Baltimore Attorneys Assisting with Green Cards
Helping Clients Seek Permanent Residency through Green Cards
A green card allows one to live and work in the United States permanently. You can apply for legal permanent residency through different paths, including employment, family sponsorship, the diversity lottery, and other options.
At Law Office Of Raymond O. Griffith, we help individuals from all walks of life migrate and live in the United States. We recommend you discuss your immigration needs with one of our experienced Baltimore green card attorneys for applications and renewals. We can help you understand U.S. immigration law to determine an appropriate pathway to permanent residency status.
Book your consultation with a Baltimore green card attorney by getting in touch with Law Office Of Raymond O. Griffith at (410) 883-9157. Hablamos español.
Applying for a Green Card in the United States
While many different ways to apply for permanent resident status exist, most individuals apply through two main paths: employment-based or family-based categories. Before selecting forms and gathering evidence, a prospective applicant generally needs to identify whether the case is family-based or employment-based, and whether it will proceed through adjustment of status inside the United States or consular processing abroad.
Family-Based Green Card Eligibility
You can apply for a green card through a qualifying U.S. permanent resident or citizen.
A qualifying family member may fall into one of the following categories:
- U.S. citizen parent
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Unmarried child of a lawful permanent resident, including an unmarried child under 21 in the F2A category or an unmarried son or daughter age 21 or older in the F2B category
- Sibling of a U.S. citizen
- Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen
Different processing times exist for each category. Some can take months, while others can take years. For numerically limited family-preference categories, the Department of State Visa Bulletin affects when a beneficiary may proceed to the next stage of the process based on their priority date. Working with one of our competent immigration attorneys can help. However, each case is unique; some are bound to take longer.
Securing an Employment-Based Green Card
You can apply for an employment-based green card by yourself or through your United States employer. Many different categories are available under this umbrella, and our immigration attorneys can help you understand each type.
Some employment-based categories require an employer to show it has advertised and searched for U.S. job seekers to fill the role before employing you. Each employment visa category – EB-1 to EB-3 – has its own requirements. Employment-based categories have different eligibility standards, and some depend on visa availability and a current priority date before the adjustment or immigrant visa stage can proceed. You should work closely with an experienced immigration firm to choose an appropriate application method.
If you’re married, your spouse and children not older than 21 may be eligible to accompany or follow you through your employment-based green card case. Green card applications do not give you an automatic right to wait and work in the U.S. If you plan to stay while your green card application is pending, you may need a separate basis for lawful status or work authorization.
Green Card Renewal
Green cards expire. Standard Permanent Resident Cards are typically valid for up to 10 years, and eligible holders who need to renew or replace a card file Form I-90. You may need to provide a valid, unexpired card when asked to prove your residency status.
Permanent resident status is distinct from the card that documents that status. If you received a two-year card reflecting conditional permanent residence, you generally cannot file Form I-90 as a standard renewal. Conditional residents based on a qualifying marriage typically file Form I-751 to remove conditions, while those with investor-based conditional residence typically file Form I-829. The renewal process for a standard card should be initiated well in advance of your green card’s expiration date. It is recommended to start the renewal process approximately six months before your green card expires.
Overcoming Obstacles in the Green Card Process
If you have encountered previous immigration issues or face potential obstacles in your application, don’t lose hope. Our dedicated team has extensive experience handling complex cases through waivers, appeals, and other legal remedies. We can advocate for your rights and help you address possible barriers.
Get the help you need for green card applications or renewals in Baltimore by contacting Law Office Of Raymond O. Griffith today.
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"Forever Grateful"
Thanks to the Law Office of Raymond Griffith, I received my 10-year green card. Best moment in my life!- Former Client -
"Impeccable Integrity"
They are wonderful people, with impeccable integrity, who truly care and they did exceptional work.- Jay S. -
"I Got My Citizenship"
Attorney Griffith is the best immigration lawyer in the Baltimore area. And today, with his help, I got my citizenship.- Phuoc N. -
"10 Stars!"
They care about their clients! I was amazed at how quickly and stress-free it was working with them.- Ari A. -
"Great Job"
Great job helping me through my immigration process. He is always ready and available to address any questions or concerns.- Ardita E. -
"Patient, Respectful & Kind"
Ray and his team are extremely knowledgeable, well-organized, and really set our minds at ease with their level of expertise.- Wendy M. -
"5 Stars is Not Enough"
Why am I giving a 5-star review? That’s only because I can’t give any more stars to Mr. Raymond Griffith and his team.- Franco P. -
"Highly Professional"
Attorney Raymond Griffith and his team are amazing. He responds to your questions/concerns right away.- Maria R.