Oakland Green Card/Permanent Residency Lawyers

Getting a green card can bring tremendous benefits to an immigrant, their family, and those close to them. Obtaining permanent residency status means real security. It can make the search for employment easier and long-term planning possible. Moreover, it is a big step on the way to full citizenship, if desired. Our Oakland green card lawyer understands how the process works and can navigate clients through it. 

At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., our deep knowledge of immigration law and its application is just the start of what we bring to our clients. With everyone in our office either being an immigrant themselves or closely related to immigrants, we’re deeply passionate about what we do. We know that to our clients it’s more than a legal dispute — it’s about their lives. That’s why we fight so hard, and it’s why we’ve delivered a 90% win rate over the years. 

Call (510) 491-0291 or contact us online to set up a consultation.

What’s Needed to Get a Green Card

An immigrant attains eligibility for green card status in a number of different ways. What all of those paths have in common is that they will require a sponsor. The person designated as a sponsor must be a citizen or green-card holder themselves and currently be living within the United States. 

Please be aware that a sponsor does not have to be a relative. While family-based petitions —  including marriage or engagement — are certainly common, employers also do sponsorship, and it can be done by friends. The only question — beyond the sponsor’s own permanent residency status — is whether they will take financial responsibility for the green card applicant for a period of 10 years. If, over the course of this 10-year period, the applicant needs to be on a government program, the sponsor cold be required to pay back the appropriate public agency. 

Reach out to the Oakland green card attorneys from Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. at (510) 491-0291 or contact us online to set up a consultation.

How to Apply for a Green Card

The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) uses Form I-485 for permanent resident applicants. Along with the form, and the affidavit of support from the sponsor, applicants will be required to provide their government ID card, two additional photos, and a birth certificate. 

It’s critical that the form be filled out correctly. While an honest mistake on a form won’t necessarily sink an application, it will result in delays. The USCIS pipeline of applications is already backlogged, and any additional time needed to correct a form will push the applicant further back in the line. Our Oakland green card/permanent residency lawyers help make sure our clients get it right the first time. 

Then, it’s time for the interview process. Applicants will meet personally with USCIS officials. We work with clients to prepare them for the interview, and an attorney is also permitted to be present during the interview to ensure an immigrant’s rights are protected.