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Phoenix Green Card Lawyers
How Do I Apply for a Green Card?
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Holding a “green card” (Permanent Resident Card) enables you to reside and work in the U.S. permanently. What it takes to gain permanent residency depends upon your circumstances, including visa type, occupation, criminal history, immigration policies, etc.
Obtaining a green card can be complicated. Mistakes can lead to unfavorable outcomes like delays, denial, and, potentially, removal. If you’re considering permanent residency, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced immigration attorney in Phoenix. Whether you live in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Gilbert, Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, we can help.
At Best Immigration Lawyer, our paralegals and attorneys are dedicated to helping as many people as possible to obtain permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
What is a Green Card?
The Permanent Resident Card, more commonly known as a “green card,” is a photo id card that proves your status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. Additionally, a green card gives its holder the right to employment in the U.S.
Those with a green card have the right to work and live permanently in the U.S., but they still retain their citizenship of their home country. Lawful permanent residents are not citizens of the U.S. However, holding a green card is required to become a naturalized citizen.
What Qualifies You for a Green Card?
There are many ways for people to obtain a green card. You can become eligible for a green card under the following categories:
- Family-based visa
- Employment visa
- Special immigrant visa
- Refugee or Asylum status
- Victims of abuse, human trafficking, or other types of crimes
- Through registry
- Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
In most cases, someone must apply for you (sponsoring petitioner). However, sometimes, people are eligible to file for themselves. The steps you take after filing will depend on your circumstances and the type of visa you’re applying for.
Additionally, the qualifications and requirements for each visa type can differ significantly. If you are unsure of what category you fit, contact Best immigration Lawyer in Phoenix to discuss the details of your case.
What Can Disqualify You From Getting a Green Card?
The U.S. immigration authorities can deny your green card application for many reasons. Listed below are some of the most common reasons why people are denied a green card in Phoenix.
- Health-Related: Certain health conditions uncovered during the application process or the medical health exam report could lead to a green card denial due to inadmissibility.
- Criminal Record: Those convicted of specific crimes or repeat offenders of less serious crimes may be inadmissible.
- Public Charge: If immigration officials believe that you will be dependent on the government for financial support, your permanent residency application could be denied.
- Threat to National Security: Those participating in any activities or related to any groups in opposition to U.S. foreign policy can be denied.
- Violating Immigration Laws: If you violate the terms of your visa or any other immigration laws in the U.S., your application can be denied.
- Not Meeting Application Requirements: If you can’t provide the requested documents (i.e., birth certificate, visa validation, marriage certificate, etc.), your application will likely be denied or at least delayed.
- Failure to Attend Appointments: After you’ve filed your application, USCIS schedules you for additional appointments (i.e., fingerprinting, interviews, etc.). If you miss any of the scheduled appointments, your application is subject to denial.
- Changing Jobs: If you change jobs and your I-140 visa petition is already approved, you could be denied a green card if you do it improperly. However, there are proper steps for changing jobs.
- Visa Denial: If you apply for a green card, but your underlying visa petition is denied, then your green card application will go no further.
If your green card application has been denied, there may be options available to appeal the decision. Contact the Best Immigration Lawyer in Phoenix to learn more about overcoming green card denials.