If you’re thinking about applying for a Green Card and living permanently in the United States, working with an experienced Green Card lawyer in San Antonio can make the process easier, clearer, and less stressful. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions people in San Antonio have about Green Cards and the immigration process.

The Echavarria Law Firm in San Antonio provides trusted immigration legal services backed by more than 15 years of experience. Our practice focuses on helping individuals and families with Green Cards, visas, waivers, citizenship, and complex immigration matters. Led by principal attorney Elizabeth Echavarria, a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, we offer personalized, cost-effective strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome for every client.

If you’re searching for a top Green Card lawyer in San Antonio, our team is here to help. Contact The Echavarria Law Firm at (210) 320-5633 for knowledgeable guidance and dedicated immigration support.

General Questions About Green Cards

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, gives you the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green Card holders are known as lawful permanent residents.

Why should I hire a Green Card lawyer in San Antonio?

Immigration law is complex and constantly changing. A Green Card lawyer in San Antonio can:

  • Review your eligibility

  • Help you choose the right category (family, employment, etc.)

  • Prepare and file your immigration forms correctly

  • Help you respond to USCIS requests and avoid delays

  • Represent you in case of interviews, denials, or complications

Working with a local attorney also means you have someone familiar with Texas immigration courts, local procedures, and common issues faced by applicants in the San Antonio area.

Who qualifies for a Green Card?

You may qualify for a Green Card through:

  • Family-based immigration (spouse, parent, child, sibling)

  • Marriage to a U.S. citizen

  • Employment-based immigration

  • Refugee or asylum status

  • Diversity Visa (Green Card lottery)

  • Certain special immigrant or humanitarian programs

A Green Card lawyer can review your unique situation and tell you which path is realistic for you.

How long does it take to get a Green Card?

Processing times vary widely depending on:

  • Your immigration category

  • Your country of birth

  • USCIS and consular backlogs

  • Security checks and documentation issues

Some Green Card cases are finished in about 9–18 months, while others, especially from oversubscribed countries, can take several years. A lawyer can review current Visa Bulletin information and give you a more accurate estimate.

Family-Based & Marriage-Based Green Cards in San Antonio

Can I get a Green Card through my spouse?

Yes. If you are married to a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, you may qualify for a marriage-based Green Card.

A Green Card lawyer in San Antonio can help you:

  • File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

  • Prepare evidence of a real, bona fide marriage

  • File Form I-485 if you are adjusting status inside the U.S.

  • Prepare you for the marriage interview with USCIS or the consulate

What evidence do I need for a marriage-based Green Card?

Typical evidence includes:

  • Marriage certificate

  • Joint lease or mortgage

  • Joint bank accounts or credit cards

  • Photos together over time

  • Messages, call logs, and travel history

  • Birth certificates for any children together

A San Antonio immigration lawyer can help you organize this evidence and avoid red flags that can trigger a fraud investigation.

How long does a marriage-based Green Card take?

Timelines depend on whether your spouse is a:

  • U.S. citizen (usually faster)

  • Green Card holder

Most marriage-based cases processed through USCIS in the U.S. may take around 9–24 months, depending on the backlog and case specifics.

What is a conditional Green Card?

If your marriage was less than 2 years old when your Green Card was approved, you receive a 2-year conditional Green Card. To remove conditions, you must file Form I-751.

A Green Card lawyer can help you:

  • File on time

  • Prove the marriage was genuine

  • Handle situations where you are separated, divorced, or facing abuse

Employment-Based Green Cards

Can I get a Green Card through a job in San Antonio?

Yes, some people qualify for a Green Card through employment. Common categories include:

  • EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, multinational executives

  • EB-2: Advanced degree or exceptional ability, including National Interest Waiver (NIW)

  • EB-3: Skilled workers and professionals

  • EB-5: Investor Green Card

An immigration lawyer can work with your employer or guide you on self-petition options, if available.

What is PERM labor certification?

PERM is a process where the employer must show the U.S. Department of Labor that:

  • No qualified U.S. workers are available for the position

  • Hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect wages/working conditions

PERM is a critical step in many EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card cases. Mistakes here can cost months or years of delay.

Applying from Inside vs. Outside the U.S.

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status (AOS) is when you apply for your Green Card from inside the United States using Form I-485. Many people in San Antonio with valid visas (like students, workers, or spouses of U.S. citizens) may qualify for this process.

What is consular processing?

If you are outside the U.S., or not eligible to adjust status in the U.S., you apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing at a U.S. consulate, usually in your home country.

A Green Card lawyer can help you:

  • Decide which process fits your case

  • Communicate with the National Visa Center (NVC)

  • Prepare you for the consular interview

Costs, Fees & Financial Questions

How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card?

Government filing fees change from time to time, but they typically include:

  • Petition fee (for family or employment)

  • Adjustment of status or immigrant visa fee

  • Biometrics fee

  • Medical exam costs

In addition, you may have:

  • Attorney’s fees

  • Translation and document preparation costs

A Green Card lawyer in San Antonio can give you a clear breakdown of likely costs before you start.

Can Green Card fees be waived?

Fee waivers are sometimes available, mostly for certain humanitarian cases or low-income applicants. Many standard family or employment cases do not qualify for fee waivers.

Work, Travel & Status While Your Case Is Pending

Can I work while my Green Card is pending?

If you file Form I-765 with your adjustment of status case and it is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card lets you legally work in the United States while your case is pending.

Can I travel while my Green Card application is pending?

You normally need Advance Parole (Form I-131) before leaving the U.S. while an adjustment of status application is pending. Traveling without it can cause your application to be considered abandoned.

An immigration lawyer can help you decide if travel is safe in your specific situation.

Interview, Biometrics & USCIS Process

What happens at the biometrics appointment?

USCIS will collect your:

  • Fingerprints

  • Photo

  • Signature

This is used for background and security checks.

What should I expect at my Green Card interview?

At the interview, a USCIS officer may:

  • Confirm your identity

  • Review your forms and documents

  • Ask questions about your relationship (for marriage-based cases)

  • Ask about your work, education, and immigration history

A Green Card lawyer in San Antonio can prepare you for likely questions, attend the interview (where allowed), and help you respond calmly and accurately.

Denials, Delays & Complications

Can my Green Card application be denied?

Yes. Common reasons for denial include:

  • Missing or incorrect documents

  • Ineligibility in the chosen category

  • Marriage fraud concerns

  • Criminal history or security issues

  • Prior immigration violations

If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), you should speak with an immigration lawyer immediately.

What can I do if my Green Card is denied?

Depending on your case, you may be able to:

  • File a motion to reopen or reconsider

  • File a new application

  • Seek review before an immigration judge if you are placed in removal proceedings

A qualified Green Card attorney will review the denial notice and outline realistic options.

Life After Getting a Green Card

How long is a Green Card valid?

Most permanent resident cards are valid for 10 years. Conditional Green Cards are valid for 2 years.

How do I renew my Green Card?

You renew by filing Form I-90. A lawyer can assist if you have criminal history, long absences from the U.S., or prior immigration issues.

Can I lose my Green Card?

Yes. You can lose permanent resident status if you:

  • Commit certain crimes

  • Commit immigration fraud

  • Stay outside the U.S. too long and are found to have abandoned residence

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Texas or have spent long periods outside the U.S., you should consult a Green Card lawyer in San Antonio before traveling or applying for citizenship.

When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?

Most Green Card holders can apply for naturalization after:

  • 5 years as a permanent resident, or

  • 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen and meeting all other requirements

An immigration attorney can help you decide when it’s safe and smart to apply.

Special & Humanitarian Green Card Options

Can asylum seekers in San Antonio apply for a Green Card?

Yes. If you were granted asylum, you may usually apply for a Green Card 1 year after your grant of asylum, if you meet all eligibility requirements.

Can refugees get a Green Card?

Refugees are generally required to apply for a Green Card 1 year after entering the United States as a refugee.

What if I entered without inspection or overstayed my visa?

This is where you absolutely need legal advice. Some people may still qualify for a Green Card through:

  • Marriage to a U.S. citizen

  • Certain waivers

  • VAWA (for victims of abuse)

  • U visas or other humanitarian programs

An experienced immigration lawyer can review your history and explain your options and risks.

Working With a Green Card Lawyer in San Antonio

How can a Green Card lawyer help me specifically?

A Green Card lawyer in San Antonio can:

  • Analyze your immigration history and risks

  • Help you choose the strongest Green Card category

  • Prepare your application and supporting evidence

  • Monitor your case status and deadlines

  • Prepare you for interviews and possible complications

  • Represent you if your case is delayed, denied, or sent to immigration court

When should I talk to a lawyer?

You should consider speaking with a lawyer if:

  • You’ve had visa overstays or prior deportation issues

  • You have any criminal record, even minor charges

  • Your case involves complex family or employment history

  • You already received an RFE, NOID, or denial

  • You simply want to avoid costly mistakes and delays