1.
2.
3.
4.
Compassionate Guidance Through Complex Processes
Get the Answers You Need to Plan with Confidence
FAQs About
Green Card Applications
Still have questions about green card eligibility, timing, or documentation? You're not alone—many clients are unsure where to begin or how long the process takes. To help you feel more informed and confident, we've answered some of the most common questions we receive. These FAQs cover key steps, typical timelines, and what to expect from start to finish. Review the details below to get clarity before your consultation.
What are the eligibility requirements for a family-based Green Card, and how can a local Dublin, Ohio immigration attorney ensure I meet them?
To qualify for a family-based Green Card, you need an eligible U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor, proof of a bona fide family relationship, and to meet all USCIS criteria (including financial sponsorship and admissibility requirements). A local Dublin, Ohio immigration lawyer can guide you through each eligibility requirement, help compile strong evidence for your petition, and address any legal hurdles such as waivers for past immigration issues.
How long does the Green Card application process take in 2025, and can an Ohio immigration lawyer help avoid unnecessary delays?
Green Card timelines in 2025 vary by category: a marriage-based adjustment of status might take roughly 12-24 months, while other family or employment cases can take longer due to visa backlogs and USCIS processing times. An experienced Ohio immigration lawyer helps prevent delays by ensuring all forms and evidence are correctly filed, responding promptly to USCIS requests, and can even take action (such as contacting USCIS or filing a writ of mandamus in federal court) if your case is unreasonably stalled.
What is adjustment of status in the Green Card process, and how can an adjustment of status attorney in Ohio assist with my case?
Adjustment of status is the process of applying for a Green Card from within the U.S. by filing Form I-485, without having to return to your home country for consular processing. An adjustment of status attorney in Ohio will ensure you are eligible (for example, that you entered the U.S. legally and have a qualifying visa petition or are an immediate relative exempt from status requirements), help prepare the I-485 application and all supporting documents, and guide you through the interview so your path to permanent residency is as smooth as possible.
How does consular processing for a Green Card work, and what can a Dublin, Ohio immigration lawyer do to help me prepare for the embassy interview?
Consular processing is the procedure of obtaining a Green Card by attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country after your immigrant petition is approved. A Dublin, Ohio immigration lawyer can assist with the required steps—filing the online DS-260 visa application, submitting your civil documents to the National Visa Center, and preparing you for the consular interview—ensuring you understand the process and have all the evidence needed for a successful outcome.
What are the key differences between family-based and employment-based Green Card petitions, and how can an experienced Ohio immigration attorney guide each process to success?
Family-based Green Card petitions are filed by U.S. citizen or permanent resident relatives and focus on proving a qualifying family relationship, whereas employment-based Green Cards typically require a sponsoring employer, a specific job offer, and often a PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor. An experienced Ohio immigration attorney understands the nuances of each type—from compiling personal documents and relationship evidence for family cases to navigating complex labor certification and I-140 petition requirements for employment cases—and will tailor the approach to meet the specific requirements of your petition, increasing the chance of approval in either category.