Green Card Attorney in Ventura, CA
America: the land where anyone, no matter their background, can lift themselves up and create a better life for themselves and their families. No wonder countless people apply for immigration every year. A green card affords individuals the right to reside permanently in the USA. Our experienced Ventura green card attorney can help you with this immigration matter.
El Camino Inmigracion is ready to serve the Ventura area with its green card applications. If you’re planning to become a lawful permanent resident, then there’s no one better to help you than El Camino Inmigracion. Call our Ventura immigration law firm today for help with your immigration issue!
Why Should I Hire a Green Card Attorney in Ventura, California?
There’s a lot of information out there about applying for a green card. You may be wondering, “Do I even need an attorney in the first place?” Technically, you don’t really need to. However, are you willing to risk your green card by applying without professional legal advice?
If there’s a mistake in your application, you risk the denial of your petition. Certain complications could also make authorities suspect you of immigration fraud, which can lead to deportation.
We spent decades helping the Ventura community with their legal concerns. With our experience, eye for detail, and dedication, we can ensure that everything in your application is in order.
Don’t wait! Get your green card as soon as possible with the help of our Ventura green card attorney!
What is a Green Card?
A green card is also known as a permanent resident card. A lawful permanent resident (LPR) can live and work permanently in the USA. This is the main benefit of a green card, but it also bestows many advantages, such as:
- The ability to apply for citizenship after a certain period
- The right to engage in the political process
- Eligibility for federal benefits like education assistance or social security
- Easy travel within the USA
- Easy travel to and from the United States
- The ability to sponsor other relatives for a green card
- Some protection from deportation
What are the Categories for Green Cards?
If you want to apply for a green card, you have to be eligible under one of the following categories:
- Family immigration
- Employment immigration
- Green card lottery
- Special immigrant category
- Green card through asylee or refugee status
- Green card for victims of abuse
- Green card for human trafficking and crime victims
If you want to know if you’re eligible for legal status, you can guess. Or, better, you can ask a knowledgeable green card attorney. Pick up that phone and call El Camino Inmigracion to schedule a consultation.
Diversity Visa Program
The diversity immigrant visa (DV) program is a green card lottery. There are 55,000 immigrant visas available under the program for immigrants from countries with a low volume of Green Card applications to the United States.
You mustn’t have committed any disqualifying acts, such as immigration infractions, criminal conduct, or terrorist affiliation, among others. In general, there is no waiting period if you match the conditions and are picked in the lottery.
If you have any questions about the immigration process, feel free to ask our Ventura immigration attorney.
Employment-Based Sponsorships
An employment-based green card requires a US-based employer to sponsor you. Employment based immigration petitions are processed more quickly, but both the immigrant and the employer must submit all required immigration papers.
As there are only limited green cards available each year, there are certain individuals who have a greater chance than others. These are divided into preference categories as follows:
- EB-1: These are workers who are outstanding in their fields. Examples include CEOs of multinational companies, internationally renowned scientists, and award-winning artists.
- EB-2 The second preference category is for professionals with advanced degrees and exceptional talent. These include individuals with a master’s degree or higher and persons with national or international recognition in arts, sciences, or business.
- EB-3: This category includes skilled, professional, and unskilled workers. Unskilled individuals (other workers) can fill positions that do not require more than two years of training or experience. Professionals are those with a baccalaureate degree or higher. Skilled workers are non-seasonal employees who have received at least two years of training.
- EB-4: The EB-4 visa is for “special” immigrants, such as religious workers and children who rely on the family court system and may be placed in foster families in the United States.
- EB-5: The last preference category is for immigrant investors. Investor visas are available for those willing to invest a specified amount of money, along with other requirements.
Family-Based Sponsorships
Family-based immigration is based on reuniting United States citizens and LPRs with their loved ones. Spouses, minor children, and parents of US citizens qualify to be lawful permanent residents, provided they meet the other criteria.
Other family-sponsored preference categories are defined by the Visa Bulletin.
- First Preference: Unmarried adults (age 21 and over) who are children of U.S. citizens.
- Second Preference: Spouses and unmarried children of green card holders.
- Third Preference: Married children of U.S. citizens, regardless of age.
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.
Those seeking permanent residency should be sponsored by a member of their immediate family. Relatives of permanent residents will be first in line.
The longest wait times for immigrant visas are for married adult offspring and siblings of US residents. This may take several years, if not decades.
El Camino Inmigracion can provide legal representation to solve your family immigration concerns. Call us today to discuss your immigration case!
Are Green Cards Permanent?
While green cards offer you permanent residence, they can be taken away if you commit certain acts. Here are some ways you can lose your LPR status
You are guilty of some offenses.
Certain crimes can cause the loss of your legal status. Some examples include:
- Immigration fraud
- Impersonating a US citizen
- Murder
- Treason
- Espionage
Not Updating your Address
You must keep the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) informed of your current residence whenever you move into a new location.
Abandon your status as a resident.
If you leave the country for more than six months at a time, you may face deportation and the loss of your green card. You will not lose your green card immediately, but you may draw the attention of immigration agents while returning to the United States.
If you’re worried about losing your green card, you can talk about your case with our Los Angeles immigration attorney.
Call our Ventura Green Card Lawyers Today!
Green card holders possess many advantages over individuals with nonimmigrant visas. You may already be eligible to apply for a green card! El Camino Inmigracion is here to help you with your petition. Call our Ventura immigration law office today and schedule a consultation!
El Camino Inmigracion provides legal services for all types of immigration cases, including:
