Green Card Attorney In Houston

Helping Clients on the Journey to Legal Permanent Residency

If you want to live in the U.S. permanently, obtaining a permanent residence visa through citizenship and immigration services is essential. This type of immigrant visa is also known as a Green Card. When individuals stay in the U.S. for extended periods without permanent residency, they risk deportation.

Individuals can turn to Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC when they need help applying for a permanent resident card. Our firm's green card attorneys in Houston, TX are highly knowledgeable about how the U.S. green card process works. We know how to increase your chances of being approved as a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Take a look at our client success stories and see why we are the most trusted group of green card attorneys throughout all of Houston, TX.

Contact our Houston law offices for help from a team of immigration advocates. We understand what challenges you face and how to get past those obstacles! Speak with a green card lawyer now. Hablamos Español.

Eligibility Requirements for Green Cards in Texas

There are multiple eligibility categories for obtaining a green card. Each category has its own specific requirements, application processes, and benefits. Understanding which category you fit into can set you on the right path toward permanent residency.

Family-Based Green Card Options

This is a form of family-based immigration, where your green card is sponsored by a qualified spouse, fiancée, qualified sibling, or another family member. This family member must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

You may also apply under a similar category if you are a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or apply as a VAWA self-petitioner if you are an abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Employment-Based Green Card Pathways

With employment-based immigration, you can be sponsored by an employer in the U.S. whom you will be working for permanently. This type of green card can also be a self-petition based on your extraordinary ability or qualifications in your professional field. Alternatively, it can be a petition based on your investment in a U.S. enterprise (particularly one that will lead to job growth). Navigating these pathways requires careful planning and documentation to meet all necessary criteria.

Obtaining a Green Card Through Asylum or Refugee Status

If you have asylum or refugee status, you may petition for permanent residency. To petition for a green card as an asylee or refugee, you must have held that status for at least one year. This requirement ensures that you have established yourself and met the criteria for further adjustment to permanent residency.

Other Green Card Eligibility Categories

Other green card eligibility categories exist for very specific immigration situations, including:

• T and U visas - For victims of human trafficking and crime, these categories offer security and a path to rebuilding life in the U.S.
• Religious workers - For members of religious groups working for a nonprofit religious organization in the United States, fulfilling a commitment to their faith and community.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile - For juvenile immigrants requiring protection from an abusive parent, this category seeks to provide a safer, more stable environment.
• International Broadcaster - For immigrants working media jobs in the U.S. for USAGM, contributing to the flow of information globally.

Armed forces members meeting certain requirements and diplomats may also qualify. It's crucial to understand each specific path to ensure all legal requirements are met.

Legal Counsel from Sebastian Simon Law Group

There are a number of factors that can disqualify you from becoming a permanent resident. One common disqualifier is convictions for certain types of criminal charges. There are also many other technicalities that could impact whether your permanent residency application is successful.

An attorney can help you determine whether you qualify to apply for a Green Card. If not, there may be certain waivers you can apply for to override these restrictions. Our Houston lawyers are trained legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of immigration law. Attorney Simon has also experienced the immigrant process firsthand. Our firm is committed to giving you the support and guidance needed to navigate complex immigration challenges, making the process as smooth as possible for you.

Contact our green card attorneys in Houston to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Steps to Apply for a Green Card 

Before obtaining all the benefits of a green card in the United States, you have to go through the application process. Having an immigration lawyer in Houston can help ensure that you file and properly fill out the appropriate forms. We can help you avoid delays from common mistakes.

The following is a general overview of the application process:

• Find out if you are eligible, whether from a family petition or any other eligible way. Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial to moving forward correctly.
• File Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence. This form is pivotal in transitioning from your current status to that of a legal permanent resident.
• You will be contacted by the USCIS to review your application and schedule an interview. Being well-prepared for this step is key to moving forward seamlessly.
• Wait for USCIS's response; if approved, green cards are valid for 10 years. Understanding the timeline and next steps will help in future planning.

Navigating Local Houston Immigration Offices

Understanding the landscape of immigration processes in Houston can significantly impact the success of your green card application. Local offices, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office in Houston, play a crucial role. This office is responsible for processing various immigration benefits, including green card applications. Visiting this office may be a part of your application process, especially for mandatory interviews.

The Houston USCIS office is well-versed in handling the volume of cases typical in a diverse city like Houston. However, applicants should be prepared for the nuances of dealing with local procedures and the potential for longer wait times due to high demand. Working with Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC ensures that applicants have experienced guidance in navigating appointments, document submissions, and other procedural requirements specific to Houston.

The Role of Community in Your Immigration Journey

Community support can be a key component of success for many immigrants seeking green cards in the Houston area. As one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States, Houston boasts numerous community organizations and support groups dedicated to assisting immigrants on their journey. These organizations can provide emotional support, legal advice, and integration assistance, easing the sometimes overwhelming immigration process.

At Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC, we understand the importance of these community ties and often advise clients to connect with relevant local groups. Whether it's finding peer support or accessing resources, community involvement can reinforce the legal efforts we provide, creating a comprehensive strategy for achieving legal residency. Collaborating with both our legal team and local organizations can offer a multifaceted approach to overcoming the challenges of immigration law in Houston.

How Our Houston Green Card Attorneys Can Assist You

If your goal is to obtain a green card in Houston, TX, you won't want to go through the process without a legal expert by your side. A green card attorney will help you tremendously and be there to guide and support you through each step. From ensuring that your paperwork is filed correctly to helping you prepare for your interview, there are many great benefits to hiring a professional to help.

A green card attorney will help you:

• File Paperwork: File paperwork correctly and ensure that everything is received by the right party at the right time.
• Prevent Mistakes: Help prevent you from making mistakes that may cost you money or cause potential delays.
• Prepare For Your Interview: Help prepare you for your interview and provide helpful tips for success.
• Stand Firm Emotionally: Serve as a support system for you during this time.
• Know Your Options: Provide you with objective legal advice to help you make informed decisions.
• Protect Your Rights: Help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
• Add Credibility: Add credibility to your specific case, strengthening your application.

If you have any questions regarding the immigration process, please don't hesitate to contact our green card attorneys in Houston, TX. Our green card lawyers have helped many individuals obtain their green cards. Let us help make your dream a reality today.

Our qualified green card lawyer in Houston at Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC is here to assist you. Call (713) 839-0639 or use our online form to schedule your consultation without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Timeline for Obtaining a Green Card?

The timeline for obtaining a green card in Houston can vary significantly based on the specific category of eligibility and the current backlog of applications. Generally, family-sponsored cases might take longer due to quota limitations and processing delays, typically ranging from several months to over a year. Employment-based applications might proceed more swiftly if they fit under categories with fewer applicants. The national average processing time is usually about 10-13 months, but local demand can impact timelines.

Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC helps streamline this process by ensuring all documentation is accurately completed and promptly filed, minimizing delays. Additionally, our understanding of the local USCIS office procedures in Houston allows us to better navigate appointments and any unexpected hurdles that arise.

How Can I Prepare for My Green Card Interview?

Preparing for a green card interview involves gathering all necessary documentation, understanding your case details, and practicing commonly asked questions. It's crucial to show up on time at the designated USCIS office, which in Houston is centrally located. Documents often include your Form I-485 receipt, passport, birth certificate, and any other documents proving your eligibility for a green card.

At Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC, we prepare our clients by conducting mock interviews and providing personalized advice on how to respond effectively and sincerely to questions. Our goal is to eliminate any stress or surprises so you feel confident during your interview.

What Happens If My Green Card Application Is Denied?

If your green card application is denied, you will receive a detailed letter from USCIS explaining the reasons. Common reasons might include missing documentation, misrepresentation of facts, or ineligibility. It's important to take immediate action by consulting with a lawyer to explore options such as filing a motion to reopen or appeal if appropriate. Each case is unique, and guidance is vital.

The legal team at Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC stands ready to advise on your next steps should a denial occur. Our approach involves assessing the details of the denial, preparing additional documentation, and exploring alternative pathways to meet your residency goals.

Need a green card attorney? Contact us online or call (713) 839-0639 for expert legal support on your path to permanent residency. Reach out now!