General Immigration
Green Card Services
Obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States through family, employment, asylum, or special immigrant categories. Attorney Shair guides you through every step.
Obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States through family, employment, asylum, or special immigrant categories. Attorney Shair guides you through every step.
A Green Card — officially known as a Permanent Resident Card — grants a foreign national the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you are authorized to reside in the U.S. indefinitely, work for any employer, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. There are several pathways to obtaining a Green Card, including through family relationships, employment, refugee or asylee status, and special immigrant categories. The path that applies to you depends on your current immigration status, family ties, employment situation, and country of birth.
Attorney Shair has extensive experience navigating both Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) for applicants already in the U.S. and Consular Processing (Form DS-260) for applicants abroad. He will evaluate your situation and identify the fastest, most appropriate route to your Green Card.
Adjustment of Status (I-485) is for applicants who are already physically present in the United States in a qualifying immigration status. Consular Processing is for applicants who are outside the U.S. and apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Attorney Shair will advise which route is appropriate and faster for your specific situation.
Processing times vary significantly by category. Immediate Relatives of U.S. citizens typically receive a decision within 12–24 months of filing I-485. Employment-based categories (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW) may take 8–24 months. Other family preference categories can take many years depending on the applicant's country of birth and the annual visa bulletin. Attorney Shair will provide a realistic estimate based on your specific case.
Unlawful entry is a ground of inadmissibility that may bar certain applicants from adjusting status inside the U.S. However, waivers may be available in some circumstances. Additionally, qualifying immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who entered without inspection may be able to use the I-601A Provisional Waiver before departing for consular processing. Attorney Shair will evaluate all available options.
Yes. When you file Form I-485, you may simultaneously file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to receive a work permit (EAD) while your application is pending. You may also file Form I-131 (Advance Parole) to travel internationally without abandoning your pending application.
Green Card applications involve complex eligibility requirements, strict deadlines, and significant documentation. A single error or omission can result in delays, denials, or even bars to future immigration benefits. Attorney Shair has personally guided clients through both Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing in multiple categories — from employment-based EB-1A and NIW petitions to family-based immediate relative cases. He reviews every document personally and ensures your application presents the strongest possible case to USCIS.
Attorney Shair will personally review your case and explain your options — free of charge.