Obtaining a green card—officially known as lawful permanent residency—is a major milestone for anyone seeking to live and work permanently in the United States. Whether you’re applying through family sponsorship, employment, or asylum, the green card process can be complex, time-consuming, and filled with potential challenges.
At Arif Law Offices, P.C., we specialize in U.S. and French immigration law, guiding clients every step of the way. In this article, we’ll break down the green card process, outline expected timelines, and highlight common issues you may encounter—so you can move forward with confidence.
Step-by-Step Green Card Process
1. Determine Your Eligibility Category
The first step is determining the basis for your green card application. Common categories include:
- Family-Based: Sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.
- Employment-Based: Sponsored by a U.S. employer or based on exceptional skills.
- Asylum or Refugee Status: Eligible to apply one year after receiving status.
- Special Categories: Includes victims of abuse, crime, or human trafficking (VAWA, U visas, T visas).
At Arif Law Offices, we help evaluate the strongest path based on your unique background and immigration goals.
2. File the Immigrant Petition
Once your category is determined, your sponsor typically submits an immigrant petition:
- Form I-130 for family-based petitions
- Form I-140 for employment-based petitions
- Form I-360 or I-589 for special categories and asylum applicants
3. Wait for a Visa Number (If Applicable)
Most green card categories are subject to annual visa caps, meaning you may need to wait until a visa becomes available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows priority dates for each category and country.
4. File the Green Card Application
Once the petition is approved and a visa number is available, you can file your green card application:
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if you’re already in the U.S.
- Consular Processing if you’re outside the U.S., done through a U.S. consulate or embassy.
5. Attend the Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature for background checks.
6. Attend the Interview
In most cases, USCIS or a U.S. consulate will require an in-person interview. This is especially common in marriage-based green card cases.
Our attorneys can help prepare you for this interview to ensure your answers align with your submitted documents and strengthen your chances of approval.
7. Receive the Decision
If your application is approved, you’ll receive your green card by mail. If not, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). These are time-sensitive and should be handled with legal guidance.
Green Card Timeline: What to Expect
While timelines vary by case type and country of origin, here is a general breakdown:
| Step | Estimated Timeline |
| Petition Approval | 7–12 months |
| Visa Availability Wait | Varies (0–10+ years) |
| Adjustment of Status (I-485) | 8–14 months |
| Consular Processing | 6–12 months |
Common Issues to Watch Out For
The green card process can be delayed or denied for many reasons. Common issues include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate forms
- Insufficient supporting evidence
- Past immigration violations or criminal history
- Interview inconsistencies
- Long wait times due to visa backlogs
Arif Law Offices, P.C. has helped hundreds of clients avoid these pitfalls through careful preparation, proactive legal strategy, and clear communication with immigration authorities.
How Arif Law Offices, P.C. Can Help
Navigating the green card process without legal support can be overwhelming. Our team offers:
- Personalized case assessments
- Hands-on assistance with petition and application forms
- Legal representation during interviews
- Timely response to RFEs or delays
- Dual expertise in U.S. and French immigration law
Whether you’re applying from within the U.S. or abroad, we are committed to helping you build a secure and successful future.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Ready to take the next step? Contact Arif Law Offices, P.C. to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney. We’re here to make the green card process smoother and more predictable—so you can focus on what matters most.
Keywords: green card process, how to get a green card, green card steps, green card timeline, immigration lawyer, U.S. immigration attorney, green card issues, family-based green card, employment-based green card, adjustment of status, consular processing, Arif Law Offices, green card delays, immigration legal help, U.S. green card application, immigration law firm, French immigration lawyer