St. Louis Green Card Lawyers
A St. Louis green card lawyer helps you pursue permanent U.S. residency. For over a decade, the American Immigration Law Group has guided individuals toward the American dream of living and working as lawful permanent residents.
Contact the American Immigration Law Group
314-416-8000
What Type of Green Card is Right for You?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has different green cards. An experienced St. Louis green card application lawyer helps you navigate each card’s specific steps and procedures.
- Family-Based Green Card – The parents, spouses, fiancés, children, or siblings of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident may apply for a family-based green card.
- Employment-Based Green Card – An employer gives you a signed job offer and sponsors you to stay in the U.S. based on specific conditions of employment.
- Returning Resident Green Card –– This card is for returning residents who traveled outside the U.S. and did not return for more than one year for reasons beyond their control.
- Lottery Visa Green Card – Citizens of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. may apply for a lottery visa that, if selected, allows them to request a green card.
- Special Immigrant Green Card – This green card is reserved for religious workers, Afghanistan or Iraq nationals who translated or worked for the U.S. government, and other individuals identified as special immigrants.
- Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims – Individuals with a nonimmigrant T or U visa may apply for a green card.
- Special Immigrant Juvenile or Domestic Violence Survivor Green Card – These green cards are for juveniles abandoned by their parents and victims of domestic abuse.
- Refuge or Asylum Seeker Green Card – Green card for individuals granted asylum status or accepted as a refugee for at least one year before applying.
Green Card Application Process
Most immigrants obtain a green card based on a qualifying family member or employer sponsorship. Working with a St. Louis immigration attorney helps you avoid delays or potential legal issues.
Forms I-485 and I-130 or I-140
Both the immigrant seeking a green card and their sponsoring family member or employer must complete the required documentation. For family-based residency, the sponsoring citizen or lawful permanent resident fills out USCIS form I-130. Employers complete Form I-140. At the same time, individuals seeking residency must complete I-485.
As experienced green card application lawyers, we know that any deviation from the required steps or processes could result in a negative outcome. We help ensure that everything is completed and filed correctly, with any necessary attachments.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
Most individuals applying for a green card must pay a $220 processing fee. Friends, family members, and employers can pay the fee for you.
Application Support Center Visit
After completing all forms and steps, green card applicants must go to an Application Support Center. The federal government collects pictures, fingerprints, and signatures necessary for a security check.
You may have an attorney present during your support center visit. Many of our attorneys are immigrants who traveled this journey before you. We understand how stressful the green card application can be.
USCIS Interview
The next step in the green card application process could be an interview with a USCIS agent. Not all applicants have this step, but your presence is mandatory when requested. During the interview, applicants answer questions under oath regarding their submitted information and application.
Having a St. Louis green card lawyer in the room with you and the USCIS officer helps ensure that everything follows due process.
Final Decision
Applicants receive a final decision in writing by postal mail. Although family members and workers with a guaranteed job generally receive their decision sooner, it can take several months to receive a decision.
A green card attorney can help you avoid potential delays by assisting you through the application and interview process.
Denials and Appeals
Unfortunately, the USCIS denies some green card applications. The USCIS must explain in writing why they rejected an application.
A green card immigration attorney can file an appeal within 30 days of the decision. The American Immigration Law Group will work tirelessly to help resolve the situation using the appropriate appeals process.
Let Us Help You with the Green Card Process
Many of our St. Louis green card attorneys are immigrants. We use our legal knowledge and personal compassion to guide you on your individual path to citizenship.
Contact American Immigration Law Group Today
314-416-8000