Understanding How to Get a Green Card, Explained By Our Immigration Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA
One of the most common immigration law services is an application for a green card. Also known as a permanent resident card, a green card allows an immigrant to permanently live and work in the United States. This is in contrast to a visa, which allows an immigrant to temporarily work, live, study, or conduct other business or visitation to the United States. While the application process for a green card has been streamlined, there are still many steps to applying for a green card that can be difficult for an individual to do without an experienced immigration attorney in Philadelphia, PA.
Here at the MC Law Group, our compassionate and skilled team can help individuals and their families apply for and obtain green cards. Whether you need to apply, have applied, and are waiting, or if your application was denied, call our immigration law firm to learn more about our services and how we can help you successfully navigate the steps to get a green card.
What are the Steps to Get a Green Card?
There are several steps to get a green card. You cannot skip these steps and incomplete applications can be stopped at any step, causing your application delays or ultimately resulting in the denial of your application.
The general steps to obtaining a green card include the following:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
In order to apply for a green card, you must determine whether you are eligible. There are several grounds of eligibility for a green card. Each ground has different requirements that must be proven and different application forms.
Step 2: Gather Documentation, Complete the Appropriate Application, and File it
Once you know what ground, you will need to gather the relevant and required information for your application and fill it out. Depending on the grounds for your green card and if you are in the United States or outside the United States, you will need a family member or sponsoring company to file a petition for you.
Step 3: Your Application and Petition Will Be Reviewed
Your submitted paperwork will be considered and must be approved as complete and valid for you to move to the next step. This includes ensuring that you meet the legal requirements necessary for the ground you sought to obtain a green card in. If you need a visa to come to the United States for the rest of the application process, this will also be addressed here and it will be checked that you meet the grounds for a visa.
Step 4: Once Approved, You Will Get a Biometrics Appointment
After your initial paperwork and petition have been reviewed and approved, you will be scheduled for an appointment to undergo a background check. This includes having your photograph taken, fingerprints scanned and obtaining your signature.
Step 5: You Are Scheduled for a USCIS Interview
After all prior steps have been reviewed and come back satisfactory, you will be scheduled for an interview with an agent. You will be asked many questions about your background and why you want to live in the United States, as well as some more basic questions to get to know you. Depending on the type of ground you applied for, this interview may include a physical examination.
Are You Looking To Apply for a Green Card? Ask Our Immigration Law Firm For Help
The application process for a green card is complicated which is a common reason why many applicants call an immigration lawyer for help. Other individuals who may not fit within a category, or individuals with certain issues in their background, may also want to immediately seek help from an immigration lawyer. If you believe you may need help with your application, call the MC Law Group, LLC and our immigration lawyers in Philadelphia, PA for help and to schedule a free consultation by calling (215) 496-0690 or by sending us a message on our private and confidential “contact us” box available here.