GREEN CARD DETAILS

If a Green Card is right for you, schedule an appointment to talk to us.

🟢 What Is a Green Card?

A green card (lawful permanent residency) allows you to:

• Live and work in the U.S. permanently

• Travel freely in and out of the country

• Sponsor certain family members

• Apply for U.S. citizenship after a few years

✅ Green Card Categories

• Family-based (spouse, child, parent, sibling of U.S. citizen or green card holder)

• Employment-based (workers with job offers or exceptional skills)

• Humanitarian (asylum, VAWA, U Visa, Special Immigrant Juveniles)

• Diversity lottery

• Adjustment of Status (inside the U.S.)

• Consular Processing (outside the U.S.)

• Evaluate your eligibility

• Prepare and file all applications

• Attend interviews with you

• Handle waivers if needed

• Help you avoid delays or denials

📝 How We Help

Everything You Need to Know About Green Cards

A green card, or lawful permanent residence, allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. It’s also the first step toward U.S. citizenship. There are many ways to obtain a green card, and each pathway has unique eligibility rules and procedures.

Common Green Card Categories:

• Family-Based

• Employment-Based

• Humanitarian Paths (Asylum, VAWA, U Visa)

• Diversity Lottery

Application Methods:

• Adjustment of Status (from inside the U.S.)

• Consular Processing (from outside the U.S.)

Key Documents:

• Birth & marriage certificates

• Proof of eligibility (relationship, employment, etc.)

• Medical exam

Next Steps: Green card holders may apply for U.S. citizenship after 3-5 years.

📙 Case Study: Carlos and Consular Processing Carlos, a Mexican national, married a U.S. citizen while living in Mexico. We guided them through the I-130 and consular processing path. After an interview at the U.S. embassy and a clean waiver process, Carlos entered the U.S. with permanent residency and now lives with his wife in California.

💡 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Green Card Without a Lawyer

1. Determine Your Eligibility Choose your category (family, employment, asylum, etc.) and confirm that you qualify.

2. Complete the Required Petition If applying through a family member or employer, submit Form I-130 or I-140 first.

3. File Form I-485 or DS-260

• If you're inside the U.S., file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)

• If you're outside the U.S., go through consular processing with DS-260

4. Submit Supporting Documents Include your birth certificate, proof of eligibility (marriage or job offer), passport, I-94, and a completed medical exam (Form I-693).

5. Attend Biometrics & Interview Attend your fingerprinting appointment and USCIS interview. Respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

6. Wait for Approval and Receive Your Green Card Once approved, you'll receive your green card in the mail.

⚠️ Important Warning

Filing without a lawyer is possible but risky if:

• You have immigration violations or past criminal issues

• You entered the U.S. without inspection

• You're applying based on marriage, which requires strong evidence

✔️ Our Advice

We can help you avoid delays and denials. Let us review your documents or represent you through the process.

📞 Need help getting started or fixing a mistake? We offer case strategy reviews.
🗓️ [Schedule a Green Card Consultation]

💼 Why Burt and Cleveland, PC?

At Burt and Cleveland, PC, we treat every client like family. We understand the fear and confusion when your immigration status is uncertain.

Here’s why clients choose us:

• Experienced, compassionate immigration attorneys

• Fluent Spanish-speaking team

• We handle Green Card cases nationwide

• Affordable flat fees and flexible payment plans

• Free, confidential consultations