Having a green card as a lawful permanent resident, grants an immigrant certain important rights and privileges in the U.S. With a green card, a person can work in the U.S. and with a green card, the permanent resident is granted legal protection under U.S. law. There are several ways an immigrant to the United States can receive a green card. If you are living in the U.S. on a work visa, an H1-B visa, if you married or plan to marry a U.S. resident, have other U.S. relatives, or if you are seeking asylum, you may be able to get a green card. You may even get a green card through a lottery. How you get your green card will depend largely on your own unique circumstances. In some cases, individuals may have more than one avenue to receive a green card. J. Joseph Cohen is a green card lawyer in San Antonio, Texas who can assist individuals through the sometimes-complex permanent residency process. If you have questions about this process, I can help.
Below I’ve provided some information on the more common green card categories and steps you can take to apply. If you have any questions, consider reaching out to J. Joseph Cohen, green card lawyer in San Antonio, Texas. Getting help as you navigate this process can be beneficial.
If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you may be able to get a green card or permanent residency status without having to wait very long. Other relatives can also receive a green card if a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitions on their behalf, but more distant family members may have to undergo a substantial waiting period. A U.S. citizen can file a petition for:
A lawful permanent resident (a green card holder) can file a petition for:
Other family members who may qualify include surviving or abused spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. (abused spouses may qualify even if they have gotten a divorce). The family-based green card process can sometimes get complicated if a family member entered the country illegally or if the family member has certain items on his or her record that could complicate the green card process. Even when everything is in order, it is important to submit information properly so the green card process won’t be delayed. J. Joseph Cohen is a green card lawyer in San Antonio, Texas who can assist you with family-based green card applications.
Workers in several categories may qualify for employment-based green cards. These include persons with extraordinary ability, advanced degrees including professors and researchers, professionals, multinational managers, skilled and unskilled workers, entrepreneurs and investors, and other special categories. If you hold an H1-B visa, you may also be able to apply for a work-based green card. Often the employer will file the petition.
The work-based green card process can be complicated. Having a lawyer on your side to help you navigate the process can help you get the paperwork right the first time to prevent delays or errors. J. Joseph Cohen is a green card lawyer committed to helping employers and employees navigate the immigration system.
Refugees, asylum seekers, and certain victims of violent crime and sex trafficking may also be entitled to seek a green card or permanent resident status. If you are a refugee or asylum seeker, you may be entitled to apply for a green card. If you have yet to receive asylum or refugee status, you may want to speak to a qualified lawyer today. J. Joseph Cohen is a green card lawyer who understands that immigrating to a new country brings unique challenges. Having an attorney on your side can help you navigate this complex process.
J. Joseph Cohen is a green card attorney in San Antonio, Texas who will work with families and individuals seeking permanent residency. Getting a green card is a big step in your immigration journey. He works closely with individuals from all walks of life to help them achieve their immigration dreams. He can take you through every step of the green card process—from helping you identify whether you qualify for a green card and which avenues of permanent residency are available to you—to helping you with the application process itself. He can help you prepare for your interview so that there won’t be any surprises. The interview can be one of the more stressful aspects of your green card process, but knowing what to expect and bringing proper documentation can help make the process move along more smoothly. Whether you are newly married, have other U.S. relatives, or looking to invest in the U.S.—whether you are seeking asylum or have worked in the U.S. and want permanent residency status, J. Joseph Cohen can help you every step of the way.
Deportation is a legal process that is now also known as removal. Deportation or removal is the process that authorities use to remove a person from the United States. Individuals who commit crimes or overstay a visa are examples of persons who could face deportation.
If you want to live and work in the U.S., you may be able to do so with an employment visa. In some cases, employment visas can lead to permanent immigration, while in other cases, these visas are only issued on a temporary basis.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration provides certain provisions for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for their family members to receive visas that lead to lawful permanent residency with a green card. If you are U.S.
Having a green card as a lawful permanent resident, grants an immigrant certain important rights and privileges in the U.S. With a green card, a person can work in the U.S. and with a green card, the permanent resident is granted legal protection under U.S. law.
I bring a unique perspective to the practice of immigration law with years of legal, government and overseas experience.
