Green Card Lawyer Aurora

Green cards are often goals of foreign nationals who wish to work and live in the United States. This card and permanent resident status allow someone to live indefinitely in the U.S. without constant visa renewals. For some, obtaining a green card is also an important and necessary step toward their dream of becoming U.S. citizens. At Joseph & Hall, P.C., we have experienced immigration lawyers who help clients in the Aurora area obtain green cards in a variety of ways. Reach out today to learn more about how we might help in your situation.

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status

A green card is obtained either through a U.S. consulate in a foreign country or, if the applicant resides in the United States, through a process known as “adjustment of status.” The process is started by having either an employer or a qualifying relative file a petition with the USCIS to classify the beneficiary (the person who seeks the green card) as a green card holder. In some cases, the petition and the green card application can be filed at the same time.

In other cases, the sponsoring employer or relative must first file the petition and only have the beneficiary submit their application for the green card after the petition has been approved. We can help determine the course of action needed in your situation.

In either case, the beneficiary who is in the U.S. must meet the eligibility criteria to be approved for a green card, which includes that the beneficiary:

• Correctly and accurately completed an Application for Adjustment of Status and paid the appropriate fee for the application.
• Has proof that they legally entered the United States through a U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) checkpoint, where the individual was inspected and admitted, or the individual was paroled by an ICE agent.
• Is physically present in the United States when the application for the green card is submitted for filing with USCIS.
• Is eligible to receive an immigrant visa – meaning that the individual applying for the green card has an approved immigrant visa petition, has one that is pending, or the individual applying for the green card is concurrently filing the petition with the application for a green card.
• Has an immigrant visa available to them both at the time they file the green card application form and at the time when USCIS makes a final decision on the application for permanent residency.
• Still has a relationship with the family member or employer who filed a petition for them to get a green card.
• Is not subject to any of the relevant bars to adjustment of status
• Is admissible to the United States as an immigrant or is eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or another form of relief; and
• Merits favorable exercise of discretion by the examining officer to approve the green card application.

Call an Aurora Green Card Lawyer

If you are in the Aurora area and need help obtaining a green card, contact us today for a consultation. Our immigration lawyers are ready to help.