NYC Green Card Lawyer

New York City Green Card Attorney

Koch Law is a top-rated New York City immigration law firm that is experienced in helping people in all areas of immigration. Our immigration attorneys help people obtain and keep legal status in the US, which includes help in obtaining visas and green cards. Whether you are looking to obtain an employment-based (EB) green card or seeking lawful permanent resident status based on marriage or family, an NYC green card lawyer is ready to help you.

The process to obtain lawful permanent resident (green card) status can be complex and confusing. Your green card application must be answered completely and correctly. It is important to know that if you make a false or incorrect statement on a green card application, it can result in an accusation that you made a statement that was fraudulent, no matter how small or innocent the mistake is.

A claim like this against you can lead to a denial of your application, or even worse yet, can result in criminal charges and/or even deportation! If you live in or around New York and need live help with your immigration case, then it is important to seek the advice of an experienced NYC immigration lawyer to best help answer your questions.

Meet Your Attorney

Lee A. Koch

Managing Attorney, Koch Law PLLC

Lee draws on his background as a former USAF intelligence specialist to bring precision and strategy to defending clients in New York City facing white collar crime charges. From fraud and embezzlement to insider trading and complex financial investigations, he builds defense strategies designed to challenge evidence, protect your reputation, and position you for the strongest possible outcome in court.

Call 866-640-2264

What is a Green Card?

A green card gives a person who is not a US citizen the lawful right to permanently live and work anywhere in the United States. After a three- or five-year waiting period, depending on the circumstances of the green card, a person can then be eligible to apply for US citizenship as a naturalized person. A green card can be awarded to a worker, family member, or even a refugee or crime victim.

A green card can last for up to 10 years at a time, and the renewal process is relatively straightforward. Those looking to renew can work with a skilled NYC green card lawyer to successfully navigate the renewal process, especially if they have complications in their case, such as if they recently obtained a criminal conviction.

Employment-Based Green Cards

In the case of an employment-based (EB) green card, you may qualify under one of five different employment-based (EB) categories as listed below:

• EB-1 – Priority workers
• EB-2 – Professionals with advanced degrees and exceptional abilities
• EB-3 – Skilled, unskilled, and professional workers
• EB-4 – Special workers
• EB-5 – Investors

If you are an employer interested in obtaining an employment-based green card to bring on top foreign talent, a green card attorney from Koch Law can help you navigate the process, helping you obtain other necessary paperwork, such as a Permanent Labor Certification through the Department of Labor.

Family-Based Green Cards

In the case of family-based green cards, eligible family members include spouses, children, parents, and siblings of US citizens. Widows and widowers can also be eligible to be awarded a family-based green card. If you live in or around New York and have any questions about green card law, then it is important to speak to an experienced green card lawyer.

One of the most common avenues of pursuing a green card includes the family-based option. There are two main types of family-based green card categories, which are those for immediate relatives and family preference categories. The family-based green cards for immediate relatives have no cap on the number that can be administered each year, and therefore have quicker processing times.

The time required to apply for family preference categories depends on the type of family-based category, which is based on whether the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or green card holder and the specific familial relationship the sponsor has with the applicant. An NYC green card lawyer can help you understand which family-based green card works for your situation, as well as an associated potential timeline and the general process to expect.

From filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to helping quickly troubleshoot any issues that may arise with your application, a NYC green card lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance you need to acquire a family-based green card.

Humanitarian-Based Green Cards

Individuals who obtain refugee or asylum status may be eligible to apply for a green card after holding this status for a one-year period. If you are a person who must flee your home country or has a reasonable fear of returning because of the risk of facing prosecution, you may be eligible to obtain refugee or asylum status.

If you have been subject to crimes of an egregious nature while living in the U.S., you may also be eligible for protection under the Violence Against Women Act, a U-visa, and other provisions. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your case to help you understand whether you may be eligible for a humanitarian-based green card and assist you throughout the process of securing the documentation you need.

Do I Qualify Under US Law for a Green Card?

There are a variety of questions that need to be answered in order to properly determine if you are eligible for lawful permanent resident (green card) status. Some of the questions you may need to answer in determining if you qualify for a green card include:

• Are you seeking an employment-based (EB) green card?
• Are you seeking a family-based green card?
• Are you a professional person with an advanced degree or special abilities?
• Are you a refugee?
• Are you seeking asylum?
• Are you a human trafficking victim?
• Are you a victim of crime or abuse?
• Do you have any criminal convictions?

Did you know that a criminal conviction can lead to immigration consequences such as deportation and removal proceedings? Deportation and removal proceedings are exceedingly difficult to win on your own in the US. Partnering with a New York immigration attorney can help you answer these questions and can help put you in the best position to win your immigration case.

New York City

Common Challenges While Navigating the NYC Green Card Application Process

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for individuals applying for green cards to live and work in New York City to run into roadblocks. An experienced attorney from Koch Law has commonly seen the following challenges and worked out tailored solutions to actively address them:

• Unsustainable processing times. Depending on the type of green card an applicant is going for, they may experience significant processing times. This can be dependent on factors such as case backlogs, complexity of application, and other elements. A seasoned attorney can help you understand the timeline for your case, manage time efficiently, and ensure that everything moves according to plan.
• Insufficient documentation. Applicants may commonly run into issues after not providing enough documentation or submitting incomplete or inaccurate applications. This can lead to both delays and even denials. An immigration attorney can help you make sure that your application is submitted correctly and completely the first time, avoiding unnecessary negative consequences.
• Issues during interviews. Individuals may commonly be intimidated by interviews, especially if their eligibility is under scrutiny by USCIS. A compassionate attorney can help you plan in advance for interviews so you may answer questions with confidence and conviction.

While navigating the NYC green card application process can seem overwhelming at first, a NYC green card lawyer can break down each step of the journey into actionable steps. At Koch Law, we are here to provide you with a personalized legal approach that addresses your immigration needs and concerns while optimizing bureaucratic processes.

Why Choose a New York Immigration Attorney to Help You?

If you live in New York and are looking for immigration help related to obtaining a green card, then hiring an immigration lawyer can be a great option. While our country has historically been a place that has encouraged immigration, our recent history has shown an opposite approach. Deportation and removal proceedings are at an all-time high, and the US government has shown that they will strip your immigration status and send you to your country of origin for a seemingly never-ending list of reasons.

If you are looking for an immigration lawyer in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or one of the other boroughs of New York City, Koch Law is available to serve you now. To speak to one of our experienced immigration lawyers, please follow the directions below.

FAQs

What Does an NYC Green Card Lawyer Do?

A New York City green card attorney provides US non-citizens with crucial support in obtaining lawful permanent resident status. They can assist with ensuring all requirements are met for applications and determining an optimal pathway for immigration based on complex immigration laws. Furthermore, they can advocate fiercely for clients facing complex situations, as well as assist with adjustment of status or consular processing.

What Are the Different Ways to Obtain a Green Card in New York City?

There are various pathways to obtaining a United States green card to open up the opportunity of living and working in New York City. Options include applying for humanitarian-based green cards, employment-based or family-based sponsorship, and winning the diversity visa lottery. There are other special immigrant categories a knowledgeable attorney can help you explore, such as a U-visa or eligibility under the Violence Against Women Act.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card in NYC?

The amount of time it takes to get a green card in New York City is dependent on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the caseload at the relevant government agency, and the type of green card being applied for. While a straightforward family-based green card for a close relative can be issued fairly quickly, lower-priority family-based green card applications can take years to process.

Can an NYC Green Card Lawyer Help With Adjustment of Status?

Yes, a New York City green card lawyer can provide crucial assistance with the Adjustment of Status process, which involves switching from temporary visa holder to lawful permanent resident status without having to leave the country. They can help ensure eligibility requirements, gather important documents and supporting evidence, and ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time. They can also provide representation during interviews..

What Happens if My Green Card Application Is Denied?

If your green card application is denied, it is important not to panic, as you likely have various legal options you can still exercise. A proficient green card lawyer can help you understand the next steps you can take to protect your rights and interests, such as appealing the decision, filing a motion to reopen, or even applying again. They can also help determine whether an alternative type of green card application may be more optimal.

Free Immigration Case Consultation

At Koch Law, we are proud to offer a free initial case consultation. We understand that in your search to hire the best immigration lawyer in NYC, you may need to speak to multiple immigration lawyers before deciding who you would like to partner with. We treat our clients like family, and any discussions about your immigration case will be kept private even if you hire another immigration lawyer. To speak to one of our New York City immigration lawyers, call toll free at (844) 562-4529 or contact us online.

NYC Green Card Lawyer Reviews