Houston Green Card & Adjustment of Status Lawyers
Understanding the Green Card Process
A green card grants lawful permanent residence, allowing individuals to work and live in the country permanently. Gaining permanent residence through a green card is crucial to building a secure and stable future in the United States for many immigrants in Houston, Texas.
Adjustment of Status: Eligibility and Procedures
The green card application process can vary depending on your immigration status. Some people apply from abroad via consular processing, while others apply for a green card from within the United States through a method called Adjustment of Status.
The process typically involves determining eligibility, filing the appropriate forms, attending a biometrics appointment, and going through an immigration review for application approval. Timelines depend on your immigration category, USCIS backlogs, and average processing times.
Required Forms and Documentation
If you’re already in the United States on a valid non-immigrant visa, you may be eligible to adjust status without leaving the country. However, starting the immigration process early can help avoid delays, allowing you time to gather necessary documentation and seek legal guidance.
Standard forms and paperwork include:
- Form I-130
- Form I-131
- Form I-485
- Form I-693
- Form I-765
- Form I-864
The process typically involves determining eligibility, filing the appropriate forms, attending a biometrics appointment, and going through an immigration review for application approval. Timelines depend on your immigration category, USCIS backlogs, and average processing times.
Interview Preparation and Expectations
You’ll likely be scheduled for an interview with immigration authorities after submitting your green card application. Expect to answer questions about your background, relationships, and job. You must also present original documents and explain any inconsistencies or past immigration issues.
Legal Eligibility and Barriers
Not everyone qualifies for a green card because certain legal issues may cause barriers, such as having a criminal record, having overstayed a visa, and being subject to deportation or removal proceedings. Previous acts of fraud or misrepresentation may also create challenges. An experienced immigration attorney can evaluate your case, seek waivers where applicable, and help build a strong defense against disqualification.
Family-Based Adjustment Paths
Many immigrants achieve permanent residence through a family member, so families play a central role in the US immigration system. Common family-based pathways include marriage to a U.S. citizen, being a fiancé with an approved K-1 visa, and being an immediate relative, such as a parent or child.
The sponsoring citizen must prove their relationship to the applicant and accept financial responsibility. Legal guidance ensures forms are filed correctly and timelines are always met. Contact Lamb and Turner for more information.
Employment and Other Legal Grounds
Foreign nationals in Houston can pursue permanent residence through employment. If you are on a non-immigrant work visa like an H-1B, your employer may sponsor your green card. However, employment-based adjustment requires an approved labor certification (PERM), an approved immigrant petition (Form I-40), and filing Form I-485 when a visa number becomes available.
Legal Representation and Immigration Support
Seasoned immigration attorneys understand the Immigration and Nationality Act and how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services implement it. Lamb and Turner can identify the best immigration strategy and ensure paperwork accuracy, prepare you for interviews, and help you respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or appeals.
Houston Green Card & Adjustment of Status Lawyers – Schedule Your Free Consultation
Take the first step toward permanent residency. Schedule your free consultation today to better understand your legal options. Our law firm is committed to guiding clients through the adjustment of status process with clarity and confidence.
Common Questions About Green Card & Adjustment of Status
To be eligible for adjustment of status in the United States, you must have been lawfully admitted or paroled into the U.S., possess an immediately available immigrant visa, be physically present in the U.S. when you file, and not be subject to any inadmissibility grounds or other disqualifying factors. The specific requirements, including any required waivers and the availability of a visa, will vary depending on your specific immigrant category, such as family-based or employment-based.
Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the US. This means that you might get a Green Card without having to return to your home country to complete visa processing.
You can expect that adjusting status to permanent resident will take about 8 to 14 months for family-based green card applications. To see what happens after filing your adjustment application, review the Form I-485 processing time.
Reviews
Mr. Lamb is exceptional, he listened to all of our concerns and was very thorough explaining my process on the first consultation. Isela is superb always very attentive and responsive to all my questions. She would always respond in a timely manner to my calls/emails.
Jessica was great updating me with the actions taken against my case via email. Overall a great experience everyone always treated my husband and I as family. Thank you for all you do.
Carla Orona 
Attorney Turner is the best! From our initial consultation to the resolution of our case, she and her team showed genuine commitment. Their expertise, professionalism, and excellent communication skills made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Lamb and Turner for all your legal matters.
Kanza Fatima
Mr. Lamb is amazing and the best attorney I have ever dealt with . The whole staff truly cares and you are not just a number. I am beyond relieved I have Mr Lamb and his assistant that are a Real team behind me. They will take care and make things right for you!
Tara Geck
This firm is very knowledgeable in every aspect of their practice. Everyone within the firm is passionate about what they do! They live for their WHY! Great experience! I cannot say how thankful I am to have found this firm, they are phenomenal! Best immigration lawyers!
Nevay Murphy