The Importance of Having the In-Depth Knowledge of an Experienced Immigration Lawyer for Your Green Card Application

Benefits of an Experienced Immigration Lawyer for Green Card Application

Applying for a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) is an exciting step but often challenging process. It can take many years, and if done incorrectly, one can end up wasting a lot of time and money. In some cases, it could also put you at risk of deportation, criminal charges, or being barred from entering the U.S.

Fortunately, working with an immigration lawyer can make the entire process smoother. Here are some of the top reasons why having an immigration lawyer at your side during the green card application process is so important.

Ensuring Your Green Card Application is Submitted Properly

An immigration lawyer can help ensure your green card application is submitted correctly. This is especially important because a complete, correctly filed application shows you’re a qualified candidate, significantly improving your case’s chance of being approved. Often, it also helps your application be processed in a timelier manner.

Some of the ways your lawyer will do this are by ensuring the following:

All the information provided is complete and accurate
All required documentation is included
Evidence that supports your qualifications and eligibility is provided in the best possible light
All questions are answered thoroughly and truthfully

If applications aren’t prepared properly, it can cause your case to be delayed or denied. Or, you may be required to provide additional information, which can prolong the application process. Apart from adding additional stress and uncertainty to the process, with legal oversight and guidance, issues like this may be avoided.

Navigating Immigration Laws and Regulations

An immigration lawyer can help you navigate complex and often confusing U.S. immigration laws and regulations by:

Offering guidance on requirements or qualifications as they relate to your case
Interpreting relevant statutes and regulations in a way that’s easy for laypeople to understand
Advising you if there are any issues or obstacles that arise during the application process
Discussing potential strategies to overcome obstacles or present your case
Representing you during required consular interviews and hearings
Keeping abreast of changes in immigration laws and policies and letting you know how they relate to your case
Helping you understand your rights and options during the application process (and if your application gets denied)

Immigration lawyers are essentially there to help guide and support you throughout your immigration journey. We can help you determine the best course of action and help you avoid potential mistakes that can impact your case.

Gathering Evidence

An immigration lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to support your application and present the strongest case possible. Depending on the evidence required for the category you’re applying for, this could include:

Proof of identity
Proof of nationality
Proof of employment or qualifications
Proof of financial support
Proof of a valid relationship with a spouse, parent, or child
Medical examination and vaccination records
Criminal background check
Biometric information

By no means an exhaustive list. In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation. Your immigration lawyer can help you understand the specific documentation required for your application and help you prepare any other documents that might be needed.

Understanding Your Rights and Options

An immigration lawyer can help you understand your rights and present options you may not have been aware of. There are several paths to citizenship, but they may not always be obvious. Some of the ways an immigration lawyer can help you have a better understanding of your rights and options include:

Explaining the rights and protections offered to green card holders and how you can assert them
Going over other citizenship options you might have
Advising you on the best course of action if your case gets delayed or denied
Providing guidance on appealing the decision or seeking a waiver
Helping you prepare for interviews or hearings
Answering your questions and addressing any concerns you have

Overcoming Obstacles or Issues that Arise

If any obstacles or issues arise during the application process (like missing or incorrect information, prior criminal convictions, or other disqualifying factors), an immigration lawyer may be able to help you overcome them by:

Developing an effective strategy to address potential issues, such as submitting additional evidence or applying for a waiver
Providing guidance on how to seek an appeal or waiver
Representing you in court
Monitoring changes in laws or policies that could affect your case

Understanding Potential Consequences

An immigration lawyer can help you understand the potential consequences of certain actions, such as entering and residing in the U.S. illegally or other challenges or risks you may be subject to during the application process. They can also help you develop strategies to overcome them.

Understanding Steps to Take

If you’ve submitted your application, an immigration lawyer can help you understand its status and the next steps you may need to take.

Get Assistance with Your Green Card Application

With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of immigration law, the lawyers at Ranchod Law Group can be a valuable resource for helping you achieve your immigration goals. We’ve helped countless clients make their dreams of permanent residency become a reality. For more information on how we can assist you, schedule a consultation with us. We’ll discuss your situation and develop a customized strategy and detailed legal brief to help present your case in the best possible light.