How Can I Apply for a U.S. Green Card?
Applying for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card, generally requires filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and submitting supporting documentation. In most cases, applicants must have a sponsor, typically a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member, or a U.S. employer. Some applicants may qualify for a Green Card without needing a family or employer sponsor, such as individuals with extraordinary ability under the EB-1 category or those eligible under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
At Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., we can help you apply for a Green Card and guide you through this complex process. We educate, advocate, and navigate an often rocky, time-consuming legal process for clients from all walks of life.
Eligibility
To apply for a Green Card, you must fall within an eligible category under U.S. immigration law. Your eligibility may depend on factors such as the citizenship or lawful permanent resident status of a sponsoring family member, your employment or job offer in the United States, or eligibility through other programs such as refugee or asylum status.
While family members and employers are the most common sponsors, U.S. immigration law recognizes other categories in which you may qualify for a Green Card. For example, special immigrants include religious workers, certain juveniles who need protection from abusive or neglectful parents (Special Immigrant Juveniles), and certain international broadcasters.
Other eligible categories include, but are not limited to:
- Refugees and asylees adjusting status after being granted protection in the U.S.
- Victims of human trafficking (T visa) or certain crimes (U visa)
- Abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Petition for Alien Relative
The sponsor must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish a qualifying relationship with an eligible relative.
For U.S. citizens, eligible relatives include
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under age 21 (immediate relatives)
- Unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older
- Married sons and daughters of any age
- Siblings (if the U.S. citizen is age 21 or older)
- Parents (if the U.S. citizen is age 21 or older)
Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) may only sponsor their spouse and unmarried children, regardless of age.
Green Card Application Pathways
The process of applying for a Green Card depends on your circumstances, whether you are seeking permanent residence through employment, already living in the United States, or applying from abroad. Below are the primary steps applicants may need to take:
Step 1: File the Immigrant Petition
Every Green Card case begins with a petition to USCIS. The type of form depends on your eligibility category—family, employment, special immigrant, or humanitarian.
Step 2: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
If you are already in the U.S. and your petition is approved, you may apply for your Green Card without leaving the country by filing Form I-485.
Step 3: Consular Processing
If you are outside the U.S., you will complete your application at a U.S. consulate abroad through consular processing, which allows you to enter as a lawful permanent resident.
Schedule a Consultation in Tampa or Clearwater Today
If you want to pursue a Green Card and eventual U.S. citizenship, contact us at Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A. to schedule an affordable consultation. We are a trusted resource for non-U.S. citizens in Florida as they navigate the complex forms and procedural requirements of getting a Green Card and becoming a Naturalized U.S. citizen. We have offices conveniently located in downtown Tampa and Clearwater.
About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.
Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.
