How a Marriage Immigration Lawyer Can Help Green Card Process

You can then decide if it's worth your time to appeal the denial or explore other immigration solutions that might work better for you. Either way, you should hire an immigration attorney for your case. However, it's not uncommon for the government to have additional questions before determining that you're a good candidate for a green card.
We will keep you updated on family immigration lawyer the status of your case and any developments or changes that may arise, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Immigration attorneys were reviewing the policy memo and announcement Friday afternoon, trying to decipher who it would apply to. The changes come on top of steps the administration has already taken to restrict and limit entry for people from dozens of countries. In some cases, there are outright bans on travel from those countries, while people from others face pauses in visa processing. If you’re called for an asylum interview  while your marriage-based case is still pending, you may be able to ask for a reschedule.

Your green card starts the clock toward citizenship eligibility. Most permanent residents can apply for naturalization after five years. Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after just three years. You’ll need to demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and meet physical presence requirements. Certain criminal convictions can block naturalization or even result...
If your foreign spouse is residing in the U.S., he/she may be eligible to remain in the country while your marriage based green card petition is pending and adjust your status once it is approved. Adjustment of status is generally an immigration option if the foreign spouse is in the United States with a valid visa such as a employment based visa or student visa. Part of the family immigration area of immigration law, a marriage-based green card is a type of visa given to spouses of permanent residents or United States citizens. While you may try self-petitioning for a spousal green card, you have better odds of success with an expert spouse visa attorney on your side.
This financial commitment continues until the non-citizen spouse becomes a U.S. citizen or has earned 40 quarters of work (approximately ten years). The path to U.S. permanent residency through marriage can be complex and challenging. Your future is on the line when you apply for a marriage green card. Don’t attempt to navigate the system by yourself; trust the experienced team of attorneys at The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., to guide you through the application and interview from start to finish. Contact us today to speak with a skilled Alexandria marriage immigration lawyer.

Once approved, begin your journey as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. Filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to establish a valid marital relationship with the foreign spouse. Winston, Linda, Juan, Arturo and the team are very good at what they do. They worked on my green card process and I couldn't be any more happier with their amazing service. Every time I had a question or concern they responded immediately. They took care of me every step of the way and not once did I had any issues with the forms that needed to be filled out.
If the marriage is less than two years old when the green card is approved, the initial green card is conditional and valid for only two years. To maintain permanent resident status, the applicant must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within 90 days before the card expires. This process involves proving that the marriage is bona fide and ongoing. If the marriage is over two years old when the green card is approved, the green card issued is valid for ten years and is not conditional. It’s important to keep track of these timelines and ensure timely filing to avoid lapses in residency status.

Whether a waiver or other form of relief is available depends on the specific inadmissibility ground(s) that applies to you and the category you are adjusting under. Eligibility requirements for waivers and other forms of relief vary. For information on the grounds of inadmissibility and waivers, please see USCIS Policy Manual Volume 8, Admissibility, and Volume 9, Waivers. If you are inadmissible, the law may allow you to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief. See Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility and Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Deportation or Removal. If a waiver or other form of relief is granted, USCIS may approve your application for a Green Card if you are otherwise eligible.
Couples who believe their situation is straightforward may still encounter delays or receive requests for additional evidence if the paperwork is incomplete or unclear. The goal of these expanded reviews is to independently confirm that the relationship is authentic and not entered into solely for immigration purposes. Under this interpretation, Adjustment of Status is no longer being treated as a routine pathway available to most eligible applicants already inside the country. Instead, USCIS says it should function as a limited and discretionary exception reserved for cases with compelling or extraordinary circumstances. Pictures of wedding receptions, holiday parties, and family gatherings are important proof of a legitimate marriage.
An experienced immigration attorney guides you through every intricate step, avoiding costly mistakes. They also help compile convincing documentation, thoroughly prepare couples for interviews, and represent them in court if needed. Simply put, they give you the best chance for success. Once the foreign spouse’s application has been approved, they will receive a conditional Green Card, which is valid for two years. After two years, the foreign spouse can apply to have the conditions removed and receive a permanent Green Card.

Attorneys have also pointed out that the way in which USCIS issued the new rules, through a memo rather than rule making, leaves the change open to legal challenges. Golinger said the fees, usually around $2,500 per application, keep USCIS afloat, as it does not receive funding from Congress. She also said that U.S. consulates and embassies will be negatively impacted when they already have significant backlogs of cases. If the government asks questions, we respond fast and clearly. A good lawyer makes sure your case is strong from day one.
For the US citizen or Green Card holder sponsor, you need these papers. Green Card through marriage works for same-sex couples too. Processing times vary significantly by USCIS service center/field office or consulate, case type, and workload, so always check the most current official estimates before filing. If you have any questions, please email our team directly at For example, if you’ve gone on vacation with your spouse, potential documents for you to include are pictures of you and your spouse together while on vacation.

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A lawyer ensures your application fulfills all criteria, leading to a more streamlined process and a lower chance of mistakes. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a visa or green card while you are already in the United States. The immigration laws and regulations have long recognized that certain nonimmigrants may hold temporary status while pursuing permanent residence.