Green Card and Permanent Residence Lawyers in Alexandria, VA
The Alvarez Law Firm assists individuals seeking lawful permanent resident status (green cards) through employment-based petitions, family-based sponsorship, and other eligible categories throughout Alexandria, VA and Northern Virginia. A green card provides the right to live and work permanently in the United States, travel freely, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Our immigration attorneys manage the complex multi-step process from initial petition through final approval.
Green Card Application Services
Obtaining a green card typically involves a multi-stage process: an initial petition establishing eligibility, waiting for a visa to become available, and then completing the final application through adjustment of status or consular processing. Our attorneys manage every stage with careful attention to documentation and deadlines.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based green cards are available through five preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5) based on qualifications, job offer, and investment. We handle PERM labor certifications, I-140 immigrant petitions, priority date monitoring, and adjustment of status applications for employees and employers.
Family-Based Green Cards
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor qualifying family members for green cards through I-130 family petitions. We manage the petition process and the subsequent adjustment of status or consular processing to obtain permanent residence for sponsored family members.
Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Applicants already in the United States may adjust their status to permanent resident without leaving the country. We prepare comprehensive I-485 applications with all supporting documentation including medical exams, civil documents, and evidence of admissibility.
Consular Processing
Applicants abroad complete the green card process at a U.S. embassy or consulate through the National Visa Center and consular interview process. We prepare clients for consular interviews, manage all required documentation, and address any issues that arise during the process.
Overcoming Green Card Obstacles
Inadmissibility grounds, prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, out-of-status periods, and criminal history can complicate green card applications. Our attorneys identify applicable waivers and available relief options to help eligible applicants overcome these obstacles.
Green card renewals and replacements are handled through I-90 applications for expired, damaged, or lost permanent resident cards. Our attorneys also advise on maintaining permanent resident status, including the risks of extended international travel and abandonment of residence.
Why Choose The Alvarez Law Firm for Your Green Card Case?
- Comprehensive Green Card Services: We handle the entire process from initial petition through permanent residence approval, coordinating every stage and managing all required filings and deadlines.
- Bilingual Legal Services: English and Spanish communication throughout your case ensures you fully understand the process, requirements, and status of your application at every stage.
- Criminal Record Assessment: Our combined criminal defense and immigration experience allows us to evaluate the impact of criminal history on green card eligibility and advise on the safest path to permanent residence.
- Detail-Oriented Preparation: We compile thorough, well-documented applications that minimize the risk of denial or requests for additional evidence, reducing processing delays.
- Responsive Case Management: Immigration timelines require proactive attention. We monitor your case continuously and respond promptly to all government communications and requests.
Our Green Card Process
Step 1
Eligibility Evaluation. We determine the appropriate green card category based on your relationship, employment, or other qualifying basis and thoroughly assess your admissibility and any potential obstacles.
Step 2
Petition Preparation. We prepare and file the initial petition (I-140 for employment-based or I-130 for family-based) with comprehensive supporting evidence establishing your eligibility for permanent residence.
Step 3
Priority Date Monitoring. We track the USCIS Visa Bulletin to monitor when your priority date becomes current, advising you on timing and keeping your case moving as visa availability progresses.
Step 4
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing. When your priority date is current, we prepare the final application stage, whether through I-485 adjustment within the U.S. or through a consular interview abroad.
Step 5
Permanent Residence Approval. We prepare you for the adjustment of status or consular interview and guide you through the final administrative steps to receiving your permanent resident card.
Our Other Practice Areas
The Alvarez Law Firm provides legal representation across multiple practice areas:
Personal Injury
Car Accident
Bicycle Accident
Pedestrian Accident
Catastrophic Injury
Dog Bite
Workers’ Compensation
Criminal Defense
DUI/DWI Defense
Traffic Court
Juvenile Defense
Family Law
Divorce
Child Custody
Child & Spousal Support
Immigration Law
U.S. Work Visas
U.S. Family Visas
Naturalization
Green Cards
Wills & Estate Planning
Communities We Serve
Our green card lawyers serve clients throughout Northern Virginia:
See What Our Clients Have To Say
Start Your Green Card Application
If you are seeking permanent residence in the United States, contact The Alvarez Law Firm in Alexandria, VA. Our bilingual attorneys manage every stage of the green card process with thoroughness and care.
Contact The Alvarez Law Firm to discuss your green card case, or call (703) 888-0959 for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Cards
Timelines vary significantly by category. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may receive green cards in 12 to 24 months. Employment-based and family preference categories can take several years depending on the category and country of birth due to annual numerical caps and visa availability backlogs.
In many cases, you can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while your adjustment of status application is pending, allowing you to work legally for any employer in the United States. The EAD is filed using Form I-765 concurrently with the I-485 application, with renewal options available throughout the processing period.
Adjustment of status is for applicants already physically present in the United States who complete the final green card stage with USCIS without leaving the country. Consular processing is for applicants abroad who complete the process at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Yes. Permanent residence can be revoked for fraud in the application, criminal convictions involving crimes of moral turpitude or aggravated felonies, abandonment of U.S. residence through extended time abroad, and other grounds. Consulting an immigration attorney before extended international travel is important.
Generally five years after becoming a permanent resident, or three years if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and remain married to and living with that citizen. You may file the N-400 naturalization application up to 90 days before meeting the residency requirement.
Denials can often be addressed through motions to reopen or reconsider, appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, or refiling with corrected documentation. Our attorneys evaluate the specific denial reason and determine the best course of action to pursue your permanent residence. Call (703) 888-0959 for a case evaluation.