Frequently Asked Questions

A green card is the common term for a Lawful Permanent Resident card. It provides proof of your legal permission to live and work permanently in the United States. You can obtain a green card through family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylum status, and other special programs.

No. Marriage to a U.S. citizen makes you eligible to apply for a green card, but you must go through the application process, which typically takes several months to complete and requires proving the legitimacy of your relationship.

You can sponsor your fiancé(e) for a K-1 visa, which allows them to enter the U.S. with the requirement that you marry within 90 days of their arrival. Alternatively, you can marry abroad and then petition for them as a spouse. Each option has different timelines and requirements.

As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings. As a lawful permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children. Wait times vary significantly depending on the relationship and country of origin.

Generally, you must be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years before applying for citizenship. If you're married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply after 3 years. You must also meet physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass English language and civics tests.

The interview includes verifying your application information, testing your English language abilities, and assessing your knowledge of U.S. government and history through a civics test. Our office provides thorough preparation to help you succeed.

You may qualify for asylum if you have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Generally, you must apply for asylum within one year of your last arrival in the United States. Exceptions may apply for changed circumstances affecting your eligibility or extraordinary circumstances relating to your delay in filing.

Employers can sponsor foreign workers through various visa programs, including H-1B for specialty occupations, H-2B for temporary non-agricultural workers, and employment-based green cards. Most processes require the employer to demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are unavailable.

Premium Processing is a USCIS service that provides faster processing (typically within 15 calendar days) for certain employment-based petitions and applications. It requires an additional fee but can be valuable when timing is critical.

U.S. immigration law is complex and constantly changing. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, prepare proper documentation, and represent you before immigration authorities if needed. Having skilled representation often makes the difference between success and denial.

An RFE requires a timely and thorough response. You must address all the issues raised and provide the requested documentation. Our office can help you prepare a comprehensive response to maximize your chances of approval.

Even minor criminal charges or convictions can have serious immigration consequences. If you have any criminal history or pending charges, consult with an immigration attorney immediately before making any decisions about your case.

Please bring all immigration documents (passports, visas, I-94 records, notices from USCIS), identification, and any correspondence from immigration authorities. If applicable, bring marriage certificates, birth certificates, or court records.