Services

Every situation is different. This page is general information, not legal advice for your case. You can ask about fees during your free consultation.

Marriage and family green cards

What it is

A green card lets a person live and work in the United States permanently. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident can ask the government to give a green card to certain family members. This request is called a petition.

Who it is for

Husbands, wives, children, and some other relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders. Which relatives can apply depends on whether the sponsor is a citizen or a green card holder.

What to expect

First, the family member in the U.S. files the petition to show the relationship is real. Next, the relative applies for the green card. If they are already in the U.S., this step is called adjustment of status (applying from inside the U.S.). If they live in another country, they apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate there.

I help you gather documents, fill out the forms, and get ready for any interview. Wait times are set by the government and can change.

Fiancé(e) visas

What it is

A fiancé(e) visa, also called a K-1 visa, lets the partner of a U.S. citizen come to the United States to get married. After the wedding, they can apply for a green card.

Who it is for

U.S. citizens who are engaged to someone living in another country. In most cases, the couple must have met in person within the two years before applying. Green card holders cannot use this visa.

What to expect

The U.S. citizen files a petition. If it is approved, the partner has an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. After arriving, the couple must marry within 90 days. Then the partner applies for a green card.

I help you prepare the petition and your proof of the relationship, and get ready for each step.

Removing conditions on a green card

What it is

Some people who get a green card through marriage receive a conditional green card (a card that lasts only 2 years). Before it ends, you must ask the government to “remove the conditions” and give you a 10-year card.

Who it is for

People who got their green card through a marriage that was less than two years old when the card was approved.

What to expect

Most couples file together during the 90 days before the 2-year card ends. You send proof that your marriage is real, such as shared bills, leases, or photos. You may be asked to give fingerprints or go to an interview. If you are now divorced or separated, there may still be a way to apply. We can talk about it.

Missing the deadline can cause serious problems, so it helps to plan early.

Citizenship

What it is

Citizenship lets a green card holder become a U.S. citizen. The legal word for this is naturalization. Citizens can vote and get a U.S. passport.

Who it is for

Green card holders who have had their card for a set amount of time. For many people this is 5 years, or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. Other rules apply too, such as time spent inside the U.S.

What to expect

You file an application. Then you give fingerprints at an appointment called biometrics (the government takes your fingerprints and photo). Next comes an interview with an English test and a test on U.S. history and government, called the civics test. The last step is a ceremony where you take an oath and become a citizen.

I check whether you can apply now, help with the application, and help you get ready for the interview.

Green card renewal

What it is

A 10-year green card must be renewed before it expires. You also need a new card if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or has wrong information on it.

Who it is for

People with a 10-year green card. If you have a 2-year card, see removing conditions instead.

What to expect

You file a form with the government. You may need to give fingerprints and a photo. While you wait, the receipt letter you get can help show that you still have permanent resident status. I will explain how this works at the time you apply.

If you have traveled a lot, had trouble with the police, or have other questions, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer first.