New York Green Card Lawyer

Bilingual Green Card Representation for New York’s Immigrant Community

Attorney Sebastian Simon built this firm with a perspective most immigration lawyers can’t offer: he navigated the U.S. immigration system himself, having come to the United States from Chile. That firsthand experience shapes how we approach every green card case. We understand what’s at stake, not just procedurally but personally, and we bring that understanding to clients across New York and around the world.

Our firm handles green cards alongside a full range of immigration matters, including asylum, deportation defense, DACA, VAWA, family and marriage visas, K-1 visas, citizenship, and writ of mandamus. Legal services are available in English and Spanish, and consultations can be conducted virtually or in person, making it straightforward to work with us whether you’re in New York City or abroad. We keep our fees affordable because we know immigration is already costly enough.

Ready to start your green card journey in New York? Call Sebastian Simon Law Group today at (332) 330-8387 or contact us online to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.

What a Green Card Provides

A green card grants lawful permanent residency, giving you the right to live and work in the United States without restriction. Green card holders may travel outside the U.S. and return lawfully, and many are eligible to sponsor qualifying relatives for their own permanent residency, creating a pathway toward family reunification.

Green cards are generally valid for 10 years and must be renewed. Holders have access to certain federal benefits, though not as comprehensive as those available to U.S. citizens. The status also comes with responsibilities: filing U.S. income taxes, registering for Selective Service if applicable, and carrying your card at all times.

Obtaining a Green Card in New York City

New York City has one of the highest immigration application volumes in the country. The USCIS New York City Field Office processes thousands of cases, which can mean longer wait times and more detailed adjustment of status interviews than applicants in smaller markets encounter. Knowing how that office operates and how to prepare for it matters.

Applicants already living in the U.S. typically pursue adjustment of status by filing Form I-485, while those outside the country undergo consular processing. The right pathway depends on where you are and what your current immigration status is. For New York applicants with complex backgrounds, including prior visa overstays, removal proceedings, or certain criminal records, additional admissibility analysis applies. We serve clients from a wide range of national backgrounds, reflecting the full diversity of New York’s immigrant community, and we’re familiar with the specific challenges this city’s process presents.

Who Is Eligible for a Green Card in New York?

Eligibility depends on which pathway applies to your situation. The major categories include:

• Family-based green cards: Available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, as well as certain relatives in preference categories
• Employment-based green cards: Spanning five preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5) based on skills, job offer, and employer sponsorship
• Asylum and refugee status: Individuals granted asylum or refugee status may apply for a green card after one year of physical presence in the U.S.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: Available to nationals of countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States
• Special immigrant categories: Including certain religious workers, international organization employees, and others

All applicants must be admissible to the U.S. Those with certain criminal histories, health conditions, or security concerns may need a waiver before proceeding. An immigration attorney can assess your eligibility and identify the pathway most appropriate for your circumstances.

How to Apply for a Green Card in New York