Lawful Permanent Residency

Our experienced legal team at Stein Legal LLC represents clients in Maryland, DC and Virginia, and throughout the United States who need help petitioning for their families from other countries to work and live in the United States. We believe in using our superior legal skills and extensive training and knowledge of the law to help people from all over the world strive for their American Dream.

Petitioning for Family

Family-based immigration allows certain relatives of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) to petition for legal permanent residence.

Categories Under Which Immediate Family Members May Petition

  • Immediate Relative: Petitioners in this category must be a spouse, child, sibling, or parent of a U.S. citizen.
  • Family Preference: Petitioners in this category must have a specific family relationship with a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident. Those relationships include adult children, married children, or siblings of U.S. citizens and the spouses and children of green card holders.

Preference Categories

  • First Preference: Unmarried, adult children (age 21 or older) of U.S. citizens
  • Second Preference (2A): Spouses of green card holders, unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents
  • Second Preference (2B): Unmarried, adult children (age 21 or older) of permanent residents
  • Third Preference: Married children of U.S. citizens
  • Fourth Preference: Siblings of adult U.S. citizens

About Adjustment of Status

In certain circumstances, petitions can be made with the foreign national within the United States through a process called Adjustment of Status. Adjustment of status is for immigrants who are legally in the U.S. or entered lawfully, and want to change their status without having to leave the country.

To be eligible for adjustment of status, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You are physically present in the United States
  • You have an approved visa petition, and
  • Your entry into the U.S. was not illegal

While the adjustment of status application is processing, you will be granted a valid status to legally stay in the United States. You can also apply for your employment authorization document (a work permit, or EAD) while you wait for the decision.

Consular Processing

Alternatively, for those unable to apply for a green card in the United States or for those abroad, they can immigrate to the United States through a process called consular processing. This process requires individuals to go through a U.S. embassy or foreign consulate to apply for a green card. In order to obtain a family-based green card through consular processing, the person petitioning for their relative who is seeking a green card must be a U.S. citizen or possess a valid green card.

How to File a Petition for Your Spouse

If you are a U.S. citizen or have your green card as a Lawful Permanent Resident, you may file an immigrant visa petition to bring your spouse over to the United States.

Below are the steps for how your spouse can become a legal immigrant in the U.S.:

  • The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse must file an immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) and pay the filing fee. If you are a U.S. citizen, your petition will not be placed on a waiting list—immediate relatives of citizens are given special consideration. Your spouse will be allowed to apply for an immigrant visa when USCIS approves the petition.
  • If you are a lawful permanent resident, then your spouse will be put on a waiting list and they will receive an immigrant visa number. If your spouse is not in the U.S. legally, they may need to leave the U.S. to stop from accruing unlawful presence. Accruing unlawful presence could affect their eligibility for an immigrant visa number. A waiver may be required. Check the State Department Visa Bulletin to check on the wait time for your spouse’s immigrant visa number. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications, wait time can be lengthy.
  • If your spouse is within the U.S. legally or entered lawfully they may adjust their status to a “Lawful Permanent Resident.” If your spouse is not in the U.S. when their petition is approved and when the immigrant visa number is available, they will be informed to go to their local U.S. consulate to complete the process to obtain an immigrant visa.

Fiancé Visas

U.S. citizens can also apply for a fiancé through a K-1 visa. This requires a combination of both consular processing and adjustment of status. Timing is key for this process, as the couple must marry within 90 days of entering the country. Our family immigration lawyers are here to walk you through the application process and make sure your best interests are protected, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to get answers to all of your questions about the K-1 visa.

Green Card as an Asylee or Refugee

Individuals who have faced or risk facing persecution in their native country may be eligible for asylum or refugee status in the United States. After one year of residency in the United States, one may be eligible for a green card. Our compassionate, bilingual staff and attorneys will do everything possible to streamline the process and help you successfully become a United States permanent resident.

Green Card for a Special Immigrant Juveniles, U Visa Holders, and other Humanitarian Benefits

A Special Immigrant Juvenile may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident once their priority date becomes current. In addition, U.S. immigration law allows noncitizens who have been victims of certain crimes and granted U nonimmigrant status (U visa) to become Lawful Permanent Residents (get a green card). To qualify for a Green Card as a crime victim, you must have U nonimmigrant status and meet certain eligibility requirements.

Your Path to Lawful Permanent Residency with Stein Legal

At Stein Legal LLC, we’re more than just attorneys—we’re your dedicated partners in navigating the often intimidating journey to lawful permanent residency. With our legal team by your side, you're never alone in this complex process. We understand how vital this step is for you, and we're committed to offering our skills and know-how to guide you through each stage of the process.

Proven Success with a Heart

Our track record in handling lawful permanent residency cases is not just about numbers, but about the lives we’ve helped change. Trust us to represent you with compassion and dedication, ensuring you're informed and confident every step of the way. Your dream of becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident in the U.S. is a journey we would be honored to undertake with you. Contact Stein Legal LLC, and let's start building your case together with compassion, understanding, experience and know-how.

Contact Us

If you are ready to take the next step toward becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident, our team at Stein Legal is here to help. To schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys and our bilingual team please contact Stein Legal.