Charleston Green Cards Attorney

Representing Our Clients’ Best Interests

The particular steps you have to take to obtain your green card vary depending on the details of your situation. Typically, applicants must do the following things before they are awarded a green card:

• Have another person file an immigrant petition on their behalf.
• File a green card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State.
• Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment to take photographs and obtain fingerprints
• Attend an immigration interview with USCIS.

Family-Based Green Card Services

Charleston USA Immigration Law Center, LLP, is committed to using our knowledge of the law to help families reunite through immigration. However, immigrants who go the family-based route often face many legal obstacles throughout the green card process. Let us review your case and devise a strong legal strategy to help you overcome any challenges you might face.

You can apply for a family-based green card if you are:

• The spouse of a U.S. citizen
• An unmarried child of a U.S. citizen under the age of 21
• A parent of a U.S. citizen, and you are at least 21 years old
• An unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, and you are 21 or older
• A married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen
• A brother or sister of a U.S. citizen, and you are at least 21 years old
• A spouse of a lawful permanent resident
• An unmarried child of lawful permanent residents, and you are under the age of 21
• An unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident and you are 21 years old or older

Employment-Based Green Cards

If you meet the following criteria and have an employer sponsor, then you can petition for an employment-based green card:

• Employment First Preference (EB-1): Immigrants with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics qualify for the EB-1 visa. Professors, researchers, and certain executives and managers can also petition for the EB-1 visa.
• Employment Second Preference (EB-2): Professionals with advanced degrees or labor certification approved by the DOL are eligible for the EB-2 visa.
• Employment Third Preference (EB-3): Skilled workers and professionals with baccalaureate degrees qualify for the EB-3 visa.
• Employment Fourth Preference (EB-4): Special immigrants are eligible for the EB-4 visa. Broadcasters, ministers of religion, and certain employees serving the U.S. government abroad can petition for green cards under this category.
• Employment Fifth Preference (EB-5): Immigrants planning to invest between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in a U.S.-based enterprise can petition for the EB-5 visa.

Green Card Penalties

Permanent residents in the U.S. who are over the age of 18 must carry their valid physical green card at all times. Failure to do so is an immigration violation carrying the possible fine of up to $100 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days for each offense. Only the federal government can impose these penalties.

Consult with a Charleston Green Card Lawyer Today

At Charleston USA Immigration Law Center, LLP, we understand that navigating the immigration process on your own can be difficult and overwhelming. That is why we are here to guide you and provide the top-notch legal counsel you need to protect your rights and pursue your American Dream. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to discuss your green card matter with a seasoned immigration lawyer at our firm.