration attorney can help you gather and organize the necessary paperwork for your application.

6. Can I apply for a green card if I’m already in the U.S. on a visa?
Yes, if you are already in the U.S. on a visa, you may be able to apply for a green card through adjustment of status without leaving the country. This process allows you to transition from your current visa status to permanent resident status. If you are outside the U.S., you will generally need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

7. Can I apply for a green card if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record can complicate your green card application. Certain crimes, such as drug offenses, theft, or fraud, can make you ineligible for a green card. However, there are exceptions and waivers available for some situations. It's crucial to discuss your specific case with an immigration attorney to understand how a criminal history might affect your application.

8. What happens after my green card application is approved?
Once your green card application is approved, you will receive your permanent resident card, which allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. If you are on a conditional green card (e.g., marriage-based), you may need to apply to remove the conditions after two years. Additionally, you may eventually become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after holding a green card for at least five years.

9. What are the benefits of having a green card?
Green card holders enjoy several benefits, including:

• Permanent residence in the U.S.
• The ability to work for any employer in the U.S.
• Access to government benefits like Social Security, healthcare, and public education.
• The ability to sponsor family members for green cards.
• Travel flexibility: Green card holders can travel outside the U.S. and return without the risk of losing their resident status (as long as they don’t stay abroad for too long).
• Pathway to U.S. citizenship: After five years, green card holders can apply for naturalization and become U.S. citizens.

Schedule a consultation with our green card attorney in Orlando by calling (407) 337-8799 or contacting us online. Se habla Español.