Immigration & Naturalization > Green Cards

A green card (also called form I-551) is evidence of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It is also proof that its holder has been granted immigration benefits, which include permission to live and work in the United States. Green cards are issued for periods of two years to conditional residents or 10 years for permanent residents and may be renewed indefinitely assuming that the holder does not commit a crime that may cause a cancellation of the green card. (NOTE: old green cards form AR-3, AR-103 and I-151s are no longer valid and must be replaced). Green cards can be obtained through family, employment, asylum, investment and a lottery. The process to get a green card is called adjustment of status.

A green card holder is eligible for naturalization after three years if obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen, and five years if through any other means assuming the qualifications are met. See our citizenship section for more info.

We can help:

  • Assess your and your family members’ eligibility for a green card or naturalization;
  • Assess your travel, employment and criminal background prior to applying;
  • Prepare your application correctly the first time, saving you time, money and anxiety;
  • Advise you on the type of supporting documentation we need to help your case;
  • Speed your application through the process and follow up with USCIS if there are delays or other issues with your application;
  • Predict problems and correct them before they affect your case;
  • Prevent you from making mistakes that could cause you or your family members to be deported;
  • Prepare you and attend the adjustment of status interview with you at the local USCIS office; and
  • Follow up with USCIS after the interview if there are any post interview questions or requests for additional documents.

We have helped hundreds of green card applicants obtain their green cards. For information about our successes see our case results immigration section.

Beware of the unauthorized practice of law by Notaries in New Jersey.

The Office of the Attorney General of New Jersey is committed to stopping deceptive and fraudulent practices and the unauthorized practice of law by Notary Publics and Immigration Consultants in the State of New Jersey. Only licensed U.S. attorneys and accredited USCIS representatives are authorized and qualified to assist you with your immigration matter. In many Latin American countries, the Spanish word notario publico refers to a person with legal expertise, but this is not the case in this country. In the United States, a notary public may not give legal advice, prepare legal papers, or provide other legal services unless he or she is also a U.S. licensed attorney or an accredited USCIS representative.

Notaries often charge thousands of dollars to process immigration and residency documents and then do not provide the promised services, possibly resulting in the loss of a life’s savings, incorrect filing or the failure to file documents. They frequently file papers for programs that the clients does not qualify for, and file false asylum claims or papers for fraudulent or non-existing legalization programs . If you have been a victim of a notario in New Jersey, report it to the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-375-5283.