Arabic Green Card Lawyers — Family & Employment Petitions

Processing times vary significantly by category. Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents): 12-18 months. Other family categories: 2-20+ years due to visa backlogs. Employment-based: 1-5 years depending on category and country of origin. The Visa Bulletin tracks wait times for each category.

Yes, if you file for adjustment of status (I-485), you can simultaneously apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765. Once approved, the EAD allows you to work for any employer while your green card is pending. Premium processing is not available for EADs filed with I-485.

Government filing fees for a family-based green card total approximately $1,760-$2,500 depending on the pathway and number of forms required. This includes I-130 ($625), I-485 ($1,440), medical exam ($200-500), and document costs. Attorney fees vary but typically range from $2,000-$7,000 for comprehensive representation.

Yes, if you are a US citizen, you can sponsor your spouse as an immediate relative with no waiting period for a visa number. If you are a green card holder, you can sponsor your spouse but there may be a wait of 2+ years for a visa number. Marriage-based green cards require proving the marriage is genuine.

The interview typically lasts 15-45 minutes. An officer reviews your application, verifies your identity, examines your documents, and asks questions about your eligibility. Marriage-based cases focus on proving the relationship is genuine. Bring all original documents. An attorney can attend the interview with you.

If you are adjusting status in the US, you need Advance Parole (AP) to travel and return. Leaving without AP can abandon your pending application. Once you receive your AP document, you can travel, but it is not recommended during pending cases due to risks at reentry.