November 15, 2024
Complete Guide to Applying for Lawful Permanent Residence with Professional Legal Assistance
Applying for marriage-based legal permanent residence is a significant step toward building your future in the United States. While the process can be complex, having the support of experienced legal professionals can make a substantial difference.
In this guide, we outline the step-by-step process we follow with our clients, highlighting the advantages of receiving expert legal assistance.
Why Choose Professional Legal Support for Your Permanent Residence Application?
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex and overwhelming. Our firm offers personalized legal services that include:
Customized Strategy Development: We conduct a thorough analysis of your unique situation to develop a personalized plan.
Professional Documentation Management: Our team helps you gather and organize all necessary documents, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Comprehensive Application Preparation and Review: We meticulously prepare and review all forms and supporting materials to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements.
Ongoing Legal Representation: We provide legal support throughout the entire process, including representation, post-filing advice, and professional guidance for preparing for USCIS interviews.
Abel Moreno - immigration attorney
Below, we present the step-by-step process we follow with our clients for applying for marriage-based legal permanent residence without leaving the United States (Adjustment of Status).
Step 1
Preparatory Meeting and Customized Strategy
Comprehensive Case Analysis
We begin with a detailed consultation to:
Understand your current immigration status and history.
Learn about your relationship and future plans.
Identify potential challenges or special considerations.
Personalized Document Checklist
Based on our analysis, we provide you with a customized list of the required documents for your application. This tailored approach ensures that all aspects of your case are thoroughly addressed from the outset.
Commonly Required Documents:
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Copy of the photo page of your passport.
Copy of your visa and U.S. entry stamps.
Original birth certificate with certified English translation.
Two passport-style photographs of each spouse.
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Marriage certificate.
Proof of a bona fide marriage (joint lease agreements, joint bank statements, utility bills, photos, etc.).
Affidavits from friends and family attesting to your relationship.
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Evidence of the petitioner's income.
Petitioner's federal tax returns.
Employment verification letter.
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Properly completed USCIS forms (I-130, I-130A, I-485, I-765, I-131, I-864, etc.).
Applicable filing fees (we will guide you on the exact amounts).
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Form I-693 completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
Step 2
Professional Documentation Assistance
Guidance on Required Evidence
Our team offers:
Clear instructions on the types of evidence needed.
Assistance in obtaining certified translations of documents.
Support in organizing documents that demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage.
Medical Examination
During this period, you should:
Schedule a medical examination with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
Complete the examination and obtain the sealed Form I-693.
Secure Document Management
We provide:
Access to a secure portal for uploading and managing documents digitally.
Ongoing collaboration between you and our legal team.
Priority access for any questions or concerns you may have.
This phase typically spans 15 to 45 days, allowing sufficient time to gather and prepare all necessary materials.
Step 3
Application Preparation, Review, and Submission
Meticulous Form Preparation
We handle:
Completion of all relevant USCIS forms, including:
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
Forms I-765 and I-131 (for Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole).
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA).
Ensuring accuracy and compliance with all USCIS requirements.
Preparing a complete application package with all supporting evidence.
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We assist you in:
Applying for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally in the U.S. while your Green Card application is pending with USCIS.
Applying for Advance Parole to allow international travel during the application process.
Reminding you of renewal deadlines to prevent any interruption in authorization.
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Before submission:
We send you the complete file for your review.
Assist you in confirming that all information is correct and complete.
Have you sign the necessary forms, which are then securely uploaded to our client portal.
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We:
Assemble the final application package; and
Diligently submit it to USCIS to initiate the processing of your case.
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We maintain open lines of communication through:
A secure portal for document uploads and updates.
Regular updates via email or messaging apps like WhatsApp for quick communication.
Step 4
Ongoing Legal Representation and Support
Post-Submission Communications
After submission, we:
Monitor the status of your case and keep you informed of any updates.
Handle all correspondence with USCIS on your behalf.
Provide you with copies of all communications and filings.
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Upon submission, USCIS:
Sends receipt notices for each application filed, confirming that processing has begun.
Assigns case numbers for tracking the progress of your applications.
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With your receipt notices, you can:
Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to apply for or renew your driver's license, as permitted by state policies.
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USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment for you to:
Provide fingerprints and photographs.
Verify your identity and conduct background checks.
Note: In some cases, USCIS may reuse previous biometric data.
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While your application is pending:
USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing you to work legally in the U.S.
You may also receive Advance Parole, permitting international travel and re-entry into the U.S.
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We continue to:
Track the progress of your application.
Promptly respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS.
Provide ongoing advice and support until USCIS decides on your case.
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USCIS might issue an RFE if more information is needed:
We will help you respond quickly and thoroughly to any RFE.
Providing additional documentation ensures your application stays on course.
Step 5
Interview Preparation
If an interview is scheduled, we offer:
Comprehensive Preparation: We prepare you for the types of questions USCIS may ask.
Document Review: We ensure you are ready with the necessary documents for the interview.
Preparatory Meetings: We conduct sessions to cover every aspect and boost your confidence.
If we cannot accompany you to the interview because your place of residence is outside our jurisdiction (South Florida), we commit to thoroughly preparing you for this stage.
Our goal is to ensure you feel prepared and supported throughout the process.
What to Bring to the Interview
Commonly required documents:
Originals of the copies provided in the application file.
Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates, etc.
Driver's license, passport and entry visa, employment authorization, advance parole.
Evidence demonstrating a bona fide marriage, such as joint lease or mortgage agreements, shared bank statements, among others.
Step 6
Post-Interview and Final Steps
USCIS Decision
After the interview:
USCIS will review all information and make a decision.
This process may take several weeks.
Approval and Green Card Issuance
If approved:
You will receive an approval notice by mail.
Your Green Card will arrive shortly thereafter.
Transition to Permanent Resident Status
Upon receiving your Green Card:
You attain permanent resident status.
Your Employment and Travel Authorization documents are no longer necessary, as the Green Card serves as proof of your right to work and travel.
Ongoing Legal Support
Our representation includes:
Assistance with any matters following USCIS's decision on your residence application.
Availability to answer any questions related to your status.
We are committed to supporting you even after you have your Green Card in hand.
Step 7
After Receiving Your Green Card
We offer ongoing legal support to assist you with your future immigration needs.
Understanding Conditional Residence
If your marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval:
You will receive a conditional Green Card valid for two years.
You must file Form I-751 to remove conditions within the 90 days before it expires.
Maintaining Permanent Resident Status
For all Green Card holders:
Address Changes: Notify USCIS within 10 days using Form AR-11.
Renewals: If you have a 10-year Green Card, renew it before it expires using Form I-90.
Eligibility for Citizenship: You may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Do you have additional questions about our permanent residence application service?
Use the following form to send us your inquiries, and we commit to responding within 24 hours.