U.S. Green Cards

U.S. Green Cards

Our Los Angeles and Orange County California Green Card Attorneys

handle applications for lawful permanent residency in the U.S., known as "green cards." Lawful permanent residency allows you to permanently live and work in the United States. To qualify, you must fall into one of the green card categories.

We have helped thousands of immigrants to get their green card from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (formerly known as the INS), or through a U.S. consulate abroad. For information about our success in helping our clients obtain green cards, please see our notable cases.

Family category green card

Certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The following relatives can file for you:

    • Spouse - either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
    • U.S. citizen parent
    • Lawful Permanent Resident parent -- only if you are unmarried
    • U.S. citizen child -- once they are 21 years old
    • U.S. citizen sibling

Most categories have a waiting list of several years, you can find the waiting list at the official government visa bulletin website.

Employment category green card

There are several categories that we handle and most require a U.S. employer, who must advertise and try to find U.S. workers before hiring you.

Asylee/refugee category green card

You must be granted asylee or refugee status first.

Diversity lottery category green card

You must apply for and be selected in the State Department's diversity lottery, and be notified that you are current on the list.

For more free information on U.S. green card categories, see these government websites

Two-Step Process for Obtaining a Green Card

  1. File a petition under one of the green card categories
  2. Undergo an interview vetting process to prove that you are “admissible” to the U.S.
    1. Adjustment of Status - interview inside the United States
    2. Consular Process - interview outside the United States

Potential Problems / Reasons a Green Card May be Denied

The following problems may require you to file a waiver. We have lengthy experience in filing waivers.

Renewing Your Green Card

Green cards expire, usually every ten years. Your permanent resident status does not expire, but the card is your proof that you are a permanent resident. Whenever you need to prove that you are a permanent resident, you need a valid, unexpired green card. For example, you need it when traveling and returning to the United States.

We assist with filing the I-90 to renew your green card. We thoroughly screen for the following issues and advise you on best strategy:

  • A criminal or arrest record that never was discovered before you got your green card
  • A criminal or arrest record since you got your green card
  • Deciding whether to renew or to apply for naturalization (citizenship)

Did you have a notario or untrained non-attorney prepare your green card application the first time? Are you now facing a Request For Evidence, a Notice of Intent to Deny, or a deportation hearing?

We can review your case and assist with an appropriate response, including representing you in Immigration Court.

Free Appointment with a Green Card Attorney

If you need to apply for a green card or are facing problems with a faulty application, contact Hill & Piibe to talk to an immigration attorney.

With offices in Los Angeles and San Juan Capistrano, our immigration and green card lawyers serve clients of all nationalities living in the Los Angeles, California area, including Riverside and Bakersfield and all of San Bernardino County, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara County.