If you are looking to stay indefinitely in the US and explore work opportunities, a Green Card is what you need. Unfortunately, immigration laws are inherently complex and ever-evolving, which means not many applicants have the knowledge or expertise to manage everything. Before you make the first move, consider meeting an attorney to understand the legal aspects. Law firms in Salem, such as Vanderwall Immigration, have competent and experienced attorneys who can offer support and representation. Here are some essential details about the process and the role of your lawyer.
Decoding the Green Card application process
- The first step is to determine eligibility, and that is based on a number of variables, which may be applicable to different cases. You can get a Green Card based on employment, family relationships, refugee status, and other categories.
- If eligibility is established, you can move ahead with your petition, which must be completed and submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You need to also submit supporting documents along with the fees.
- You will have to wait for the USCIS to review your application. That can be frustrating, considering the wait can last for months, depending on multiple variables and your unique circumstances.
- If your petition is approved, you will have to go for an interview at the USCIS office. The officer will check your eligibility and paperwork, and you may have to answer a barrage of questions related to the documents.
- Following the interview, you will be notified of your application status, and if approved, you get a Green Card, which means you now have permanent resident status in the US.
The role of an immigration lawyer
People often assume they can handle their application alone, which could be a big mistake. Any error or omission could mean delays or even denials, and you don’t want to take the risk. The moment you hire an immigration lawyer, they help you with numerous things, like –
- Determining eligibility: Your attorney will start by checking whether you are eligible to get a Green Card. For this, they will go through your history, including employment records, family relationships, and other details. Because lawyers deal with all that all the time, they can do the task sooner.
- Preparing the paperwork: Your lawyer will then work with you to gather the necessary documents and supporting evidence required for the application. They will also check whether you can add additional evidence and whether the forms and documents are accurate and presented accurately. Once everything is checked, they will help with the submission of the application with the USCIS, which includes payment of fees.
- Communicating on your behalf: Your immigration lawyer is critical for communicating with government agencies, including the USCIS. They will respond to additional requests and offer you updates on the status of your application.
- Preparing you for the interview: When you have managed to go through the first step, your lawyer will prepare you for the immigration process, which includes the interview. They will offer insights on the questions you may face and do demo interviews.
- Representation in court: Although not always, some Green Card applications may need court representation. For instance, if you have an appeal or are facing removal proceedings, your immigration lawyer will be there in court to advocate on your behalf and present a strong case.
No immigration lawyer can ever guarantee an outcome, but you can increase your chances of approval by working with an expert. Choose someone who is based in Salem, which allows you to contact and connect with them as required. Check the ratings of top immigration lawyers before choosing one.
