Green Card Attorney Washington, DC: Frequently Asked Questions

Washington, DC Immigration Law Firm

The immigration process can be difficult to understand for both immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. With the help of the Patel Law Group on your side, the process can be less confusing and stressful. We have answered some of the most frequent questions received at our law firm to help you better understand immigration matters in the U.S. Please read through what we have prepared, and if you have any questions, please contact our law firm by calling (888) 223-8176 today.

On This Page: 

Q: What are the main cases that you deal with? 
Q: What is the main difference between naturalization and citizenship? 
Q: How do I complete the naturalization process? 
Q: What is meant by the green card lottery? 
Q: What happens if I am denied a green card? 
Q: What is a green card? 
Q: Does getting a green card make me a citizen? 
Q: What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a non-immigrant visa? 
Q: Can I extend my visa? 
Q: Can I get a visa for my relatives? 
Q: What is the H-1B cap? 
Q: Can I get family visas on the basis of a same-sex marriage?

At Patel Law Group, we handle a range of immigration-related cases. The main ones we manage include:

• Cases Involving Immigration: Providing guidance through the immigration process to help clients comply with U.S. laws.
• Cases Involving Visas: Navigating complex visa requirements and application processes.
• Visa Filing Applications: Assisting clients with paperwork required for successful visa applications.
• Getting Fiancé Visas: Helping bring loved ones to the U.S. with family-based petitions.
• Citizenship Issues: Supporting legal paths to U.S. citizenship.
• Employment-Based Visas: Guiding qualified individuals through obtaining visas based on employment opportunities.

We also help with appeals for denied applications and advise on changes in immigration policy to ensure ongoing compliance.

If you are an immigrant in the United States, you will need to go through the process of obtaining citizenship. This process is called naturalization. Once you complete the official steps, you may be granted permanent citizenship in the country. Sometimes, you'll find the two terms used interchangeably.

To clarify, naturalization is the legal process where a non-U.S. citizen applies to become an American citizen. This includes meeting particular requirements such as residency, English language skills, and knowledge of U.S. government and history. After naturalization, an individual enjoys the same rights and responsibilities as someone born in the United States, including voting rights and eligibility for certain public offices.

The naturalization process typically involves these steps:

• Submit an application form.
• Complete an interview on the scheduled date.
• Pass the arranged citizenship test.
• Take the oath of allegiance.

Some minor steps may occur between these, and specific details can change depending on your situation. This is the general outline for naturalization in the U.S.

Applicants must also show good moral character, meaning no disqualifying criminal history during the qualifying period. Some circumstances, like military service, can speed up the process. Consulting with a professional helps ensure you meet all the requirements for naturalization.

The Green Card Lottery refers to the Diversity Immigrant Visa program. Each year, the U.S. government offers 50,000 green cards based on a random lottery. Anyone who meets the requirements can apply, and those selected can live and work permanently in the U.S. The privilege may also extend to immediate family members.

The lottery helps diversify the country’s immigrant population by giving priority to applicants from countries with historically low immigration to the United States. Those interested need to meet certain education or work requirements and must apply within a set time frame. Even after selection, winners must go through background checks, a medical exam, and other immigration procedures before receiving a green card.

If you receive a green card denial, our immigration lawyers can discuss your next steps. You may submit a new application or appeal the decision for reconsideration. Sometimes, you might need to go through another interview.

An attorney can help determine the reason for denial—such as mistakes in your application, missing paperwork, or background check findings—and suggest the best approach. In some cases, you may qualify for a waiver to address inadmissibility. Working with legal counsel can improve your chances during future applications or appeals.

A green card is the official document showing you have become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., with the right to live and work in the country. If you wish, you can later apply for U.S. citizenship.

Green cards are available through multiple paths including family-based and employment-based visas, or by adjusting status as a refugee or asylee. Each path involves specific eligibility criteria, such as sponsorship by a family member or employer, success in the diversity visa lottery, or protection for those fleeing unsafe conditions. Knowing the requirements and how long each path takes can help you achieve permanent residency more smoothly.

Having a green card does not make you a citizen. After living and working in the U.S. for five years, you can apply to become a U.S. citizen. People who achieve permanent resident status after holding conditional status can apply for citizenship five years after receiving conditional approval.

As a green card holder, you keep your original citizenship and nationality but can live and work in the U.S. without risk of losing residency if you follow local laws. Maintain your residency by avoiding long absences from the country, paying taxes, and following U.S. law. If you do not, you could lose your green card or face removal. Those who qualify can pursue naturalization to become citizens.

Different situations bring people to the United States. If you intend to live in the U.S. permanently, you will need an immigrant visa. A non-immigrant visa is for those entering the country temporarily for business, pleasure, family visits, work, or study.

Obtaining an immigrant visa is usually a two-step process: apply for the visa, then pursue permanent residency upon arrival in the U.S. Non-immigrant visas come with restrictions on length of stay and activities. Violating these conditions can lead to revocation or future entry bans. Knowing how each visa works ensures you stay compliant with immigration law.

In many cases, you can extend your visa. You must submit a request to USCIS, often with Form I-539, before your current visa expires. If you stay past your visa’s end date without this request, you might face a future entry ban. Start this process at least 45 days before your visa expires.

Valid reasons for an extension and supporting documentation are required. The documents needed vary by visa type. For example, work visas often require updated employer letters, while student visas need proof of enrollment. Careful documentation and compliance can help your extension go smoothly.

Certain relatives may be eligible to receive a visa based on your legal status. As a citizen, you can petition for your spouse, unmarried children under 21, married or adult children, parents, siblings, and fiancé living abroad, as well as your fiancé's children. Spouses and children may qualify for green cards and permanent residency so they can live and work in the U.S.

Green card holders may petition for their spouse and unmarried children. If your relative already resides in the U.S., you may request adjustment of status. Filing a visa petition helps determine your qualifying relationship and begins the waiting period for processing. An immigration lawyer helps move the process forward without costly mistakes or delays in the application.

Some petitions in Washington, DC require documents from local embassies or consulates. Living in a city with many foreign missions and federal agencies can make it easier to obtain translations and background checks. Local access can also streamline communication with immigration offices, reducing processing time for those living in DC or nearby areas.

Family preference visas have a yearly cap, and wait times vary by category and country. Petitioners must prove their family relationship and financial ability to support relatives in the U.S. Learn the expected wait and plan for reunification by following current U.S. immigration procedures.

The H-1B cap is the annual limit set by the federal government on new H-1B visas. These visas are offered to individuals with a bachelor’s degree for specific job roles and allow up to six years of temporary employment. Currently, the H-1B cap is 65,000 visas per year.

The first 20,000 petitions by workers with a U.S. master’s degree or higher are not subject to the cap. Certain organizations, like universities and research nonprofits, also do not fall under this cap. Because demand is high, filing as soon as the period opens helps applicants, and a lottery often allocates visas fairly when application numbers exceed available spots.

• Related: H-1B Cap Exempt

A Supreme Court decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act expanded immigration rights for same-sex couples. U.S. embassies and consulates now treat same-sex and opposite-sex couples equally in all legal status matters, including family visas. A same-sex spouse can be eligible for a derivative visa, which may extend to stepchildren. To qualify, your marriage must be legally recognized where it was performed. Civil unions or domestic partnerships do not currently qualify, but same-sex couples who plan to marry can apply for a fiancé visa.

Family visas require documentation showing the marriage is valid under U.S. immigration law. Same-sex partners receive equal spousal benefits, such as work authorization and educational opportunities. In Washington, DC, residents have local advocacy groups and direct access to federal offices for additional guidance. Local workshops and events provide up-to-date information on the requirements for same-sex couples seeking immigration benefits.

Washington, DC, serves as a central hub for political and policy work in the United States and plays an active role in shaping the nation’s immigration system. For DC residents, understanding the changing details of immigration laws, especially regarding green cards, is essential. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) both have regional offices located in the city, providing accessible guidance for those navigating immigration. The city’s diverse, welcoming community offers strong support networks through advocacy groups and local resources dedicated to helping individuals and families through each stage of their immigration journey.

Many federal agencies are based in Washington, DC, so applicants gain unique access to updated information and in-person services. Neighborhoods like Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant support several community organizations dedicated to newcomers, offering legal aid, education, and civic engagement. Schools and adult education programs also prioritize outreach for immigrants, which helps families successfully transition to life in the area and pursue permanent status.

Throughout Washington, DC, community centers often host sessions explaining the latest changes in immigration law and provide pathways to helpful social, legal, or vocational resources. Bilingual legal counsel assists non-English speakers, ensuring all residents understand their rights and opportunities. Localized services create new possibilities for immigrants in DC, setting them up for success at every step of the process.

Applying for a green card in Washington, DC involves several predictable steps, although each applicant’s journey can differ based on their background and green card category. The process starts by confirming your eligibility, collecting supporting documents, and submitting the relevant petitions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Applicants then attend scheduled interviews and biometrics appointments at the USCIS field office on I Street NW, which serves Washington, DC and nearby regions.

Processing times may take several months, depending on case volume and documentation requirements. Family-based applicants generally need a sponsor who can show legal status and provide financial support. Employment-based cases require a qualifying local organization or job offer in the DC area. Individuals applying based on asylum or humanitarian programs often connect with community agencies in DC for support collecting documentation and accessing resources. Stay on top of USCIS correspondence, respond promptly to requests, and keep all appointments at the DC field office to help your case progress. A local green card lawyer can help you understand district-specific procedures and minimize delays in your application.

Green card processing times in Washington, DC can depend on several factors, including the basis for your case and local USCIS demand. Family-sponsored and employment-based petitions generally follow a regular timeline, but high case volumes at the district field office may extend wait times to a year or more. Washington, DC’s busy field office processes applications from a wide and diverse applicant pool, which can affect how quickly you move from paperwork submission to interview scheduling.

You should track updates from the DC USCIS office to monitor average wait times. Delays may arise if documentation is incomplete, security screenings take longer, or more information is requested. Local factors such as government holidays or regionwide events may also affect appointment availability. Because DC residents have direct access to the field office and supportive regional organizations, working closely with your immigration attorney helps you prepare for these and avoid further setbacks. When you understand these unique local procedures, you can plan ahead, respond to changes, and keep your application moving through each stage of the green card process.

Choosing the right legal assistance represents a crucial step in obtaining a green card in Washington, DC. Residents can access legal professionals who guide clients through complex immigration requirements and create personalized strategies for each unique case. A qualified green card attorney in Washington, DC, understands both federal law and the local policies, timelines, and court systems that may influence the process.

Attorneys based in DC often work with local agencies and advocacy groups to address issues specific to residents. The international character of Washington shapes many immigration cases, and legal teams have experience working with a broad range of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. When you hire an attorney practiced in DC law and administrative protocols, you gain an ally who can help streamline document submission and keep the process moving smoothly for local families and workers.

Clear communication matters at every stage. Clients should expect regular updates and direct feedback as their case progresses. Consultations typically outline the possible pathways to green card status and realistic timelines for each. An attentive legal team also monitors new immigration policies, providing reassurance for clients as laws or procedures change. At Patel Law Group, we remain committed to personal service, up-to-date advice, and trusted guidance for every client seeking permanent residency.