What Is the Best Green Card Route?

Published: August 8, 2022

A green card is an issuance by the USCIS or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services allowing noncitizens to gain entry and have permanent residence in America. In addition, a green card holder may work, study, and travel within US territories. People desire the green card because of its power to change lives.

Before the pandemic happened, the USCIS receives more six million applications every year but only issues about one million Green cards to successful immigrants. This estimate alone shows how competitive the process can become. To raise your chances of acceptance, it is ideal to choose a path to Green Card most appropriate for your circumstances.

The Best Green Card Route

There is no one path to Green Card that will work for everyone. However, there will always be one that will work for you. Picking the most appropriate one will make the process faster and more efficient.

One of the most crucial reasons why you need a lawyer for your Green Card application is to reduce the risk of failure. It is impractical for non-experts to process their applications by themselves because errors cost a lot of money. Also, every failure increases the risk of permanent disqualification.

A Green Card lawyer has competent knowledge and skills to help determine the best path for you. Working with a legal team like ALG Lawyers will help simplify the technical matters. Someone will be there to guide you. If you have questions, a team of legal professionals can offer their insights.

US Green Card Paths Available

One of the most common misconceptions about Green Cards is that there is only one way to acquire them. Many people thought that only family members of US citizens and previous Green Card holders can apply for immigration. If you thought the same way, we have good news for you. There is quite a selection of paths to Green Card.

Here are all the existing Green Card categories applicants may explore:

Family

Getting a Green Card through family relations is probably the most popular and common immigration path. This category also includes spouses and fiancé(e)s who need to fulfill special conditions to unlock permanent residency. It is also important to note that the people eligible for Green Card may change if the family relative sponsor is a citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Employment

One of the reasons why the US government is opening its doors to immigrants is to satisfy its labor needs. To invite labor immigrants, it offers Green Card options through employment. This category is split into several types in which successful applicants can experience different rights and perks. They may even bring relatives upon immigration.

Special Immigrant

The special immigrant visa is exclusive to individuals who rendered service in aid of the US government abroad. These individuals may refer to international broadcasters or employees of specific international organizations. This category also covers special immigrant juveniles or children who needs protection from the juvenile court due to abuse or neglect.

Refugee or Asylee

Asylees and refugees are two different sets of people. The former are those who seeks political asylum but are already in the United States, while the latter refers to individuals located outside the United States but have been granted entry to the country to seek political refuge. Both of these classes of people may gain permanent residency in the US.

Human Trafficking and Crime Victims

The US government is also welcoming to victims of crimes and human trafficking. However, individuals who wish to apply as an immigrant under this category should comply with the strict eligibility requirements. One of the most significant requirements is for the applicants to have T or U nonimmigrant visas prior to their applications for permanent residency.

Victims of Abuse

People who experienced abuse within specific circumstances also has a chance of becoming US permanent residents. Before applying for this category, consult with a Green Card lawyer to discuss in detail the provisions of the special laws and treaties that may cover your circumstance.

Registry

Another method of becoming a US permanent resident is through the registry. This mode is available for people who lived in the country for quite some time. To be specific, eligible applicants should have been continuously residing in the United States before January 1, 1972. They should also possess other characteristics such as having a good moral character.

Other Categories

Besides the aforementioned categories, the USCIS also acknowledges the paths to Green Card by reason of immigration laws and treaties. For example, the Cuban Adjustment Act may grant permanent US residency to eligible Cuban citizens. Also, the Diversity Immigrant Visa program grants permanent residency via lottery to lucky immigrants.

The Green Card process is a personal process. Everyone will face unique sets of challenges depending on the category they will apply for. Regardless of your preference, ALG Lawyers will be by your side while processing all the requirements.

Considerations When Picking a Green Card

Picking a path for Green Card is a meticulous process. Not everyone has the luxury of choosing another option after investing in one category. Also, one has to consider the time needed to prepare and file the requirements.

If you are still undecided, be sure to consider these factors before taking any action:

1. Eligibility

Always learn about the eligibility requirements of every Green Card category. Every immigration path is unique and applicants may undergo unique sets of processes. The USCIS is meticulous when it comes to requirements so applicants should be mindful about what they submit.

2.  Processing Time

Since every category requires different documents and other attachments, it follows that processing them will require different time frames. Some agencies that releases the required documents may take longer than others. Even the USCIS has varying assessments as to when they can process and release certain immigration papers.

3.  Country of origin

Most immigrants start their applications by settling the required documents and processes in their home states. Every country has a unique process when it comes to immigration. The fees can drastically differ, too. Not to mention, some are slower than the others.

4.  Immigrant status

What is your current immigrant status? Your answer will severely affect your chances of having a success application. Know that before applying for a Green Card, you may need to unlock specific immigration statuses to be eligible. For example, some immigrants need to file for an Adjustment of Status to proceed with their application.

5.  Relationship with citizens and LPRs

Your relationship with permanent residents and US citizens can help you with your immigration. There are some categories that give special perks to applicants who have filial bonds with said individuals. For example, getting married or attaining the age of maturity may disqualify some applicants from immigrating through a family visa. However, this circumstance is not a bar for US citizens’ children.

6.   Legal support

The level of legal support you receive matters. After all, immigration is a highly legal matter and any move you make may have repercussions. Collaborating with immigration law firms like ALG Lawyers will help you understand the immigration process better. Our Green Card attorneys will guide you to the right path and boost your chances of approval.

Reliable Green Card Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

Unlocking the Green Card status may take a lot of time and effort. Before getting into processes and investing any capital, always choose the immigration route that best suits you. If you are having a hard time making this choice, remember that ALG Lawyers is constantly here to support you.

We work hard as one legal team to protect your rights and interests. Our seasoned Los Angeles immigration lawyers will personally handle your case and offer you with the most appropriate solutions. Most importantly, ALG Lawyers has the experience and network to assist you towards a seamless transition into your new life in the United States.