A green card lawyer can be of assistance to you when you are ready to apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States. A good attorney can walk you through every step of the process – even early on, when you’re choosing which visa you can apply for citizenship with. Throughout the process, your local green card lawyer will answer your questions and ensure that all of your paperwork is filed at the right location at the right time.
Here’s what you need to know about how an attorney can help you get your green card:
- Understanding Your Green Card
- Role of an Attorney
- Supporting Documentation
Understanding Your Green Card
Having a green card, also known as a legal permanent residence card, is your ticket to working and living anywhere you choose in the U.S. Additionally, it’s the last step on your path to U.S. citizenship, should you wish to pursue it later.
However, you can only apply for a green card or permanent residence card if you meet certain criteria. A green card lawyer will first have to determine that you’re eligible through the specified criteria before you can petition the U.S. government for lawful permanent residency. The criteria that will be analyzed is as follows:
- Your Familial Relationships
- Your Employment Status
- Your Immigrant Status
- Your Refugee or Asylee Status
- Your Status as a Human Trafficking, Abuse or Crime Victim
- Eligibility Through Another Avenue
Do you need help understanding your unique situation? Contact The Cassell Firm today!
Role of an Attorney
You don’t need a lawyer to obtain a green card, but hiring an immigration attorney can make the process easier. During the application process, your green card lawyer can be of great assistance. In addition to filling out and filing your paperwork, they will ensure you have all the supporting documentation you need for your interview. In addition, you can get assistance from your lawyer in preparing for your interview by learning what type of questions you can expect.
Interviews will vary based on which category or criteria you fall into, meaning they may be quite simple or complex. It’s common to be asked to verify things you included in your application, such as whether you’ve ever been arrested or committed a crime. It is possible that you will also be asked if anything in your life has changed since you submitted your application, such as your address, your occupation, or your marital status. If you are filing for a green card under the stipulation of marriage, your interviewer might also ask you questions such as:
- When and where did you and your spouse meet?
- How often do you dine out together?
- How is your home set up?
- What does your spouse eat for lunch?
- What do you do as a routine before you go to bed?
- What’s your spouse’s cell phone carrier?
Supporting Documentation
For everyone applying for a permanent residency card, you will need a significant amount of supporting documentation. With the help of a local green card attorney, they can let you know exactly what you need in your unique case. While every situation is different, you will likely need to supply the following for your immigration attorney to properly document your case, and get you one step closer to residency in the U.S.:
- Two passport-style photos of yourself
- A copy of your government-issued identity document with a photograph
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Inspection and admission
- Documentation of your immigrant category
- Several government forms, including Form I-601, I-212, I-612, I-508, I-566 and I-485 Supplement A, if necessary
- Proof that you have continuously maintained a lawful status since you arrived in the United States
- Documentation from your employer that proves your eligibility to apply
If your circumstances vary, a skilled green card attorney will be able to provide you with the proper information you need to guide your proceedings.
Receive Professional Legal Assistance with The Cassell Firm
Work with experienced Nashville lawyers dedicated to defending your rights! Based in Nashville and middle Tennessee, The Cassell Firm attorneys are focused on protecting the rights of their clients in Criminal Defense cases, fighting for fair treatment in the Family and Divorce context, and helping individuals secure the American dream in Immigration matters.
These Nashville Attorneys have a reputation for taking on even the most complicated cases. They will work tirelessly to help you resolve your Immigration Status, Criminal Defense, or Family Law concerns in Nashville so you can move forward with your life without the stress of unanswered questions.