Attorneys for Permanent Residence or Green Card in Los Angeles, CA
To carry out this type of process, you must have good legal guidance and an experienced attorney in the case who can provide support throughout the entire process. Obtaining a green card is a fundamental part of the immigration process to become a permanent resident. The green card demonstrates that the person has gone through an immigration process and is one step away from obtaining full citizenship. Likewise, one of the benefits that people with a green card have is that they can stay indefinitely within the United States and seek paid employment.
For this type of process, individuals must know that the laws of the State of California are always changing and that there are several methods to obtain a green card. The process is not easy, which is why it is important to have good legal advice from professionals who know the process and the current laws to help the person apply for the green card correctly.
How to apply for a green card in the State of California?
The application process varies depending on the person’s situation, but the general process to apply for a green card is as follows:
- There must be a person who files a petition on your behalf, whether it is a spouse, a relative, or an employer. In some circumstances the person may file the petition on their own.
- USCIS must approve the petition.
- Complete the biometric appointment.
- Complete the green card application interview.
- And wait for the final decision on your application.
How long does it take to obtain a green card in the State of California?
The time may be more than one year or less. This depends on whether the person is inside the country or outside the country. If the person is inside the United States, they may apply for an adjustment of immigration status, which may take a year or more. If the person is in their country of origin, they must go through the consular process, which usually lasts only a few months.
On the other hand, it is important to know that there are different types of categories regarding the green card. This means that the application process for this card is different depending on the condition or situation of the person submitting the application.
The green card categories are the following:
Be eligible through family
This category refers to individuals who can apply for a green card through a family member who is a citizen of the United States or who has a green card, and that person will sponsor all the expenses of their immediate relative in the country.
Be eligible through an employer
Those who are professionals or who have exceptional abilities, and immigrants with special skills who have sponsorship from a U.S. employer, may apply for a green card.
Be eligible as a special immigrant
This category includes religious workers, minors who are victims of abuse, international broadcasters, citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq, and employees of international organizations who qualify to apply for a green card.
Be eligible as a victim of trafficking or victim of a crime
Those who were victims of human trafficking with a T nonimmigrant visa are eligible to apply for a green card, as well as those who have a U nonimmigrant visa.
Be eligible as a victim of abuse
This category was established to protect spouses or children of spouses who are victims of abuse. This category applies to individuals who depended on the citizenship of a family member to remain in the country.
Be eligible through asylum or refugee status
This category is for individuals who suffer persecution or whose lives are in danger in their country of origin. Those who have lived in the country for one year as refugees may apply.
Be eligible through registry
If a person has lived in the United States since before January 1, 1972, and is a person of good moral character, they may apply for a green card.
How can a green card be renewed in California?
The permanent resident green card has a validity period of 10 years. Once that time ends, it must be renewed, and if the person loses the card, it should be renewed as soon as possible. To renew the green card, the person must complete and submit Form I-90. However, if the person has a green card as a conditional permanent resident, they cannot renew the green card unless they first remove the conditions. Depending on the way the green card was obtained, there are two ways to do this:
Family-based immigration
Form I-751 must be completed, which is a petition to remove conditions on residence. This must be done during a 90-day period before the card expires.
Immigration based on entrepreneurs or investors
Form I-829 must be completed, which is called Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions. This must also be filed during a 90-day period before the card expires.
A green card can be revoked
It is difficult for a green card to be revoked, but it can happen. A green card may be revoked for several reasons, including fraud during the application process, abandonment of the United States, or committing crimes that are established in the Immigration and Nationality Act.