Arlington, VA Immigration Attorney

Experienced Representation in Immigration Court in Arlington, VA

Immigration law involves many complex issues. Immigrants and family members or employers who provide sponsorship will need to meet a large number of legal requirements as they submit applications and documentation and complete the procedures required by immigration officials. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our experienced immigration attorneys provide assistance to immigrants in and around Arlington, Virginia. We are dedicated to providing effective guidance and representation to help our clients meet their immigration needs. Whether you are seeking a visa or Green Card, defending against deportation, or applying for naturalization, our team is here to help you achieve your goals.

Visa and Green Card Applications

Immigrants will need to apply for visas that will allow for entry into the United States, and they may also seek Green Cards that will give them lawful permanent resident status. These applications will involve several critical steps, including the submission of various forms and supporting documentation. Our attorneys assist clients through each stage of the application process, ensuring that accurate information is provided within the proper time limits and maintaining compliance with immigration laws.

Steps for Visa Applications

1. Determine Eligibility: Identify the appropriate visa category based on your specific circumstances, such as family sponsorship through an Immediate Relative, Family Preference, or fiancé visa or employer sponsorship for a Green Card.
2. File a petition: For most family-based and employment-based visas, an initial petition must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by a sponsoring relative or employer. Common forms include Form I-130 for family-sponsored visas and Form I-140 for employment-based visas.
3. Submit supporting documentation: This includes proof of a qualifying family relationship or a job offer from an employer, financial support affidavits, medical examinations, and other relevant documents.
4. Attend interview: Applicants will typically be required to attend an interview where an immigration officer will assess the application and supporting evidence.
5. Decision: If approved, the visa will be issued, allowing entry into the U.S. or a status adjustment to lawful permanent residency.

Steps for Green Card Applications

1. Determine eligibility: You will need to make sure you are eligible for an immigrant visa based on family relationships, employment, refugee or asylum status, or other categories. A visa will need to be immediately available before you can receive lawful permanent resident status
2. File petition: A family member or employer will typically file a petition with USCIS (Form I-130 or I-140).
3. Consular processing or adjustment of status: Depending on whether you are inside or outside the U.S., you will either work with a U.S. embassy or consulate to complete consular processing or adjust your status within the U.S. using Form I-485.
4. Biometrics appointment: You will be required to attend an appointment for fingerprinting and background checks.
5. Attend interview: You will be interviewed by USCIS or consular officers.
6. Decision: Upon approval, a Green Card will be issued, granting lawful permanent residency.

Deportation Defense and Asylum

Facing deportation is a serious matter, but with the right legal representation, it is possible to challenge removal proceedings and seek relief. The attorneys at Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC can help determine the best options for defending against deportation through strategies such as filing for Cancellation of Removal, requesting prosecutorial discretion, or appealing deportation orders. We can also help apply for asylum if you believe that you will suffer persecution in your home country because of your religion, nationality, race, or other protected factors. If you have been deemed inadmissible due to previous violations of immigration laws, criminal convictions, or other reasons, we can help you request a waiver of inadmissibility.

Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization can provide many benefits. Our lawyers can guide you through the naturalization process, ensuring that all steps are completed correctly, including:

1. Determine eligibility: Generally, you must have been living in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for a minimum of five years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, the minimum amount of time is three years. You must also meet physical presence requirements and demonstrate good moral character.
2. Prepare and submit Form N-400: The application for naturalization must be completed and submitted along with the required documentation and filing fee.
3. Biometrics appointment: You will be required to attend an appointment for fingerprinting and background checks.
4. Naturalization interview: You will be interviewed by a USCIS officer, and at this time you will also take tests to ensure that you have knowledge of English and U.S. civics.
5. Decision: USCIS will issue a decision on your application. If approved, you will receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.
6. Naturalization ceremony: When you take your Oath of Allegiance, you will officially become a U.S. citizen.

Contact Our Arlington, Virginia Immigration Attorneys

At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we can help you ensure that your immigration issues will be handled correctly. We will work closely with you and your family members or employer to meet all requirements and address any concerns that you may encounter. Contact our office today by calling 571-441-2233 and scheduling your free consultation.