Lawful Permanent Residency in the United States
A green card provides lawful permanent residency in the United States and may allow individuals to live and work in the country permanently.
There are several pathways to obtaining a green card, including family-based petitions, adjustment of status, asylum-related residency, and other immigration processes.
Because immigration laws and requirements can be complex, experienced legal guidance can help avoid delays, mistakes, and unnecessary complications.
Two Main Paths to a Green Card
Most family-based green cards are obtained one of two ways. Which applies to you depends mainly on where you are and your current immigration status.
Adjustment of status
If you are already in the United States and eligible, you may be able to apply for your green card without leaving the country. This process is handled through USCIS and may include an interview.
Consular processing
If you are outside the United States — or are not eligible to adjust status here — you complete the process through a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Family-based cases also fall into different categories. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) generally have no waiting line, while other family preference categories may face a wait depending on current backlogs. Certain immigration history issues can create bars to a green card, though waivers are sometimes available.
How Gursoy Law Firm Helps Green Card Applicants
- Prepare and file residency applications
- Handle adjustment of status cases
- Navigate family-based immigration petitions
- Gather supporting documentation and evidence
- Respond to immigration requests or notices
- Prepare for interviews and immigration proceedings
Why Choose Gursoy Law Firm for Residency Cases
- Over 25 years of immigration law experience
- Thousands of successful immigration outcomes
- Personalized legal strategies for every client
- Strong understanding of complex immigration procedures
- Spanish-speaking support available
Recent Residency & Green Card Results
- Green card approved through family petition
- Adjustment of status approved
- Residency granted following immigration proceedings
- Work permit approved during pending application
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Cards
How long does the green card process take?
Processing times vary depending on the type of application and current USCIS processing schedules.
Can I apply for a work permit while my application is pending?
In many cases, applicants may become eligible for work authorization during the process.
Do I need to attend an immigration interview?
Some green card applications require interviews with immigration authorities. We help clients prepare thoroughly for these appointments.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Adjustment of status lets eligible people apply for a green card while remaining in the United States. Consular processing is used when the person is abroad or not eligible to adjust here, and it is completed at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
My family member has a criminal or immigration history — can they still get a green card?
It depends. Some issues create bars to residency, but waivers are available in certain situations. An attorney can review the specific history and explain the options.