Immigration FAQ

There’s a lot to consider when starting the immigration process. The whole thing can seem pretty daunting when looking at all the different kinds of visas, and reading through all of the paperwork associated with immigrating to the US can be a headache.

A good immigration lawyer will handle most of this on your behalf. If you just want a rundown, though, we’ve compiled answers to a few immigration frequently asked questions. We get these questions a lot, so hopefully, this guide will give you enough information to get started.

What Visa Should I Get if I Want to Become a Permanent Resident?

If you want to come into the country with the intent of staying, you’ll want to apply for one of the visas that can easily translate to permanent residency. The following are the types of visas most people look for in these cases:

• Family visa if you have a family member who is a US citizen, this is the most common visa you’ll obtain
• Fiancé(e) visa if you’re marrying a US citizen
• Work visa if a US company needs your particular set of skills and hires you to work for them

The government commonly issues green cards for immigrants with ties from the above list. There are other eligible candidates including refugees, victims of abuse, and those who have continuously visited the US, but most people looking for permanent residency have family or work ties in the states.

How Long Does a Green Card Remain Valid?

Most people obtain a temporary green card at first, and this card is valid for two years. After that, if you’re still an upstanding citizen, the government will issue you a permanent residency card. You’ll have to renew this card after ten years.

What if I Want to Become a Naturalized Citizen?

If you’re a green card holder, you’ve already completed the first step to becoming a naturalized citizen. You’ll need to check off the following list if you want to complete the process:

• Green card holder
• At least 18 years old
• Living in the US for at least 5 years (3 years if you obtained a green card through marriage)
• Living in one state for at least 3 years
• Fluent in English
• Knowledgeable about US history and government
• Did not leave the US for more than 12 months over your required residency

How Long Until I’m Naturalized?

This is the part where you’ll need a good immigration lawyer on your side. The length of time you’ll wait depends on a variety of factors. Since each naturalization application is unique, it’s hard to tell how long a person could wait.

In general, you can expect to hear an answer about 2-9 months after you send your application.

What if I’m Denied?

If your application is denied, you’ll receive a letter outlining the reason why. You can choose to appeal, and that letter will provide you with all the paperwork you need. There’s no limit to how many times a person can appeal a naturalization decision, so there’s no harm in trying again.

Hopefully, these immigration frequently asked questions served your needs. Don’t hesitate to call our offices if you have any more questions about immigration.