Dallas Green Card Lawyer

Securing permanent residency in the United States is a major step toward building a stable future. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our experienced Dallas green card lawyers help individuals and families successfully navigate the immigration system.

Whether you apply through family sponsorship, employment, or marriage, our legal team provides knowledgeable, compassionate, and results-driven representation.

With decades of experience in immigration law, we are proud to support clients across Dallas and throughout Texas. If you are ready to apply for a green card or need help resolving an immigration issue, our firm is here to guide you through every stage of the process with clarity and confidence.

What Is a Green Card?

A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants lawful permanent residency in the United States. It allows non-citizens to live and work anywhere in the country, enjoy protection under U.S. law, and access expanded job opportunities.

Green cards are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through various eligibility categories, including family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylum status, and other special programs. For many immigrants, obtaining a green card is a major step toward building long-term stability and eventually applying for U.S. citizenship.

Benefits of Permanent Residency

Becoming a lawful permanent resident offers many advantages, including:

• The ability to work legally in the U.S. without an employment-specific visa
• Access to a wider range of job opportunities and professional licensing
• The option to sponsor certain family members for green cards
• Protection under U.S. labor and immigration laws
• A pathway to U.S. citizenship through naturalization after meeting eligibility requirements

Obtaining a green card also provides long-term stability for individuals and families who wish to build their future in the United States.

How to Get a Green Card in Dallas

There are multiple ways to obtain a green card, and each pathway has its own eligibility criteria, application procedures, and potential challenges. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our Dallas green card attorneys help clients determine the most effective route based on their unique immigration goals.

Family-Based Green Cards

One of the most common ways to obtain permanent residency is through a family-based green card. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain relatives for a green card.

This category includes:

• Spouses, parents, and unmarried children of U.S. citizens
• Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents
• Siblings of U.S. citizens (subject to longer wait times)

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens generally have faster processing times because visas are not subject to annual limits.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Green cards can also be obtained through job offers or employment-based sponsorship. These visas are divided into preference categories based on skill level, education, and job type.

Common employment-based categories include:

• EB-1: Priority workers, including outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives
• EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
• EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
• EB-4: Special immigrants, including religious workers and certain government employees
• EB-5: Immigrant investors who invest a qualifying amount in a U.S. business and create jobs

Our attorneys help employees and employers navigate the labor certification process (PERM), prepare supporting documents, and respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS.

Special Categories and Humanitarian Grounds

Some individuals may qualify for green cards under unique categories or humanitarian programs, such as:

• Asylees and Refugees who have been granted protection in the U.S.
• Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) for certain undocumented minors
• U Visa or T Visa holders who were victims of crimes or human trafficking
• Diversity Visa Lottery recipients selected through the annual program

If you’re unsure which category applies to you, a qualified green card attorney in Dallas can evaluate your eligibility and explain your best options.

Should I Work With a Dallas Green Card Attorney?

Applying for a green card is a significant legal process that requires precision, strategy, and compliance with evolving immigration laws. Working with an experienced Dallas green card attorney can help prevent costly mistakes and improve your chances of approval.

Why Legal Representation Matters

The green card process involves detailed forms, strict documentation requirements, deadlines, and potential legal complexities. Applicants risk delays, denials, or even triggering removal proceedings without proper guidance.

An attorney ensures your application is complete, legally sound, and tailored to your circumstances. At John W. Lawit, LLC, we help clients avoid common pitfalls by:

• Assessing eligibility before filing
• Preparing and reviewing all application forms
• Gathering the required supporting documentation
• Communicating with USCIS on your behalf
• Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
• Preparing clients for interviews with USCIS officers

What It’s Like Working with Our Lawyers

At John W. Lawit, LLC, we understand that obtaining a green card is one of the most significant legal steps in your immigration journey. Our attorneys are committed to delivering high-quality legal representation rooted in experience, integrity, and personalized service.

When you work with our firm, you can expect:

• Individualized legal strategies tailored to your immigration background and goals
• Clear, consistent communication so you are always informed about your case
• Proactive case management from initial consultation through final resolution
• Skilled representation in complex matters, including requests for evidence, waivers, and appeals

From family-based petitions to employment-sponsored applications, our team works diligently to help you navigate the process with confidence.

How to Get Spousal Sponsorship With the Help of a Dallas Marriage Green Card Lawyer

Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is one of the most common pathways to obtaining a green card. However, this process is closely scrutinized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, making it essential to work with a knowledgeable Dallas marriage green card lawyer to avoid delays or denials.

To qualify for a marriage-based green card, the marriage must be legally valid and bona fide, which means it was entered into in good faith, not for immigration benefits. Depending on whether the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, the process may vary.

Required documentation typically includes:

• A valid marriage certificate
• Proof of the sponsoring spouse’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
• Evidence of a genuine relationship (e.g., photos, joint bank accounts, lease agreements)
• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (if applying from within the U.S.)

How Our Dallas Attorneys Can Help With Marriage-Based Green Card Challenges

Even though marriage is a common path to permanent residency, the process can present serious challenges:

• Proof of a Bona Fide Marriage: USCIS closely examines the authenticity of your relationship. Couples must provide strong evidence such as shared finances, joint leases, and personal photos.
• Interviews and Scrutiny: You may encounter thorough questioning during your USCIS interview to determine the legitimacy of your marriage.
• Requests for Evidence (RFE): If initial documentation is lacking or unclear, USCIS may issue an RFE, delaying your case.
• Marriage Fraud Investigations: Suspected fraud can lead to denials, legal consequences, and removal proceedings.
• Processing Delays: Missing forms or errors can result in months of delay or a denial.

At John W. Lawit, LLC, our Dallas marriage green card attorneys help prepare you for interviews, build strong evidence, and respond quickly to any USCIS concerns to protect your application and peace of mind.

Green Card Application Process and Timeline

The green card process involves multiple steps, forms, and government agencies. Whether you are applying from inside or outside the U.S., it is important to understand the general timeline and how to avoid common delays.

Step-by-Step Overview of the Green Card Process

• Determine Your Eligibility: The first step is to identify which green card category applies to your situation, such as family sponsorship, employment, asylum, or marriage. Each category has its own set of requirements.
• File the Immigrant Petition (Form I-130 or I-140): Once eligibility is confirmed, your sponsoring relative or employer files the appropriate petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Form I-130 for family-based green cards
  • Form I-140 for employment-based green cards
• Wait for Your Priority Date (if applicable): Some green card categories are subject to annual visa limits. In such cases, you must wait until your priority date (the petition filing date) becomes current. Visa availability is tracked using the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
• Choose Between Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Your next step depends on your physical location. At this stage, you’ll also submit additional documentation and prepare for background screening:
  • If you’re in the U.S., you’ll typically file Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status.
  • If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll complete Consular Processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
• Attend a Biometrics Appointment: USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints, photo, and signature are collected. This step helps verify your identity and conduct background checks.
• Complete the Interview: Most applicants must attend an in-person interview. The interviewing officer will assess your eligibility and the legitimacy of your relationship, job offer, or asylum claim:
  • Adjustment of Status applicants go to a USCIS field office.
  • Consular Processing applicants are interviewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Receive the Final Decision and Green Card: If approved, you’ll receive:
  • A green card by mail (if applying from within the U.S.), or
  • An immigrant visa (if applying abroad). After entering the U.S., your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address.

Once issued, you are officially a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

USCIS Processing Times and Delays

Green card processing times vary by category and USCIS workload. As of 2025:

• Family-Based Adjustment of Status: 12–24 months
• Employment-Based Green Cards: 12–36 months
• Marriage-Based Green Cards (U.S. citizen spouse): 10–20 months

You can check current processing times on the USCIS Processing Times page.

Why Choose the Green Card Attorneys at John W. Lawit, LLC

Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference in the success of your green card application. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our experienced Dallas green card attorneys provide strategic, personalized immigration services for clients throughout North Texas and beyond.

Experience, Strategy, and Results

What sets our attorneys apart:

• Decades of combined experience handling a wide range of green card cases
• Multilingual legal team to serve clients from diverse backgrounds
• Personalized strategies tailored to your specific immigration goals
• Compassionate support from initial consultation to final approval

What to Expect When Working With Us

• Detailed case evaluation
• Assistance with forms and documentation
• Interview preparation and USCIS communication
• Ongoing updates and client support
• A strong commitment to achieving your immigration goals

Green Card FAQ

How long does it take to get a green card?

Most green cards take 12 to 36 months, depending on the type of petition and processing location.

Can I work in the U.S. while my green card application is pending?

Yes, if you apply for a work permit using Form I-765 alongside your green card application.

What’s the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?

Adjustment of status applies to those already in the U.S.; consular processing is for applicants abroad. See the step-by-step process above for details.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a green card?

While not required, hiring a Dallas immigration lawyer helps ensure your application is accurate and complete, reducing the risk of delays or denials.

Can I include my family members in my green card application?

Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible, depending on your green card category.

How do I apply for a green card through marriage?

The sponsoring spouse must file Form I-130. The beneficiary may apply through adjustment of status or consular processing. A Dallas marriage green card lawyer can help you prepare and submit a strong application.

Contact Our Dallas Green Card Lawyers Today

If you are ready to apply for a green card or need guidance on your immigration options, the attorneys at John W. Lawit, LLC are here to help. Our dedicated Dallas green card lawyers offer personalized legal support, clear communication, and a strong commitment to your success.

Whether you’re applying through family, employment, or marriage, we will guide you through every step of the process with care and precision. Let us help you secure your future in the United States with confidence.

Contact us today at (214) 609-2242 and schedule a consultation with a trusted Dallas immigration lawyer to get started.