Conroe, TX Immigration Attorney

Working With An Immigration Attorney in Conroe, TX

Immigration is complex, and anyone who has applied or petitioned the U.S. government for anything can tell you that it can be confusing, as well. Immigration laws in the United States can change quickly, so working with a lawyer may be the best way to ensure that you’re doing the right things for your case.

Family Immigration With Help From a Conroe Immigration Lawyer

Family immigration laws frequently change, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, often implements new rules. Generally speaking, however, if you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can bring certain family members to the United States. Family immigration is generally available to spouses, kids, parents and some siblings of citizens and lawful permanent residents. Both the petitioner (the citizen or permanent resident living in the U.S.) and the beneficiary must meet all the immigration criteria in order to qualify.
Under U.S. immigration law, there are several family-based immigration categories that you and your family may fall into. Spouses and children are typically given first priority, and other relatives are lower on the priority list. Some people must wait longer for U.S. residency than others do; that’s because some people have to wait for a spot to open up for them. Spouses and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents don’t have to wait for a spot, though – they are in the first preference immigration category.

Do You Need an Immigration Attorney to Get a Green Card?

Many people who come to the United States on a visa are able to get green cards, which make them lawful permanent residents. Not all visa types support applying for a green card, but if that’s your main goal, you should talk to a Conroe immigration attorney to find out which visa is right for you. If you are already in the U.S. on a visa, you may be eligible to apply for a green card; again, you can talk to an attorney to find out what’s right for you.
Applying for a green card can be difficult, which is why many people choose to work with an attorney. Adjusting your status requires you to meet all the eligibility requirements, including not being at risk of becoming a public charge and having a pretty clean criminal record. The green card categories that people can fall into include those based on:

• Family relationships
• Employment
• Being a refugee or asylee
• Falling into a “special immigrant” category
• Being the victim of human trafficking, domestic abuse or another type of crime

Your lawyer will be able to determine what category you belong in – and he or she can fill out and file your petition for you, as well.

Citizenship and Naturalization Through an Immigration Attorney in Conroe

Becoming a naturalized citizen requires you to be a lawful permanent resident first, and you must hold that status for a specific period of time. After you’ve met the time requirements (as well as other requirements), you can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. The citizenship process is generally the same for everyone, and it typically looks like this:

1. Apply for and receive a visa to come to the U.S., and the visa you have signals your intent to gain citizenship in the U.S. (You can’t come to the U.S. on a tourist visa, for example, and then apply for lawful permanent residency.)
2. Apply for lawful permanent residency.
3. Remain an LPR for a certain period of time before applying for naturalization.
4. File the appropriate paperwork to become a naturalized citizen.
5. Attend an immigration interview.
6. Take a citizenship test.
7. Swear an oath of allegiance to the United States

It can take several years to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, so many people choose to work with an immigration attorney before kicking off the process.

Business Immigration: How a Conroe Immigration Lawyer Can Help

If you operate or work for a company that wants to bring in foreign talent, you most likely need help from an immigration attorney. That’s because there are several rules – which are also subject to change – and restrictions that companies must watch out for. Employers have to meet strict requirements that comply with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification Program, as well, including providing proof that:

• The company needs to hire an alien worker instead of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to fill a specific job position
• The position meets the Department of Labor’s criteria
• The company can afford to pay the worker at least the prevailing wage for that specific job
  Business immigration is possibly the most complicated type of immigration, so many people choose to hire an attorney to help. There’s quite a bit of red tape to navigate and working with a lawyer can give you the peace of mind you need while keeping your company in compliance.