Secure Your Future With a Skilled Green Card Attorney in New York

 
 

Looking for a Green Card Lawyer You Can Trust?

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our New York green card attorneys understand that obtaining lawful permanent residence in the United States is a pivotal step for individuals and families. Whether you’re applying through a family member, employment opportunity, investment, asylum status, or other qualifying path, our firm provides trusted legal support designed to move your application forward efficiently, ethically, and successfully.

The green card process can be complex and stressful, from adjusting status within the U.S. to consular processing abroad. Mistakes, delays, or missing documentation can put your future at risk. That’s why our New York green card lawyers offer clear, strategic guidance tailored to your circumstances, helping you build a stronger case and avoid costly setbacks.

To learn more about your legal options, contact us today at 646-846-4221, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar.

document related to green card

What Is a Green Card and Who Is Eligible?

A green card—formally known as a Permanent Resident Card—grants non-citizens the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It is the key step toward naturalization for those wanting to become U.S. citizens. Eligibility for a green card depends on your immigration category and your specific relationship to the sponsoring party, whether that’s a relative, employer, or other qualifying entity.

Common pathways to obtain a green card include:

Our New York green card attorneys will evaluate which path best applies to your situation and guide you through every step of the application process.

Family-Based Green Cards

Family reunification remains a central part of U.S. immigration policy. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) may sponsor specific family members for green cards.

These fall into two main categories:

  • Immediate Relatives: Includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. No annual limits apply.

  • Family Preference Categories: This category includes siblings, adult children, and other relatives of U.S. citizens and LPRs. It is subject to annual visa caps and longer wait times.

Our New York green card lawyers assist clients with both adjustment of status and consular processing for family-based applications, ensuring every detail is handled correctly to avoid delays.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-based immigration offers another route to permanent residency for foreign nationals with specific skills, degrees, or investment capacity.

Green cards in this category fall under:

  • EB-1: Priority workers, individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives.

  • EB-2: Advanced degree professionals or those with exceptional ability.

  • EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and certain unskilled workers.

  • EB-4: Special immigrants, including religious workers.

  • EB-5: Investors creating jobs through capital investment.

Some of these categories require a labor certification process (PERM), while others may qualify for exceptions such as the National Interest Waiver (NIW).

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

There are two primary ways to apply for a green card:

  • Adjustment of Status (AOS): This process allows individuals already inside the U.S. on a valid visa to apply for a green card without leaving the country.

  • Consular Processing: For individuals living abroad. After U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your petition, you will work with the National Visa Center (NVC) and attend a green card interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

Our New York green card attorneys will explain the most appropriate method for your case and help you prepare all required documents and forms.

What Documents Are Needed for a Green Card Application?

Applying for a green card involves more than just filling out forms—it requires submitting detailed documentation to prove eligibility, identity, and compliance with immigration requirements. The exact paperwork can vary depending on your application, such as family, employment, or asylum.

However, most applicants must prepare a core set of documents that support their legal status, background, and the legitimacy of the sponsoring relationship. Missing or incorrect documents are among the most common reasons for delays or denials, so gathering everything wholly and accurately from the start is essential.

·       Birth and/or marriage certificates.

  • Medical examination report (Form I-693).

  • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864, if family-sponsored).

  • Proof of lawful entry or immigration status.

  • Employment offer or labor certification (for employment-based).

  • Filing fees.

Additional documentation may be required depending on your background, immigration history, and visa classification.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?

Processing times vary significantly depending on your green card category, country of origin, and whether you're applying via adjustment of status or consular processing.

For example:

  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may receive a green card in under a year.

  • Family preference categories can take several years due to annual visa limits.

  • Employment-based green cards typically range from 1 to 3 years, depending on priority dates and labor certification status except for beneficiaries from the backlogged countries.

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our green card lawyers in New York keep clients informed about current timelines and help minimize delays by submitting fully prepared, accurate applications.

How We Help Clients Facing Green Card Denials, RFEs, or Delays

Denials and delays can be devastating, but many are preventable.

Our team is skilled in:

  • Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) with clarity and supporting documentation.

  • Appealing or reopening denied green card petitions.

  • Addressing inadmissibility issues such as unlawful presence or prior visa violations.

  • Preparing clients for green card interviews.

If you’ve hit a roadblock, our New York green card lawyers will fight for your rights and identify a new path forward.

Why Choose Sharma Law Associates, LLC as Your Green Card Attorneys in New York?

Securing permanent residency in the United States is one of the most significant steps in an immigrant’s journey. It’s not just a legal process—it’s a turning point affecting your family, future, and place in this country.

At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we recognize what’s at stake. Our green card attorneys in New York approach every case with the seriousness, strategy, and compassion it deserves. Whether you’re just beginning your application or facing obstacles with a pending case, we provide trusted guidance rooted in legal experience and personal understanding. When you contact our firm, we prioritize your goals, clearly explain your options, and build a roadmap tailored to your success.

Here’s how we stand apart:

·       Client-Focused Service: You receive honest, strategic guidance from attorneys who care about your outcome.

  • Full-Scope Representation: We manage everything—from initial assessments to appeals and consular follow-ups.

  • Global Perspective: With cross-border legal experience, we handle U.S.-based and international green card matters.

  • Immigrant-Led Team: Founding attorney Sonal Sharma brings professional experience and personal empathy to each case.

  • Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way.

Our team understands how deeply a green card can affect your life, career, and family stability. We treat every case with the seriousness it deserves.

We Also Serve Following Areas:

Work With a Trusted New York Green Card Lawyer Today

If you’re ready to apply for permanent residence or need guidance on a pending green card case, Sharma Law Associates, LLC is here to help. Our New York green card attorneys will provide clear answers, strategic advice, and dedicated representation throughout the process.

Call us at 646-846-4221, contact us online, or schedule a personalized consultation today. Let’s build your future—together.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • EB-1 is for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives. EB-2 is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. EB-3 is for professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers. The requirements for labor certification and job offers vary between these categories.

  • Labor certification (PERM) is required for most EB-2 and EB-3 categories. It involves the employer testing the labor market to ensure no qualified U.S. workers are available. This is done through job advertising and reporting to the Department of Labor (DOL).

  • Yes, if you qualify under the EB-2 category and can demonstrate that your work is in the national interest of the U.S., you may be eligible for a National Interest Waiver, which exempts you from the labor certification requirement.

  • Yes, if you are applying under the EB-1 extraordinary ability category or qualify for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, a job offer is not required.

  • Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for derivative status and obtain Green Cards based on your approved employment-based application.

  • The timeline varies depending on the category, the availability of visa numbers, and the processing times of the Department of Labor and USCIS. On average, the process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, with possible delays due to backlogs in certain visa categories.

  • You can change employers if you have an approved I-140 petition and have been working on an H-1B visa for 180 days or more. The new employer will need to file a new labor certification or petition in some cases, depending on your category.