The Path to Freedom: Permanent Residency (Obtaining a Green Card)
Becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States (a “green card” holder) is a major milestone in the immigration process and an important step toward potential U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Lawful permanent residency provides the right to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, along with access to additional rights and protections under U.S. immigration law.
The experienced immigration attorneys at Keen Law Offices, LLC in Orem, Utah can evaluate your eligibility for permanent residency and, when appropriate, guide you through the process of obtaining a green card through either adjustment of status within the United States or consular processing abroad.
Admissibility and Adjustment of Status
The process for obtaining a green card depends on whether the applicant is currently inside the United States or seeking entry from abroad. Individuals already in the U.S. may be eligible to apply through adjustment of status, while others must complete consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Our attorneys assist clients in addressing admissibility requirements and ensuring that all necessary steps are completed accurately to avoid delays or complications in the application process.
Family-Based Immigration Petitions
Certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may be eligible to sponsor a green card application. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—are given priority in the immigration process, while other family categories may be subject to visa availability and waiting periods.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Foreign nationals may also qualify for permanent residency through employment-based sponsorship. In these cases, a U.S. employer typically initiates the petition process and must meet specific requirements under immigration law. Keen Law Offices, LLC works with both employers and employees to navigate the employment-based green card process.
In limited categories, individuals may also be eligible to self-petition without employer sponsorship.
Refugee, Asylee, and Humanitarian Pathways
Individuals admitted to the United States as refugees or granted asylum may apply for lawful permanent residency after meeting eligibility requirements, typically one year after admission or grant of status. Certain family members of asylees may also qualify for derivative benefits.
Special Adjustment Programs
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides additional pathways to lawful permanent residency for individuals in specific categories, including:
- Members of the U.S. armed forces
- Certain humanitarian program beneficiaries, including victims of trafficking or qualifying crimes
- Individuals from designated protected or special immigrant categories
Contact a Utah Immigration Attorney
Obtaining a green card is a complex legal process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The attorneys at Keen Law Offices, LLC can help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Keen Law Offices, LLC at (801) 374-5336 or reach out online to discuss your options and begin preparing your case.