Kentucky Green Card Lawyer

A green card lawyer makes a big difference in the application process. If you’re seeking permanent residence in the U.S., don’t feel intimidated by the path ahead.

The green card attorneys at Carman Fullerton can help you with every step of the process.

Obtaining a green card is the ultimate goal for those hoping to live in the U.S. on a permanent basis. It’s also a vital first step in the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. Contact Carman Fullerton today by calling (859) 971-0060 or filling out our online contact form today.

What is a Green Card and What Does it Do?

A “green card” is officially known as the Permanent Resident Card. Green cards allow immigrants to live and work permanently in the U.S., but there are exceptions to the “permanency” aspect of green cards. For example, there are time restrictions regarding how long a green card holder can remain outside the U.S. before their green card is revoked. A green card can also be revoked if the holder breaks the law or commits an act that is grounds for deportation.

Green card holders are not U.S. citizens, though they do enjoy some of the same benefits. Green card holders can receive some forms of government-provided benefits, apply for visas for some family members and serve in certain branches of the military. Unlike U.S. citizens, green card holders cannot run for public office or vote in federal elections.

Obtaining a green card is a requirement for those seeking naturalization in the U.S. If you plan on becoming a U.S. citizen and you meet the eligibility requirements for a green card, you should consider starting the green card application process as soon as possible.

Green Card Eligibility Requirements

One can apply for a green card for a number of reasons, each of which comes with its own set of requirements. The USCIS provides a detailed list of each on its website. You can seek a green card by applying…

  • Through your family
  • Through employment
  • As a special immigrant
  • Through refugee or asylee status
  • As a victim of human trafficking or other crime
  • As a victim of abuse
  • Through registry (for those who have resided continuously in the U.S. since before 1972)
  • Through other available means, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act or the Department of State’s diversity visa lottery.

Each of these categories comes with several criteria that you and your green card lawyer can review to determine the best path forward to permanent residency in the U.S. If you’re considering a green card application, we encourage you to contact our green card lawyers at Carman Fullerton by calling (859) 971-0060 or filling out our online contact form.

The Green Card Application Process

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you will fill out Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The process differs according to the category in which your green card application falls. In other words, an asylum seeker’s process will look different than the process for someone applying for a green card for employment reasons.

Most green card applicants will need a visa before receiving a green card. The availability of visas also depends on the category of green card you are seeking. If you are considering an H1B visa in Kentucky, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Kentucky H1B visa lawyer to navigate the application process successfully. There are also other steps that apply to most green card applicants, including obtaining an “adjustment of status,” an affidavit of support and an interview with a representative of the USCIS.

As you can see, the path to permanent residence status can be very different for each type of applicant. At Carman Fullerton, we know these processes well, and our team can assess your needs and help you meet the requirements set forth by USCIS. Contact us today by filling out our online form or calling (859) 971-0060.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card in the U.S.?

The application process varies for each applicant. The category of green card you are seeking is perhaps the biggest factor, but the backlog of applicants will also determine your wait time. It could take from several months to two years to get your U.S. green card, though you should note that this is a general estimate.

If you make any mistakes during the application process, your wait time will increase. By working with a green card lawyer, you can reduce the likelihood of any errors in your application, which will ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible.

Call the green card lawyers at Carman Fullerton at (859) 971-0060 or fill out our online contact form to begin the process.

Green Card Renewals or Replacements

Most green cards are valid for 10 years. Green card holders will then need to renew them by filing a Form I-90. This can be done electronically or via paper document. If your green card is lost, stolen or destroyed, you will also file a Form I-90. In some cases, renewals and applications will be denied by the USCIS. However, there is an appeal process available to denied applicants.

If you need assistance with a green card replacement or renewal, contact Carman Fullerton. Our green card attorneys are here to help applicants with any of the challenges they are facing.

Entering the Green Card Lottery

The green card lottery is the United States’ Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery program. Each year, the program allows up to 50,000 immigrant visas to be issued annually. For just a few weeks during the fall, the lottery is open to applicants. Millions of people apply for the lottery every year.

Eligibility for entering the lottery includes being a resident of certain eligible countries. Eligible countries are announced every year, and they generally include countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. The other requirement for lottery applicants is an education equivalent to a high school diploma or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.

The State Department chooses selectees through a randomized computer drawing. The department will not notify applicants directly if they’ve been selected for a green card. Rather, applicants should use their confirmation number to access the Entrant Status Check available on the E-DV website at the State Department’s lottery website.

Beware of Green Card Scams

Green card applicants are often targeted by scammers who seek money under false pretenses. A few examples of common green card scams include…

  • Solicitation requests from emails supposedly sent by the USCIS New Delhi Field Office or the Department of State in India.
  • Solicitation of Form I-9 information from employers that appear to come from USCIS but are actually from a fraudulent email address.
  • Requests via phone or email for payment to an individual regarding your application. The USCIS never requests payment to an individual, nor do they accept Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, or gift cards as payment for immigration fees.
  • Notifications of winning the lottery from the USCIS. It’s important to note that the USCIS doesn’t designate lottery winners. That is done through the State Department.

Be cautious whenever you provide information to a solicitor. If you have been working with a trusted representative of the USCIS, always run a request by them before complying. If you work with Carman Fullerton, our green card lawyers will review any requests you receive to make sure they are not scams.

How a Green Card Lawyer at Carman Fullerton Can Help

The process of applying for a green card in the U.S. can be complex. If you make a mistake, it can be costly, leading to a denial or delay of your application. One of the most important roles of a skilled green card lawyer is helping applicants decide on the best category of green card to apply for. At Carman Fullerton, we get to know our clients and learn everything we can about their situation, so we can help them find the best path to permanent residency.

Once we find out which category of green card to apply for, we will work with you closely during each step of the process. We will help you avoid any mistakes that might set your application back, and we will look for ways to improve the chances of approval in the timeliest manner possible.

If your application for a green card is successful, you will likely continue to have questions about your rights as a permanent resident. We continue to represent many of our clients long after they have been granted permanent residence. Our clients know that they can turn to us for advice about their rights.

We also assist clients with injury claims, criminal defense, family law and many other legal needs. In other words, we build relationships with our clients. They know they can turn to us for a wide variety of legal matters that they might encounter in the U.S.

Let Carman Fullerton Help You Get Your Green Card

Are you hoping to gain permanent residence in the U.S.? Does your loved one want to apply for a green card? If so, the green card attorneys at Carman Fullerton want to help.

We make sure our clients are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. A green card can offer you security and a great sense of accomplishment. It will also set you on the path to naturalization if that is your ultimate goal. Whatever your immigration needs might be, the attorneys at Carman Fullerton want to meet with you and your loved ones.

Contact Carman Fullerton today by calling (859) 971-0060 or filling out our online contact form to get started on obtaining your green card.

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