Fort Wayne Immigration Lawyers

One of the ways a non-U.S. citizen can be recognized as a legal, permanent resident is by obtaining a green card.  If you have already or are considering applying for a green card without a Fort Wayne immigration lawyer, here’s what you need to know.

Fort Wayne Immigration Lawyers and Applying for a Green Card

The U.S. only issues a limited number of green cards to nonrelatives of U.S. citizens annually, despite millions of requests.  Green cards are issued several ways; however, all green card applications begin with the completion of filing form I-485.

Who Can Apply For A Green Card?

Immediate family members of a U.S. citizen are eligible to receive a green card.  The number of relatives issued green cards is not restricted; however, only immediate family members are instantly eligible.  Immediate family members include:

• Spouses (or recent widows or widowers)
• Unmarried children below age 21
• Stepchildren and stepparents (if the spouse married before the minor turned 18)
• Children who were adopted before turning 16 years old

Extended family members of U.S. citizens such as adult children, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents may also be issued a green card, although only 500,000 of these extended family member green cards are issued each year.  These cards are distributed on a first-come, first serve basis.  Some extended family green card applicants have waited up to 24 years to earn approval, while others are approved in three years.

Unmarried children above age 21 receive first preference, followed by the immediate families of current green card holders, married couples where at least one parent is a U.S. citizen, and siblings of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is over 21).

Green cards are also available for preferred employees and workers whose job skills are vital to U.S. business.  These cards are available to employees who will fill jobs at companies that are unable to find U.S. citizens for the positions.  An additional 50,000 green cards are made available through a green card lottery each year.  More than 8 million applications are submitted during the month of the lottery.

• If you need help regarding Immigration and would like a legal consultation, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from an Immigration Lawyer in Fort Wayne, Indiana .