Disclaimer: Here is some general information about the application process for a green card. If you need legal assistance regarding a green card, please give our office a call today. The number for our office is 516-564-4200. When you call, we can go over all of the legal recourse regarding green cards in the state of New York, as well as discuss any other immigration law that suits your situation.
There are typically two types of green cards issued: family based and employment sponsored. Our Long Island law office handles both of these issues and have years of experience doing so. Work visas also fall under this umbrella of immigration law that we handle.
The type of green card eligibility category that an individual selects ultimately determines the remainder of their requirements for the whole green card application process. In most cases, the individual in question must also figure out whether they may file an immigrant petition themselves or if they will need a sponsor in order to properly file an immigrant petition on their behalf.
Once the immigration petition has been submitted, then the immigrant filing the application will need to wait until there is a decision issued. This decision determines the next few steps. If approved for a green card, then the immigrant can file an application. There are different types of green cards to apply for, so depending on what it is the immigrant can move forward and file the right paperwork.
The decision for approval can be different for different categories. If a person is applying for a green card under certain categories, like a refugee or an asylum seeker, then they may need to wait until the granting of that special status as well. Which can delay the process since two approvals are necessary. Our office can help you decipher these questions if you are unsure of the process.
A green card application should include any necessary documentation. Any individuals who are ready to file their green card application should be aware that they will need to pay a standard filing fee. A standard green card application also requires a biometrics appointment. This is when the immigrant will need to provide a photograph, an in-person signature, and their fingerprints.
Green card applicants need to be prepared to attend an in-person interview. This interview is typically scheduled after the time of the biometrics appointment. When the interview provess is done, there is usually a short waiting period between the date of the interview and the time that the applicant gets a final decision on their green card application.
Individuals applying for a green card through employment will need an employer to sponsor them and to file an immigrant petition. If the individual is uncertain about sponsorship, they can review the requirements that are laid out to them under their green card eligibility category. If that still does not resolve the issue, then this is when you contact a law firm that handles green cards. At Falk & Klebanoff, we have years of experience helping people in New York acquire their green card.
