Applying for a Green Card in 2025 is a detailed, rule-heavy process, and working with an experienced Green Card lawyer in San Antonio helps prevent delays and mistakes. Below is a clear, updated guide to the questions people in San Antonio ask most about Green Cards and the current U.S. immigration system.

The Echavarria Law Firm provides immigration representation backed by more than 15 years of practice in South Texas. Our team assists families and individuals with Green Cards, visas, waivers, citizenship, and complex immigration problems. Led by Elizabeth Echavarria, a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, we deliver accurate guidance and efficient strategies designed to match today’s USCIS standards.

If you need a proven Green Card lawyer in San Antonio, our firm is available to help. Call The Echavarria Law Firm at (210) 320-5633 for local, informed, and dependable representation.

General Questions About Green Cards

What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, officially a Permanent Resident Card, grants the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green Card holders are lawful permanent residents.

Why should I hire a Green Card lawyer in San Antonio?
Immigration rules shift frequently. A San Antonio Green Card attorney can:

  • Review eligibility

  • Identify the correct category

  • Prepare and file forms accurately

  • Respond to USCIS requests

  • Represent you during interviews or complications

Local attorneys understand Texas immigration courts, regional procedures, and common issues faced by applicants in Bexar County.

Who qualifies for a Green Card?
Eligibility may come from:

  • Family-based immigration

  • Marriage to a U.S. citizen

  • Employment-based categories

  • Refugee or asylum status

  • Diversity Visa selection

  • Special immigrant or humanitarian programs

A lawyer can assess which path fits your situation under 2025 rules.

How long does it take to get a Green Card?
Timelines depend on category, country of birth, USCIS backlogs, and security checks. Many cases take 9–18 months, while high-demand categories may take years. A lawyer can review current Visa Bulletin data for accurate estimates (source: U.S. Department of State).

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

Can I get a Green Card through my spouse?
Yes. Spouses of U.S. citizens or Green Card holders may qualify. A San Antonio lawyer can help with:

  • Form I-130

  • Evidence of a real marriage

  • Form I-485 for adjustment of status

  • Interview preparation

What evidence do I need?
Common documents include joint housing records, bank accounts, photos, communication history, and children’s birth certificates. Local counsel helps avoid evidence gaps that trigger fraud reviews.

How long does a marriage-based Green Card take?
Most cases take 9–24 months depending on USCIS workload and spouse status.

What is a conditional Green Card?
If you’ve been married less than 2 years at approval, you receive a 2-year conditional card and must file Form I-751 to remove conditions. Lawyers assist with timely filing and sensitive cases involving separation or divorce.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Can I get a Green Card through a job in San Antonio?
Yes. Employment categories include:

  • EB-1 (extraordinary ability, researchers, executives)

  • EB-2 (advanced degree or exceptional ability, NIW)

  • EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals)

  • EB-5 (investment Green Card)

What is PERM labor certification?
PERM requires employers to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available and that hiring a foreign worker will not harm local wages. Errors in PERM can add months or years to a case.

Applying Inside vs. Outside the U.S.

What is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) allows eligible applicants in the U.S. to apply without leaving the country. Many San Antonio residents with valid visas use this route.

What is consular processing?
If adjustment isn’t available, applicants complete the process abroad through a U.S. consulate. Lawyers manage NVC communication and interview preparation.

Costs, Fees & Financial Questions

How much does it cost to apply?
Typical costs include petition fees, adjustment fees, biometrics, medical exams, and attorney fees. A San Antonio lawyer can provide a precise cost outline based on 2025 filing fee updates.

Can Green Card fees be waived?
Waivers are limited and mainly apply to humanitarian or low-income cases. Most family and employment filings do not qualify.

Work, Travel & Status While Pending

Can I work while my case is pending?
Yes, if you submit Form I-765 and receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Can I travel while my case is pending?
Travel usually requires Advance Parole (Form I-131). Leaving without it may cancel your application.

Interview, Biometrics & USCIS Process

What happens at biometrics?
USCIS collects fingerprints, a photo, and a signature for background checks.

What should I expect at the interview?
Officers verify identity, review documents, and ask questions about relationships, work, and immigration history. A San Antonio lawyer prepares you for common questions and attends when permitted.

Denials, Delays & Complications

Can my application be denied?
Yes. Common issues include missing documents, ineligibility, fraud concerns, criminal history, or past immigration violations.

What can I do if I’m denied?
Options may include motions to reopen, motions to reconsider, refiling, or immigration court review. A qualified attorney can analyze your notice and advise your next step.

Life After Getting a Green Card

How long is a Green Card valid?
Standard cards last 10 years; conditional cards last 2 years.

How do I renew?
You renew using Form I-90. Legal guidance is recommended if you have criminal issues, long absences, or prior violations.

Can I lose my Green Card?
Yes. Crimes, fraud, or extended time outside the U.S. may lead to loss of status. Texas residents with criminal charges should consult an attorney before travel or citizenship applications.

When can I apply for citizenship?
Most residents qualify after 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen and meeting all requirements.

Special & Humanitarian Green Card Options

Can asylum seekers in San Antonio apply?
Yes. Asylees may apply 1 year after asylum approval.

Can refugees apply?
Refugees must apply 1 year after entering the U.S.

What if I entered without inspection or overstayed?
Some may still qualify through marriage, waivers, VAWA, U visas, or humanitarian programs. An attorney must review risks and eligibility.

Working With a Green Card Lawyer in San Antonio

How can a lawyer help?
They review your history, select the strongest category, prepare evidence, monitor deadlines, and represent you in complex or delayed cases.

When should I talk to a lawyer?
You should contact one if you have overstays, criminal records, complex histories, RFEs, NOIDs, or want to avoid harmful mistakes.