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Helping Our Clients Obtain Permanent Residency in Florida
Are you dreaming of making the Sunshine State your permanent home? Do you wish to obtain a green card and become a lawful permanent resident of Orlando, FL? Look no further than Brown Immigration Law, your premier partner in achieving permanent residency in the beautiful state of Florida. With our extensive knowledge and experience in immigration law, we have successfully guided countless clients through the complex process of obtaining a green card in Florida.
Schedule a consultation with our Orlando green card lawyers at (321) 701-2882 or complete our online contact form.
Providing immigration solutions in Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
What Is a Green Card?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that grants foreign nationals the status of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States. It is a valuable and highly sought-after immigration status, as it offers several privileges and benefits, including the ability to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
Here are some key points to understand about green cards:
- Legal Permanent Residency: A green card signifies that the holder is a legal permanent resident of the United States. This means they have the right to live and work in the country on a permanent basis.
- Path to Citizenship: While green card holders are not U.S. citizens, they have the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after meeting certain requirements, including continuous residence in the U.S. and passing a citizenship exam.
- Travel Freedom: Green card holders can travel in and out of the U.S. without the need for a visa. However, they must maintain their primary residence in the U.S. and should not spend extended periods abroad.
- Access to Benefits: Green card holders have access to various benefits and social services, such as healthcare, education, and Social Security.
- Employment Opportunities: Green card holders can work for any U.S. employer without needing a specific work visa or sponsorship.
- Family Reunification: Green card holders can sponsor certain family members for green cards, helping them reunite with their loved ones in the U.S.
Common Types of Green Cards
There are several avenues through which individuals can obtain permanent residency (green cards) in the United States. The appropriate pathway depends on an individual’s specific circumstances and qualifications.
Here are the most common ways to obtain permanent residency:
- Family-Sponsored Green Cards: U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor certain family members for green cards. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) have a preference and generally face shorter waiting times.
- Employment-Based Green Cards: Individuals with job offers from U.S. employers may be eligible for employment-based green cards. These categories are often based on the type of job, qualifications, and labor market conditions. The employment-based green card categories include:
- EB-1: Priority Workers (e.g., individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, multinational managers or executives).
- EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals or Persons with Exceptional Ability.
- EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Employment-based third preference).
- EB-4: Special Immigrants (e.g., religious workers, certain international broadcasters, and employees of U.S. foreign service posts).
- EB-5: Immigrant Investors (investing a specified amount in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the U.S.).
- Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: The Diversity Visa Program, commonly known as the green card lottery, is an annual program that randomly selects individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Winners of the lottery have the opportunity to apply for green cards.
- Refugee or Asylee Status: Refugees and asylees granted protection in the U.S. may apply for green cards after a certain period of residence.
- Special Programs: There are specific programs that may lead to green cards, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act for Cuban nationals, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for certain abused spouses and children, and the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for certain immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
- Registry: Individuals who have continuously resided in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972, and meet other requirements may be eligible for green cards through the registry program.
- Other Special Categories: There are various other special categories and programs that may lead to green cards, such as the NACARA (Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act) and the HRIFA (Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act) for certain nationals of designated countries.
Common Challenges in Obtaining a Green Card
The green card application process can be complex and challenging, with potential pitfalls that may delay or even jeopardize your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Orlando, FL.
Some common challenges include:
- Document Preparation: Preparing the required documents and evidence to support your green card application can be overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys can assist you in gathering and organizing the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth application process.
- Meeting Deadlines: Missing important deadlines in the green card application process can lead to delays or even denial. Our team will help you stay on top of all deadlines and ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.
- Navigating Legal Complexities: Florida’s immigration laws can be intricate, and navigating them without legal guidance can be daunting. Our attorneys are well-versed in the legal complexities of green card applications and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Dealing with RFEs: If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE), it’s crucial to respond promptly and adequately. Our attorneys have extensive experience in addressing RFEs and can help strengthen your application.
- Appealing Denials: In the unfortunate event of a green card application denial, our firm can assist you in appealing the decision and exploring alternative options for obtaining permanent residency.
Our team of dedicated attorneys specializes in Florida immigration law. We are well-versed in the intricacies of the Florida immigration system and have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that may arise during the green card application process in the state.
Contact us today at (321) 701-2882 to discuss your case with our Orlando green card lawyers.
