Why Choose Us?

  • Careful eligibility analysis before filing
  • Detailed, accurate application preparation
  • Support for individuals, families, and employers
  • Clear communication throughout the process

New York City Green Card and Permanent Residency Attorney

Becoming a lawful permanent resident allows you to live and work in the United States without the uncertainty of temporary visas. A Green Card provides long-term security, expanded opportunities, and a clear path toward U.S. citizenship. Rahimi Law Firm, P.C. works closely with individuals and families in New York City to guide them through the Green Card process and help avoid unnecessary delays or denials.

What does a Green Card allow you to do?

A Green Card grants lawful permanent resident status, allowing you to build a stable future in the United States.

Key benefits include:

  • Living and working anywhere in the U.S.
  • No need to renew nonimmigrant visas
  • Eligibility to sponsor certain family members
  • Access to more employment opportunities
  • A pathway to U.S. citizenship

Because permanent residency comes with important rights and responsibilities, careful preparation is essential.

Eligibility for a Green Card

There are several ways to qualify for a Green Card, each with specific requirements. The most common paths include:

  • Family-Based Immigration – U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain family members, such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
  • Employment-Based Immigration – Workers in certain job categories may qualify, either through employer sponsorship or self-petition for individuals with extraordinary abilities or investors.
  • Asylum and Refugee Status – Those granted asylum or refugee status can apply for a Green Card after one year in the U.S.
  • Diversity Visa Lottery – A limited number of Green Cards are available annually through a random selection process for individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates.
  • Other Humanitarian Programs – Victims of crime (U Visa), domestic violence (VAWA), or special immigrant juveniles may qualify.

Determining the right category is an important step in the process, and we help applicants understand their options.

How Does the Green Card Application Process Work?

Applying for a Green Card involves multiple steps. The process varies depending on your eligibility category and whether you are applying from inside or outside the U.S.

Filing the Petition

Most applicants need a sponsor to start the process. This could be a family member, an employer, or, in some cases, the applicant themselves. Common petitions include:

  • Family-Based – A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130.
  • Employment-Based – An employer files Form I-140, or certain individuals may self-petition.

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

Once the petition is approved, the next steps depend on where you are:

  • Adjustment of Status – If you are already in the U.S., you may file Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card.
  • Consular Processing – If you are outside the U.S., you must apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate.

Work and Travel Authorization

While waiting for approval, some applicants may apply for:

  • Work Authorization (EAD) – Allows legal employment in the U.S.
  • Advance Parole – Permits travel without abandoning the application.

Processing times vary based on visa availability and government workload. Our team can help ensure applications are properly prepared to avoid unnecessary delays.

What Challenges Commonly Delay Green Card Cases?

Applying for a Green Card can be complicated, and many applicants face delays or unexpected obstacles. We help clients overcome these challenges, including:

  • Long wait times – Some Green Card categories have backlogs, and missing paperwork can cause further delays. We ensure applications are complete and submitted correctly.
  • Requests for Evidence (RFEs) – USCIS may ask for additional documents to verify eligibility. We help gather and submit the right evidence to avoid further delays.
  • Application denials – Errors, missing documents, or eligibility issues can result in a denial. If this happens, we evaluate your options for appeals, motions to reopen, or reapplications.
  • Maintaining permanent resident status – Extended travel outside the U.S. or certain criminal charges could put your Green Card at risk. We guide clients on how to stay in compliance with residency rules.

Our goal is to help you complete the process smoothly and avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Contact Our Experienced New York City Permanent Residency Attorneys

Getting a Green Card is a significant step toward building a secure future in the U.S., and Rahimi Law Firm, P.C. can guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward permanent residency. We are ready to help.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a Green Card?

Processing times vary by category and visa availability. Some cases take months, while others may take several years.

Can I work while my Green Card application is pending?

Many applicants can apply for work authorization while their case is pending, depending on eligibility.

Can a Green Card be revoked?

Yes. Extended time outside the U.S. or certain criminal issues can put permanent resident status at risk, making compliance important.

Permanent Residency

Why Choose Us?

  • Careful eligibility analysis before filing
  • Detailed, accurate application preparation
  • Support for individuals, families, and employers
  • Clear communication throughout the process

New York City Green Card and Permanent Residency Attorney

Becoming a lawful permanent resident allows you to live and work in the United States without the uncertainty of temporary visas. A Green Card provides long-term security, expanded opportunities, and a clear path toward U.S. citizenship. Rahimi Law Firm, P.C. works closely with individuals and families in New York City to guide them through the Green Card process and help avoid unnecessary delays or denials.

What does a Green Card allow you to do?

A Green Card grants lawful permanent resident status, allowing you to build a stable future in the United States.

Key benefits include:

  • Living and working anywhere in the U.S.
  • No need to renew nonimmigrant visas
  • Eligibility to sponsor certain family members
  • Access to more employment opportunities
  • A pathway to U.S. citizenship

Because permanent residency comes with important rights and responsibilities, careful preparation is essential.

Eligibility for a Green Card

There are several ways to qualify for a Green Card, each with specific requirements. The most common paths include:

  • Family-Based Immigration – U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain family members, such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
  • Employment-Based Immigration – Workers in certain job categories may qualify, either through employer sponsorship or self-petition for individuals with extraordinary abilities or investors.
  • Asylum and Refugee Status – Those granted asylum or refugee status can apply for a Green Card after one year in the U.S.
  • Diversity Visa Lottery – A limited number of Green Cards are available annually through a random selection process for individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates.
  • Other Humanitarian Programs – Victims of crime (U Visa), domestic violence (VAWA), or special immigrant juveniles may qualify.

Determining the right category is an important step in the process, and we help applicants understand their options.

How Does the Green Card Application Process Work?

Applying for a Green Card involves multiple steps. The process varies depending on your eligibility category and whether you are applying from inside or outside the U.S.

Filing the Petition

Most applicants need a sponsor to start the process. This could be a family member, an employer, or, in some cases, the applicant themselves. Common petitions include:

  • Family-Based – A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130.
  • Employment-Based – An employer files Form I-140, or certain individuals may self-petition.

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

Once the petition is approved, the next steps depend on where you are:

  • Adjustment of Status – If you are already in the U.S., you may file Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card.
  • Consular Processing – If you are outside the U.S., you must apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate.

Work and Travel Authorization

While waiting for approval, some applicants may apply for:

  • Work Authorization (EAD) – Allows legal employment in the U.S.
  • Advance Parole – Permits travel without abandoning the application.

Processing times vary based on visa availability and government workload. Our team can help ensure applications are properly prepared to avoid unnecessary delays.

What Challenges Commonly Delay Green Card Cases?

Applying for a Green Card can be complicated, and many applicants face delays or unexpected obstacles. We help clients overcome these challenges, including:

  • Long wait times – Some Green Card categories have backlogs, and missing paperwork can cause further delays. We ensure applications are complete and submitted correctly.
  • Requests for Evidence (RFEs) – USCIS may ask for additional documents to verify eligibility. We help gather and submit the right evidence to avoid further delays.
  • Application denials – Errors, missing documents, or eligibility issues can result in a denial. If this happens, we evaluate your options for appeals, motions to reopen, or reapplications.
  • Maintaining permanent resident status – Extended travel outside the U.S. or certain criminal charges could put your Green Card at risk. We guide clients on how to stay in compliance with residency rules.

Our goal is to help you complete the process smoothly and avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Contact Our Experienced New York City Permanent Residency Attorneys

Getting a Green Card is a significant step toward building a secure future in the U.S., and Rahimi Law Firm, P.C. can guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward permanent residency. We are ready to help.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a Green Card?

Processing times vary by category and visa availability. Some cases take months, while others may take several years.

Can I work while my Green Card application is pending?

Many applicants can apply for work authorization while their case is pending, depending on eligibility.

Can a Green Card be revoked?

Yes. Extended time outside the U.S. or certain criminal issues can put permanent resident status at risk, making compliance important.