Green Cards & Renewals Lawyer in Alexandria, VA
Green cards, officially known as Permanent Resident Cards, allow non-U.S. citizens to gain permanent residency in the U.S. These cards offer the legal right to live and work anywhere within the country. They also serve as a step towards naturalization for those who may seek U.S. citizenship in the future.
To secure a green card, noncitizens must complete the application process, which will depend on the category application under which they seek lawful permanent residence. Some applications can take months or even years to complete. However, with the help of an experienced attorney, your chances of success can be increased.
At Mughal Law Firm, our Alexandria green card and renewal attorney has helped hundreds of individuals obtain lawful permanent residency since our inception over a decade ago.
Need a green card? Contact us online or at (703) 520-7571 to consult with our attorney to discuss your options and how we can help you move forward.
Who Is Eligible for a Green Card?
Eligibility for a green card can be through various paths.
These include:
- Family-sponsored: For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- Employment-based: Through a job offer in certain occupations or for investors creating jobs in the U.S.
- Refugee or asylee status: Those granted asylum or refugee status may apply for a green card one year later.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: For individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
- Human trafficking, crime, and abuse victims: These individuals may apply under various nonimmigrant visa statuses or VAWA (Violence Against Women Act).
- Special programs: Laws or special circumstances occasionally allow specific individuals to apply.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Mughal Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"Second to None"The team at Mughal Law Firm has been my only source for immigration advice and services for the last three years, and I have been extremely satisfied with my results.- Merwyn R.
-
"Successful Outcome"I am feeling very lucky to have found Mughal Law Firm. Mr. Faisal is a very cooperative lawyer to work with, he walked me through all the possible steps and processes and then the outcomes of each step.- W.S.
-
"Dedicated & Truly Competent"I cannot say enough wonderful things about Shawn Mughal Law Firm and his staff. His holistic approach to his clients is what I think sets him apart from the rest.- Tammy T.
-
"Accessible & Friendly"Faisal Shawn Mughal is a knowledgeable attorney and a pleasure to know. On top of his expertise, he's accessible and friendly.- Carrie M.
-
"True professionalism and integrity."Our family used Mughal Law Firm for our citizenship process. They’ve shown true professionalism and integrity, always prompt and considerate. Highly recommend for legal needs.- Maritza U.
What Is the Process for Securing a Green Card?
The process usually starts with a petition filed by a family member or employer, except for self-petitioning categories or the Diversity Visa Lottery. Except for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, you must wait for a visa to become available according to your category.
If you are already in the U.S., you might be eligible to adjust your status. Otherwise, consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country is necessary. The process also requires you to complete a biometrics appointment for your fingerprints, photos, and signature and attend an interview with an immigration official. You must then wait for a decision regarding your approval.
Timeframe for Obtaining a Green Card
The time it takes to obtain a green card can vary widely depending on the circumstances. On average, the process can take anywhere from seven months to several years. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often have the shortest waiting times, potentially only taking six to 12 months to process.
For employment-based categories, the wait can be from as little as eight months to a few years, depending on the visa category and the country of origin. However, the wait can extend to five years or more for categories with annual numerical limits, such as family preference or Diversity Lottery winners.
Factors such as visa availability, quota backlogs, and administrative processing times significantly influence the timeline.
Helping Unite Families Since 2013
Why Choose Mughal Law Firm?
-
Client Centered ApproachOur solutions are tailored to your specific objectives and needs.
-
Providing Service in SpanishImmigration help provided by a Spanish-speaking team.
-
We Only Handle ImmigrationWe're exclusively focused on handling immigration cases.
-
Virtual Consultation AvailableMeet with our immigration lawyers during a virtual consultation!
Green Card Renewals
Your green card needs to be renewed every 10 years. If it is about to expire in the next six months, it is time to begin the renewal process. This is done with form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The renewal process can be done online or by mail.
You may think this is a simple process, and for most, it is. However, renewing green cards can be problematic for some who have violated the law in the last 10 years.
Your green card renewal I-90 can be denied for either of two reasons. The first and most common reason is that you filed the paperwork incorrectly or made a mistake on the application. In this case, you can refile, but you will lose the fee you paid on the first application.
The second reason for denial is that you have become Inadmissible since your last green card. Inadmissibility can be due to a crime committed in the previous 10 years or immigration law violations.
In these cases, USCIS could either deny your renewal and let it go, or they can deny you and refer you to immigration proceedings. If the latter happens, you could face deportation and should consult with our attorney as soon as possible.
Work with Mughal Law Firm for All Green Card Matters
Navigating the complex process of obtaining or renewing your green card can be daunting. Our immigration lawyer's knowledge and experience can be invaluable for these issues.
Attorney Mughal is intimately familiar with the nuances of immigration law and the latest policy changes, ensuring that applications are filled out correctly and efficiently, thus reducing the likelihood of delays or denials.
He can also provide strategic advice tailored to your specific circumstances, helping to identify the most suitable pathway for permanent residency. Furthermore, in cases where issues arise, such as previous visa denials, criminal history, or application delays, he can offer legal strategies and advocacy. Working with our Alexandria green card attorney enhances your chances of a favorable outcome.
Reach us by email on our contact form or call (703) 520-7571 to schedule a consultation about your case today. Serving clients in Fairfax County, Arlington County, Northern Virginia, and nationwide.
Mughal Law Firm's Blog
Want all the latest news or updates? Browse through our blog to read our most recent posts and featured articles.
