Jacksonville Green Card Lawyer

Helping Clients in Florida & Georgia Become Lawful Permanent Residents

If you or someone you love are seeking a green card, turn to the Law Office of Karen Winston, LLC. Since 2014, we have supported and advocated for countless clients as they navigated all kinds of legal immigration challenges, including becoming a lawful permanent resident (getting a green card). Let us know how we can help you in a consultation. We can conduct these initial meetings in person or virtually, so starting with our Jacksonville green card lawyers is convenient. We can assist clients in Spanish and Haitian Creole. 

Call (904) 590-2689 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. 

What Is a Green Card?

A green card is a legal document that proves you are a lawful permanent resident of the US. The document itself is a card that fits in your wallet. With a green card, you can legally work and live in the US, become eligible for government benefits, and eventually seek citizenship.

Methods for Obtaining a Green Card

Various options for obtaining a green card are available. Some of the most common include family sponsorship, employment-based visas, asylum, and humanitarian programs.

We explore these options below:

• Family sponsorship: If you are a US citizen, you can help your qualifying spouse, children, parents, and siblings obtain a green card through sponsorship.
• Employment-based visas: Should you get a job offer from a US company, you may be able to get a green card by way of a business visa. Similarly, you can secure a green card if you make qualifying investments in US businesses.
• Asylum: You can apply for a green card one year after being granted asylum in the US.
• Humanitarian programs: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) may allow you to seek a green card if a US citizen or lawful permanent resident abuses you. U and T visas also provide pathways for lawful permanent residency.

Conditional Green Cards 

If you marry a US citizen, you may get a conditional green card that is valid for two years. Before your conditional card expires, you must apply to remove its conditions. The same is true if you have a conditional green card through an EB-5 investment visa. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a green card, and why is it important?
A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is a legal document that allows non-citizens to live and work in the United States permanently. Having a green card is a crucial step toward obtaining U.S. citizenship and accessing benefits like social security, healthcare, and other government programs.

2. How do I qualify for a green card through family sponsorship?
Family sponsorship is one of the most common ways to obtain a green card. U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can also sponsor their spouses and unmarried children. To qualify, you must demonstrate a legitimate familial relationship and meet other eligibility criteria set by U.S. immigration law.

3. Can I get a green card through employment?
Yes, employment-based green cards are available for individuals with job offers from U.S. employers, professionals with specialized skills, and investors who make qualifying investments in U.S. businesses. There are different categories for employment-based green cards, and eligibility depends on the job type, skills, and other factors.

4. What is the difference between a conditional green card and a permanent green card?
A conditional green card is typically issued to individuals who have been married to a U.S. citizen for less than two years or who obtained residency through an EB-5 investment visa. It is valid for two years. Before the card expires, you must apply to remove the conditions to receive a 10-year permanent green card. Failure to do so may result in losing your residency status.

5. What are my options if I’ve been granted asylum?
If you have been granted asylum in the U.S., you are eligible to apply for a green card after one year. As an asylee, your family members may also qualify for green cards. Our attorneys can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted on time.

Call (904) 590-2689 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.