Green Card: Permanent residence in the U.S.
A green card gives you the right to live and work permanently in the United States. We help you obtain it through whichever route best fits your case — family, marriage, or humanitarian protection.
Do you qualify for a green card? Evaluate for free.
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What is a green card and what is it for?
The green card, officially called the Permanent Resident Card, proves that you can live and work permanently in the United States. It is not the same as citizenship: with a green card you remain a citizen of your country of origin, but you have the basic rights to build your life here.
What you CAN do with a green card
- Live in any state without restriction.
- Work for any employer without needing extra permission.
- Leave and re-enter the country (with rules if your trip is very long).
- Petition for your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
- Apply for citizenship after 5 years (or 3 if your spouse is a citizen).
What you still CANNOT do
- Vote in federal elections.
- Hold certain government jobs reserved for citizens.
- Spend more than 6 months outside the country without risking your residence.
Who can qualify for a green card
There are several routes to permanent residence. At Zavala Law Group we specialize in the following:
Through family
- Spouses, parents, children and siblings of U.S. citizens.
- Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents.
- Wait times vary by category.
Through marriage to a citizen or resident
- Marriage to a citizen: direct adjustment of status.
- Marriage to a permanent resident: waiting period for a visa number.
- One of the most common and fastest routes.
Through humanitarian protection
- Approved U Visa: green card after 3 years with status.
- Approved VAWA: route to residence.
- T Visa beneficiaries also qualify.
Through asylum or refugee status
- Approved asylum: green card after 1 year in that status.
- Refugee status: same route after 1 year.
If you are not sure which route applies to your case, we evaluate for free and tell you honestly what your options are.
How the process works
Case evaluation
We analyze your family, immigration situation and the documents you have on hand. We tell you which route applies and how strong your case is.
Initial petition
If you qualify through family, we file the corresponding petition (I-130 or equivalent). This petition proves the family relationship.
Wait for visa number (if applicable)
Some categories have a waitlist because there are limited annual quotas. We explain how long it can take based on your category and country of origin.
Adjustment of status or consular processing
If you are inside the United States, we file adjustment of status (Form I-485). If you are abroad, the process continues at your country's consulate.
Biometrics and interview
Immigration calls you in for fingerprints and, in most cases, for an interview. We prepare you so you arrive with confidence.
Approval and delivery of the green card
Once approved, you receive your card by mail. It may initially be a 2-year (conditional) green card or a 10-year card, depending on your case.
How long does the process take?
Time depends on the route you apply through:
- Spouse or immediate relative of a U.S. citizen: 12 to 18 months on average.
- Other relatives of citizens: 2 to 10+ years, depending on country of origin and category.
- Relatives of permanent residents: 2 to 7 years due to visa quotas.
- U Visa route: green card available after 3 years with approved status.
- VAWA route: typically 2 to 4 years after VAWA approval.
In the free consultation we give you a realistic estimate for your specific case, not a generic promise.
How much does representation cost?
After evaluating your circumstances, we will explain the recommended legal strategy, total fees, and available payment-plan options. The final cost depends on the complexity of your case and the route you apply through. We tell you clearly in the free consultation — no surprises later.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to start your path to residence?
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