Houston Green Card Lawyer

Houston Green Card Attorney

Houston is a diverse area full of history. Regardless of whether you already live in Houston or are thinking of settling here, obtaining a green card with the help of a Houston green card lawyer can allow you to enjoy Houston to the fullest. You can be free to catch a show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, stroll through Hermann Park, or spend an exciting afternoon at the Kemah Boardwalk.

A Lawyer You Can Trust

When you want to live and work in the United States permanently, you need to get a green card. Serrano Law Firm PLLC is here to help you achieve that goal. For nearly two decades, we have assisted thousands of clients from over 50 countries. Our experienced immigration lawyers are well-versed in immigration laws and believe in a direct, hands-on approach to serving our clients. When you want to hire a green card lawyer, we’re here to help.

Types of Green Cards

A green card allows immigrants to live and work in the U.S. permanently. It also serves as a valid form of identification. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles all green card applications.

According to the Migrant Policy Institute, there were 47.8 million immigrants residing in the U.S. in 2023. Of those, nearly 75% were here legally as naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents, or on temporary visas. In 2023, Texas was home to 5.5 million immigrants, with 1.7 million residing in Houston. Of the individuals who naturalized in 2024, 10% lived in Texas.

There are several different types of green cards. Your individual circumstances determine which green card you are eligible to apply for. You can obtain a green card through family if you are:

• An immediate family member of a citizen
• Other relatives of a citizen
• A relative of a lawful permanent resident
• Engaged to a citizen
• The child of an immigrant engaged to a citizen
• A widow or widower of a citizen

You can also obtain a green card through employment if you:

• Are an immigrant worker
• Have a Physician National Interest Waiver
• Are an immigrant investor

There are also options to apply for a green card in Houston through numerous other avenues, depending on your individual circumstances and the country you are immigrating from. Consulting with a knowledgeable Houston green card attorney from our firm can help you better understand your options.

Process to Obtain a Green Card

Once you have determined which green card eligibility category applies to your situation, you need to file the proper paperwork for your specific category. Most applicants need to fill out an immigrant petition and a Green Card application (Form I-485). The application process also varies depending on whether you are currently in the United States or outside of the United States.

If you are in the United States, the following steps apply:

1. You, or your sponsor, file an immigrant petition.
2. Once the immigrant petition is approved, you can file a Green Card Application with USCIS through USCIS FOIA request status lawyer.
3. A biometrics appointment is scheduled to collect fingerprints, photos, and a signature.
4. You must attend an interview.
5. A decision has been made regarding your application.

If you are outside of the United States, the following steps apply:

1. Your sponsor files an immigrant petition on your behalf.
2. You are notified of the petition decision. If it is denied, you are informed of the reasons for the denial. If the petition is approved, it is sent to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) to wait for an immigrant visa number.
3. The NVC notifies the petitioner when the petition is received and when a number is available.
4. Once the visa is available, an interview is scheduled.
5. If your visa is granted, you receive a Visa Packet that you provide to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer when you enter the country. If you are permitted entry, you become a lawful permanent resident.
6. Once your USCIS Immigrant Fee is paid, you receive your green card in the mail.

FAQs

Hire a Green Card Lawyer

When you’re looking to secure your green card, you want an experienced legal team that is ready to listen, understands your case, and is available to address your questions and concerns. Serrano Law Firm PLLC is ready to fight for you and your green card case, treating you with the respect you deserve. Contact us now for a confidential consultation.