Experienced Permanent Residency Lawyers in New York
Looking for legal help with permanent residency in New York?
Strategic Immigration Counsel to Help You Secure Lawful Permanent Resident Status in the United States
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we help individuals and families worldwide navigate the legal pathways to lawful permanent residency—also known as obtaining a green card. Whether you are pursuing permanent residency through a family relationship, employment, humanitarian status, or a specialized immigrant category, our experienced immigration attorneys in New York provide the clarity, legal strategy, and hands-on support needed to move your case forward successfully.
Achieving permanent resident status is a significant milestone that provides stability, work authorization, and a clear path to U.S. citizenship. However, the process is governed by complex immigration laws, evolving agency policies, and strict eligibility criteria. At our firm, we don’t just process forms—we build strategic cases grounded in each client’s unique background, goals, and long-term immigration needs.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us today at 646-760-6339, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar.
What Is U.S. Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency is the legal right to live and work indefinitely in the United States. Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are issued a green card that proves their status and allows them to remain in the U.S., sponsor certain family members, and eventually apply for naturalization.
There are multiple immigration pathways to obtain permanent residency, each with eligibility rules, procedural steps, and documentation requirements. Our New York permanent residency lawyers at Sharma Law Associates, LLC, assess your situation and determine which option best aligns with your qualifications and goals.
The most common ways to obtain a green card include:
· Family-based immigration, including spouse, parent, child, or sibling sponsorship.
· Employment-based immigration, including EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and NIW.
· Adjustment of Status from within the U.S.
· Consular Processing from outside the U.S.
· Asylum or refugee status leading to residency.
· Special immigrant categories, including VAWA, U visa, and Special Immigrant Juveniles.
Who Is Eligible for Permanent Residency?
Eligibility for a green card depends on your immigration category, country of origin, legal history, and the availability of immigrant visas. At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we conduct thorough eligibility reviews to ensure that your case is grounded in law and positioned for approval.
You may be eligible to apply for permanent residency if:
· You are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen.
· You are a family preference category beneficiary with a current visa.
· You have an approved employment-based petition from a U.S. employer.
· You qualify for an extraordinary ability or national interest waiver green card.
· You are a refugee or asylee eligible to adjust status after one year.
· You qualify under a special immigrant classification.
· You are applying through humanitarian or protective programs, such as VAWA or a U visa.
Some categories allow self-petitioning, while others require a family or employer sponsor. We help clients understand not only if they qualify but also how to position their case for long-term immigration success.
What Are the Main Paths to Applying for a Green Card?
Each pathway to permanent residency involves a unique process. We help you determine the best route and carefully handle each step, from petition to approval.
· Family-Based Green Cards
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain family members through Form I-130. Immediate relatives benefit from faster processing, including spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Other relatives may face longer wait times due to visa caps.
· Employment-Based Green Cards
Professionals, researchers, executives, and skilled workers may qualify through an employment-based immigrant petition (Form I-140). These include EB-1, EB-2 (with or without National Interest Waiver), and EB-3 categories. In most cases, a U.S. employer must sponsor the worker.
· Adjustment of Status
If you are already lawfully in the U.S., you may apply for permanent residency without leaving the country by filing Form I-485. This process is available to those with an approved immigrant petition and current visa availability.
· Consular Processing
Applicants living abroad—or those ineligible to adjust status in the U.S.—can apply for a green card through a U.S. consulate overseas. This involves a visa interview and medical exam, and results in permanent resident status upon entry into the U.S.
· Humanitarian-Based Residency
Certain noncitizens who have suffered harm or persecution may qualify for green cards under humanitarian provisions. These include individuals who were granted asylum or refugee status, survivors under VAWA, or victims of crime with U or T visas.
Our attorneys meticulously guide clients through each of these processes, ensuring legal compliance and proactive problem-solving every step of the way.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident?
Becoming a lawful permanent resident opens the door to a stable and secure future in the United States. While permanent residents are not U.S. citizens, they receive the same legal rights and protections.
Key benefits include:
· Live and work in the U.S. permanently.
· Sponsor eligible family members for green cards.
· Travel abroad with fewer restrictions.
· Pathway to U.S. citizenship after five years (or three years for spouses of U.S. citizens).
· Access to public education and certain government benefits.
· Greater job flexibility without employment visa limitations.
Maintaining your status is critical. Our firm provides ongoing guidance to green card holders regarding travel, renewals, and the naturalization process.
What Common Issues Can Delay or Jeopardize a Green Card Case?
Obtaining permanent residency is not automatic, even with a qualifying relationship or petition. USCIS may issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs), delay processing, or deny applications for various reasons. At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we help clients avoid these setbacks through early intervention, detailed documentation, and legal advocacy.
Common issues include:
· Missing or incorrect documentation.
· Inadmissibility due to unlawful presence or criminal history.
· Failure to maintain a lawful status before applying for Adjustment of Status.
· Errors in the Affidavit of Support (I-864).
· Incomplete or inconsistent responses during consular interviews.
We address these challenges by developing legally sound strategies, preparing thorough applications, and standing by our clients through every review stage.
Why Hire a New York Permanent Residency Attorney?
While green card eligibility may seem straightforward, the process is often complex, time-sensitive, and subject to legal nuances. Small mistakes can result in significant delays or even denials. At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we provide experienced, personalized legal representation for individuals, families, and professionals pursuing permanent residency in the U.S.
We offer:
· Detailed eligibility analysis based on your goals.
· Petition preparation and filing support.
· Adjustment of Status and consular process representation.
· Interview preparation and follow-up advocacy.
· Waiver guidance for issues involving inadmissibility.
With decades of combined immigration experience, we deliver trusted results and unwavering support.
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Speak With a New York Permanent Residency Lawyer Today
If you’re ready to begin your green card journey, Sharma Law Associates, LLC will guide you with professionalism, compassion, and legal excellence. We serve clients throughout New York and across the globe who want to establish permanent roots in the United States.
Call 646-760-6339, contact us online, or schedule a consultation with our New York permanent residency lawyer today.