Austin Green Card Lawyer

Austin Immigration Lawyer Serving Immigrants to Get Green Cards Throughout the Texas Area

There are many ways in which an immigrant can enjoy a temporary or permanent stay in the U.S. To live and work in America as a foreign national, you will need a work visa or a green card.

If you are seeking the legal status of any kind, it is in your best interest to retain an immigration lawyer. Attorney Julie Sparks is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. You can count on the legal services of Julie and the law office at J. Sparks Law, PLLC to help you complete your petition and guide you through the entire process with care and compassion.

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Discuss your immigration goals with an Austin visa and green card attorney during a consultation. Contact J. Sparks Law, PLLC us at (737) 252-8935. We are ready to answer your questions! Se habla Español.

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Visa Green Card Applications With an Austin Immigration Attorney

Visas give you permission to enter and stay in the U.S. for a period of time which will be determined by border agents. The purpose of your visit will determine which type of visa you should seek.

Examples of visa categories include (but are not limited to):

• Business
• Exchange visitor 
• Visitors for medical treatment
• Tourism
• Study or training
• Professor, scholar, or teacher
• Temporary workers
• Other employment

Visa applications have varying conditions and restrictions. It is important to discuss your situation with our Austin visa attorneys so that your application has the best chance of approval during the immigration process in immigration court.

How Do I Apply for a Green Card?

Holding a green card allows you to live and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. There are many ways to obtain a green card, but the most common is through family connections.

You may also seek a green card:

• Through employment 
• As a special immigrant
• As a refugee or when seeking asylum
• As a victim of abuse, human trafficking, or a crime

Each category has its own eligibility requirements and application process. For example, in family-based immigration related matters, you may apply as a family member of a U.S. citizen, as the family member of a green card holder of one or both parents, or as the fiancé of a U.S. citizen and lawful permanent residents.

Getting a Green Card Through Family With one of the Best Immigration Lawyers

One of the most popular methods of obtaining a green card is through the family. If you have a close relative who is a citizen of the United States or is a green card holder, you are able to petition for a green card.

• To begin your petition, a U.S. citizen must legally establish your relationship with the UCSIS Form I-130 Petition for an Alien Relative. 
• Then, the Form I-485 Adjustment of Status. In some cases, these forms may be completed together.
• USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you.
• If all goes well, a Green Card will be issued to you and will be valid for 10 years.

Need help applying for a green card? Reach out to an Austin green card attorney at J. Sparks Law, PLLC today for help on immigration law!

Family-Based Green Cards

Family-based green cards, also known as family-sponsored immigration, is a type of visa that allows U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor their relatives for permanent residency in the United States. The purpose of family-based green cards is to reunite families and promote family unity in the U.S., but many people face obstacles.

There are two types of family-based green cards: immediate relative visas and family preference visas. 

• Immediate relative visas are reserved for spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. These visas are not subject to annual quotas and are processed quickly. 
• On the other hand, family preference visas are for more distant relatives, including married children, siblings, and adult children. These visas are subject to annual quotas, and the wait time can be several years.

The process for obtaining a family-based green card involves several steps. First, the U.S. citizen or permanent resident must file a petition on behalf of their relative with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved for lawful permanent residence, the relative will be placed on a waiting list for their visa category. The waiting time will depend on the visa category and the country of origin.

When a visa becomes available, the relative will have to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The applicant will have to undergo a medical examination, attend an interview, and provide supporting documentation to prove their eligibility for the visa.

Family-based green cards are an important part of U.S. immigration policy; however, the process can be complex and lengthy, and applicants should seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to guide them through the process.

Marriage-Based Green Cards

A marriage-based green card, also known as a spousal visa, is a type of visa that allows a foreign national spouse to live and work in the United States permanently. The purpose of marriage-based green cards is to enable spouses of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents to join their partner in the U.S. and live together as a family.

You must follow a set process to obtain a marriage-based green card. First, the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse must file a petition on behalf of their foreign national spouse with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition will require documentation proving that the marriage is legitimate and that the couple intends to live together permanently in the U.S. Once the petition is approved, the foreign national spouse will need to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

To apply for the visa, the foreign national spouse will need to provide supporting documentation and undergo a medical examination. They will also need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate, during which they will be asked about their relationship with their U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse and their plans for living in the U.S.

Marriage-based green cards are subject to strict eligibility requirements, and any misrepresentation or fraud in the application process can lead to the denial of the application and potential deportation. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process. The process can be lengthy and complicated, but with the right preparation and guidance, it is possible to successfully obtain a marriage-based green card.

Employment-Based Green Cards

An employment-based green card, also known as an EB visa, is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. The purpose of employment-based green cards is to enable U.S. employers to hire foreign workers to fill positions for which there are no qualified U.S. workers available.

There are several categories of employment-based green cards, including EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3. 

• The EB-1 category is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, art, education, business, or athletics, as well as outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational managers or executives. 
• The EB-2 category is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in science, art, or business. 
• The EB-3 category is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with less than a bachelor’s degree.

To obtain an employment-based green card, the U.S. employer must seek labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position. Once the labor certification is approved, the employer must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign national worker. Most, but not all, employment visas require an employer sponsor.

If the petition is approved, the foreign national worker will need to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The applicant will need to undergo a medical examination, attend an interview, and provide supporting documentation to prove their eligibility for the visa.

Employment-based green cards are subject to strict eligibility requirements, and the legal process can be lengthy and complicated. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process.

Green Cards for Special Situations

Green cards for special immigrants are a type of visa that allows certain categories of foreign nationals to live and work in the United States permanently. The purpose of special immigrant visas is to enable individuals who have served the U.S. government or have certain religious or humanitarian status to remain in the U.S. and establish permanent residency.

There are several categories of special immigrant visas, including:

• Religious workers, such as ministers, priests, and nuns, who have been employed continuously by a religious organization for at least two years
• Juvenile dependents of a court in the U.S. or a U.S. government entity, such as those who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned
• Retired international organization employees or their spouses and children who have worked for the organization for at least 15 years
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
• Certain foreign medical graduates who have been practicing medicine in the U.S. for at least five years in a designated shortage area
• Crime or domestic abuse victims

The process for obtaining a special immigrant visa varies depending on the category.

Renewing Your Green Card

If your green card is nearing expiration, it is important to begin the renewal process as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues or lapses in your immigration status. Here are some key steps to renew your green card:

• Determine your eligibility: You may be eligible to renew your green card if it is expired, will expire within the next six months, or has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
• File Form I-90: This is the application for green card renewal. You can file online or by mail, but be sure to provide all the required information and documentation.
• Pay the fee: As of 2023, the fee for renewing your green card is $540. You can pay online or by check or money order.
• Biometrics: Once your application is processed, you will be scheduled for biometrics, which involves taking your fingerprints and photograph.
• Wait for processing: The processing time for green card renewals varies, but you can check the USCIS website for current processing times.
• Receive your new green card: Once your application is approved, you will receive a new green card in the mail.

Failing to renew your green card in a timely manner can result in serious consequences, such as losing your legal status or being unable to work. If you have any questions or concerns about renewing your green card, it is always best to consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

Reasons for Green Card Denials

There are several reasons why your green card application may be denied, even if you believe you should be eligible. Some common reasons for green card denials include the following:

• Ineligibility: You may be ineligible for a green card if you have committed certain crimes, violated immigration laws, or are unable to support yourself financially.
• Incomplete or incorrect application: Failing to provide all required documentation or filling out the application incorrectly can result in a denial.
• Health issues: If you have a serious medical condition that could pose a threat to public health, your application may be denied.
• Security concerns: If you have a history of terrorism, espionage, or other activities that pose a threat to national security, your application may be denied.
• Inadmissibility: If you have previously been deported, overstayed your visa, or entered the country illegally, you may be deemed inadmissible, and your application may be denied.

It is important to consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about your eligibility for a green card or if your application has been denied. They can help you determine your options for an appeal.

Why You Need the Right Green Card Attorney

Having the right green card lawyer is critical for many reasons. An experienced attorney can:

• Advise on your eligibility for a specific green card
• Prepare all of your paperwork and ensure it is accurate and complete
• Present supporting documents for your petition
• Keep your application on track with the USCIS or other agencies
• Prepare you for any necessary interviews or exams

Any mistake can cause a delay or even a denial of your green card. Do not risk this. Instead, seek the legal help you need from J. Sparks Law, PLLC. 

Seek Legal Counsel from Austin Green Card Lawyer Nearby Your Location

Whether you are seeking a visa or a green card, we offer the results-driven representation you need in immigration cases. We prioritize your case and deliver the attentive service you deserve. With our Austin visa and green card lawyers on your side, you will be positioned for success from the very start.