Immigration Lawyers With Decades Of Combined Experience
Austin Green Card Attorney
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may file a request, known as a petition, to sponsor their relatives for family-based green cards. At DMCA (De Mott, Curtright & Armendáriz, LLP), we have experienced green card attorneys in Austin who assist clients in this crucial immigration process.
A green card is the document that grants a person legal permanent resident status in the United States. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident can obtain this green card for a relative in the United States if they are already in the country (through “adjustment of status”), or they can have this processed outside the US and then come and join their sponsoring relatives in the US (through “consular processing“).
Family-based immigrant visas (green cards) are available in two categories, and each has several subcategories, depending on the family relationship. Below is an overview, but for complete details, consult with an experienced Austin green card attorney.
Green Cards for Immediate Family Members
Immediate relatives, for immigration purposes, may include spouses, parents, and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. citizens. This is the most desired category for obtaining a family-based green card because these family members have no waiting time for a visa number, allowing them to obtain their green cards the fastest compared to all other categories.
Because there is no waiting time for a visa number for relatives in this category, the I-130 petition can often be concurrently filed with the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Once the I-130 is approved, the I-485 is processed, and the relative gets their green card if they are in the United States, or the process is completed at a consulate in the country where the relative resides.
Green Cards through Preference Family Immigration
The other category in family immigration is the “family preference” category, which is comprised of all other qualified relatives of U.S. citizens and certain relatives of lawful permanent residents. This category requires a longer wait to obtain a green card.
This category is further subdivided into subcategories as follows:
- First preference: Unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are over the age of 21
- Second preference: Spouses and unmarried children of green card holders who are under the age of 21
- Second preference: Unmarried children of green card holders who are over the age of 21
- Third preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- Fourth preference: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older.
A major drawback of being classified in this category is that the number of immigrant visas available for this category is limited. As a result, there is a huge backlog of cases, causing long waiting times for many in this category.
Contact Us to Start Your Green Card Process
Obtaining a green card can be a tough process, so having an experienced Austin green card attorney can make a big difference in successfully completing your application or petition without unnecessary delay. Do not risk getting denied by going through the process without the benefit of an immigration lawyer. Contact DMCA today for a consultation. We offer services for our clients throughout Texas.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Can I Determine Which Visa Option Is Right for Me?
- Selecting the appropriate visa requires a careful analysis of your specific goals, family situation, and educational or professional plans. Consulting with a qualified attorney is the most effective method to identify the pathway that aligns with your circumstances.
What Is Federal Immigration Litigation?
- Federal immigration litigation involves legal proceedings initiated in federal district courts to address grievances related to immigration enforcement and administration. These cases often seek remedies for unlawful actions, such as challenging the length or conditions of detention or seeking damages for tortious conduct by government agents. It is distinct from administrative proceedings and provides a venue to hold government agencies accountable under federal law.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me with Employment-Based Immigration Processes?
- An attorney provides essential support by managing the complex laws surrounding visa petitions and compliance requirements. They assist with preparing and filing necessary documentation and provide representation in immigration court if removal or deportation proceedings occur.
What Is Immigration Criminal Defense?
- This specific area of law focuses on providing legal representation to immigrants who are facing criminal charges. It addresses both the defense against the criminal accusation and the management of any potential negative impact on the individual’s immigration status. The goal is to resolve the criminal matter in a way that preserves the client’s ability to remain in the country.
Client Reviews
Support When It Matters Most
Kiran
Hello I want to thanks Angelica Zamora & Monica for making my Non- Immigration Visa Processing cum Immigration Journey very pleasant, without any errors or hassles. My family and I trust you completely and the immigration-related decisions which take for us were really fruitful. Thanks once again. Kiranveer Kaur
Bernice
Where can I begin , when you first search for an attorney in hopes to fulfill a long life dream of becoming a permanent resident, it is crucial to make sure you do your research and consult with the correct firm. Monica Saenz is my husbands attorney and I am more than grateful to have…
Ryam
Amy, Noemi, and the team at De Mott, Curtright & Armendáriz were excellent to work with. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and guided us through a complicated immigration process with professionalism and attention to detail. We always felt well-informed and supported, and their advice was instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. We are very grateful for…
Nikola
I cannot thank DMCA enough for helping me through one of the most stressful periods of my life. After receiving a USCIS Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) on my Adjustment of Status case, I consulted with multiple immigration attorneys. The overwhelming feedback I received was that my case faced significant challenges and that I…
Yuridia
We are very happy with everything they did for us! Monica Saenz was always there to help us with everything no matter what it was! Very responsive and on top of things throughout all of our process. Husband had his interview this month and everything went smoothly and he was approved! It definitely does matter…
Ana
Great team! Thank you Noemí and Kendra for always answering my questions. Always giving enough information to my concerns! Thank y’all! They are a great legal team.
Tom
Everything you could hope for from an Immigration Attorney! Linda and Eleni were excellent on helping me through the process. Amy Thomas was incredible with her support. She took the time to explain and really went above and beyond to help me understand each stage of the process. Very responsive and helpful! Highly recommend!
Norma
Quiero tomarme el tiempo para recomendar esta firma de abogados muy profesionales el abogado Justin Tullius hizo un excelente trabajo en mi caso a demás que siempre se mostró muy humano y con mucha empatía com migo y mi familia por qué tuve un caso difícil y también quiero mencionar a su asistente Enrique Contreras…
Lupita
Yo Maria Antonia Licea Sanchez y Mi Familia, le damos gracias DMCA especialmente a Emma Farmer y mi abogada Monica Saenz por su gran trabajo y esfuerzo que hicieron mi proceso mas fácil y gracias a ellos hoy salgo de las sombras. Se los recomiendo al 100%, Siempre atentos cuando tenemos preguntas nos dan la…
Angie M.
They have been great the entire process!! Just wanted to update my review and thank y’all again for everything!!! The process takes time, but it’s definitely worth it, and I appreciate the way you always took time to answer all my questions and guide us through the process!!
