Permanent immigration is the ultimate goal of many people entering or planning to enter the United States. Lawful permanent residency offers individuals a multitude of benefits, including the freedom to live and work permanently in the U.S. Potential immigrants should be as informed about the laws as possible. That’s why our firm is dedicated to providing you with a complete online database of immigration information.
Immigrants to the United States are divided into two categories:
1. Individuals who may acquire permanent residency without numerical limitation.
2. Individuals subject to a yearly limitation. There are three divisions of this category: family-based; employment-based; and diversity immigrants.
Family-based Immigration Green Card falls under two basic categories: unlimited and limited.
The spouse, widow(er) and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older. Unlike most other immigrant categories, Immediate Relatives are not subject to numerical limits under immigration law.
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children, if any. (23,400)
Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (over age 20) of lawful permanent residents. (114,200) At least seventy-seven percent of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and children; the remainder will be allocated to unmarried sons and daughters.
Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and children. (23,400)
Brothers and sisters of United States citizens, and their spouses and children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age. (65,000)
If you want to become a lawful permanent resident based on the fact that you have a relative who is a citizen of the United States or is a lawful permanent resident, your relative in the U.S. will need to sponsor you and prove he/she has enough income or assets to support you, the intending immigrant(s) when in the United States. Your relative sponsor and you, the intending immigrant, must successfully complete certain steps in the immigration process in order to come to the U.S. Here are the key steps:
First, the USCIS must approve an immigrant visa petition, I-130 Petition for Alien Relative filed by your sponsoring relative for you. Next, most sponsors will need to demonstrate adequate income or assets to support the intending immigrant, and accept legal responsibility for financially supporting their family member, by completing and signing a document called an Affidavit of Support. Once this is complete, then the intending immigrant will apply for the immigrant visa as explained below.
No, hiring a lawyer is not mandatory to file for a green card. Many people successfully navigate the application process themselves if they know what they are doing and can read the law and instructions carefully. However, if your case is complicated or you’re uncertain about the process, an immigration lawyer can provide valuable guidance. We have seen many clients make a mistake in the case or travel after filing and end up getting a denial and losing their immigration case.
The "easiest" way depends on eligibility. The most common, options include marriage to a U.S. citizen, sponsorship by an immediate family member, or employment sponsorship. Some may also qualify through the Diversity Visa Lottery, but it’s only for selective countries and not guaranteed.
A lawyer cannot directly speed up the green card processing time as it's managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, an attorney can help you avoid delays by ensuring that your application is accurate, complete, and submitted correctly. In some cases, they may help expedite a case if there are humanitarian or urgent needs.
Legal fees vary widely based on the complexity of your case, location, and the lawyer’s experience. Fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000 for a green card application through marriage or family based. Employment based can be 5000-10,000 and complicated cases, such as those involving prior immigration issues, can cost much more.
For complex cases, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial. A lawyer can help avoid errors, provide insights on any legal issues that might arise, and offer guidance if complications occur. However, for straightforward cases, you may not need one.
U.S. immigration lawyers usually charge between $100 to $500 per hour for consultations. Flat fees for a green card application generally range from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on the case type and lawyer’s expertise.
