Immigration Attorney for Permanent Visas and Green Cards

At Rocha Moody Law Firm we assist individuals and families throughout the immigration process to become permanent residents in the US. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide up-to-date information and support, helping you make informed decisions. We understand the complexities and challenges of immigration and are committed to working diligently on your behalf. Contact us at 225-434-0969 for a consultation with our skilled attorneys to achieve your immigration goals.

Lawful permanent residency (Green Card)

A Green Card, or Lawful Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the US government that gives foreign nationals permanent residency in the US. It allows them to legally live and work in the US indefinitely. You can get a Green Card through family, employment, refugee or asylee status, or other special visas. Green Card holders are also called lawful permanent residents (LPRs). They have certain rights and responsibilities, like being able to apply for US citizenship after meeting certain requirements, following all US laws, and filing taxes with the IRS and state.

WAYS TO OBTAIN A GREEN CARD :

Through FAMILY

Eligible Petitioners:

  • Spouse:United States Citizen(USC) or Lawful Permanent Resident(LPR)

  • Child( United States Citizen and must 21 or older) Includes stepchildren if married parent before child's 18th birthday.

  • Parent (USC or LPR)

  • Sibiling (USC and 18 plus)

  • Fiance or Widower of a United Citizen

    Please Read Below for more details about Family Based Immigration

THROUGH HUMAN TRACKING & CRIME VICTIMS

  • If you were a Human Trafficking victim and currently have T  Visa , you must have continuously resided in the US for at least 3 years since you were first lawfully admitted as a T-1 nonimmigrant or upon conclusion of trafficking investigation or prosecution, whichever is earlier.

  • If you were the victim of a qualifying crime and currently have a U Visa , you must have continuously resided in the US for at least 3 years since you were first lawfully admitted as a U-1 nonimmigrant status.

THROUGH REFUGEE OR ASYLEE STATUS

  • A Refugee can apply if they were admitted as a refugee at least 1 year ago.

  • An Asylee can apply if they were granted asylum status at least 1 year ago.

FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE

  • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which protects women, men, and children who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty at the hands of a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) or a U.S. citizen abuse

  • An abused(victim of battery or extreme cruelty) spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen under the Cuban Adjustment Act

AS A SPECIAL IMMIGRANT

  • Special Immigrant Juvenile ( you must have an approved Form I-360 classifying you as an SIJ)

  • Religious Worker( Member of a religious denomination coming to the U.S. to work for a non profit religious organization)

  • Employees of Internationals Organizations or NATO (This includes people who currently or previously worked here and their relatives)

THROUGH OTHER CATEGORIES

  • Cuban Adjustment Act ( if you are Cuban native or citizen or the spouse or child of a cuban native or citizen)

  • Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (if you were selected for a diversity visa )

  • Through the Registry (must have continuously in the U.S. since before Jan. 2, 1972)

RESIDENCY & ABROAD

Consular Processing

If you're pursuing a Green Card through Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) but didn’t have a legal entry into the United States, you'll need to leave the U.S. to attend your Green Card interview at a U.S. Embassy in your home country. Accumulating unlawful presence in the U.S., or having a deportation or removal order, complicates the process. In such cases, obtaining a waiver becomes a necessary part of your application.

If you have a legal entry into the United States, you can file to obtain your green card in the United States without departing abroad to your home country. Examples of legal entry: Entering the U.S. with official government document such as your tourist visa (B-1/B-2), and being waived in through a U.S. Port of Entry.

If you entered the United States without proper documentation, your situation might necessitate a waiver of inadmissibility through Forms I-601 or I-601A. In some cases, particularly following deportation or removal, you may also require Form I-212, a waiver for permission to reapply for admission into the United States. At Rocha Moody Law Firm, we specialize in navigating these complex waiver processes. With over a decade of experience in handling such cases, our team is well-equipped to provide the guidance and support you need. To explore your options and take the first step towards resolving your immigration challenges, contact us to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

  • The cost of applying for lawful permanent residence in the United States varies based on the specific application or petition type. Each immigration process entails different fees and associated costs. As every case is unique, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine the most accurate cost estimate. Call or schedule an appointment with us to better serve you.

  • Processing times vary significantly based on the category of the Green Card, the applicant's country of origin, and current USCIS processing times. Every case is unique and different, so processing times will vary for most applications.

  • If your green card is denied you have the right to appeal the decision. Contact us today to speak to our attorney to evaluate your case and your options.

  • Conditional Green Cards are issued for two years in cases like where you have been married to U.S. citizen less than two years. You will need to submit a form to remove those conditions within 90 days of the expiration of your conditional Green Card. Permanent Green Cards, are valid for ten years, are issued in other categories.

  • While there are no such requirements for Green Card holders, those applying for U.S. citizenship must pass English language and civics tests.

  • Our experienced immigration attorneys provide personalized assistance for complex cases, including those involving prior immigration violations, criminal records, or previous denials.