A permanent residence card, which is often referred to as a permanent visa or a green card, is a legal document that is issued by the United States federal government. A green card indicates that an individual is lawfully permitted to permanently live and work in the United States.

The following are types of evidence and documents to consider in a green card claim:

  • Document 1: Birth certificate – This shows where the individual was born.
  • Document 2: Any current or expired United States visas – This allows for verification of the individual’s immigration status.
  • Document 3: Financial documents – This includes bank accounts or other assets that can demonstrate the individual has the financial capability to care for themselves after they enter the country.
  • Document 4: Marriage or divorce documents, if applicable – These documents show the individual’s marital status and may also impact visas for family members.
  • Document 5: Medical documents -These are necessary to show it is medically safe for the individual to enter the country.

Other documents that are helpful:

  • Document 6: Any criminal records or immigration violation documents – These may have an impact on whether or not the individual is permitted to enter the country.
  • Document 7: Proof of employment – For certain visas, the individual must show that they have a job when they arrive or their employer has to sponsor them.
  • Document 8: Proof of a sponsor’s United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident status – This is required when the individual is being sponsored by someone who is already in the country.

There are numerous different categories of green cards that may be available. Prior to applying, an individual should determine which category they may be eligible to apply for.

An individual can visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for a listing of green card eligibility categories. Having an idea of the category they may fall under will allow them to gather further information on the application process, what other evidence may be required, and whether or not their family members can apply with them.

How Will This Evidence Make My Permanent Visa or Green Card Case Stronger?

The strongest permanent visa and green card cases are made with the help of an attorney who is familiar with submitting evidence to court and to administrative agencies. A visa lawyer can help an individual determine which category they qualify to apply for and, therefore, what type of documentation they will need to provide with their application.

It is important to be aware that the application process has very strict requirements and deadlines. If an individual does not fulfill these requirements or if they do not supply information that is requested, their application may be dismissed.

The application must include the filing fee. In addition, the application will have to attend a biometrics appointment where they will be required to have their photograph taken, provide a signature, and be fingerprinted.

An applicant may also be required to attend an in-person interview. Once an individual’s petition is approved by the USCIS, they must apply for a green card using a specific form, the “Green Card Application” or “Form I-485.”

Once an individual becomes a legal permanent resident, they are permitted to remain in the U.S. indefinitely, even though they are not a citizen. The individual is allowed to work in any profession and will receive the full protections of United States laws.

It is important to note that an individual can be deported as a legal permanent resident if they commit a crime of moral turpitude. Crimes of moral turpitude are crimes that are committed recklessly or with evil intent and that shock the public conscious as inherently vile, base, or depraved, contrary to the rules of morality as well as the duties owed between individuals or to society in general.

How to File Evidence in Court for a Permanent Visa or Green Card Case

Permanent visa or green card cases can be some of the most important issues in an individual’s life. It is essential for an applicant to have the assistance of an attorney throughout the application process to ensure that the correct evidence is submitted and all of the deadlines are met.

It is possible for an individual to go through the application process on their own. However, what may seem like a simple mistake or clerical error may be viewed as dishonesty and may cause the application to be denied.

Hiring an attorney is especially important for any applicant who:

  • Has a prior criminal record;
  • Has previously been deported;
  • Has previously been denied entry into the United States;
  • Overstayed a visa; or
  • Entered the country illegally.

It is especially important for an individual to disclose to their attorney any and all information that relates to:

  • Any and all misrepresentations that were made on a previous green card application;
  • Any other misrepresentations that the applicant provided, such as details regarding their housing or employment.

The United States places a restriction on the number of green cards that may be issued in each category. Because of this, it is important for an applicant to consult with an attorney before applying for a green card to ensure that a spot may be available.

An attorney will also be able to help ensure that the applicant chooses the category that is best suited for their situation as well as submitting the correct evidence to expedite the process.

What If This Is Not Accepted by the Courts as Evidence?

In certain cases, the USCIS may not accept documentation or evidence that is provided by an applicant. In some situations, the applicant will be provided with an opportunity to correct the issue or submit additional documentation.

If an applicant’s application is denied by the USCIS, they will be advised whether or not they will have the opportunity to appeal the decision. Only the individual who submitted the application may appeal the USCIS decision.

There are certain issues that cannot be appealed, for example, a denial of extension of stay or change of nonimmigrant status. If an applicant is permitted to appeal, the USCIS will provide instructions, typically attached to the immigration decision.

Once the applicant receives the notice, they can pay a fee and file their appeal with the office that made the original decision. It is essential to have the help of an attorney during the appeals process to ensure that the process goes smoothly and the applicant submits all required evidence.

Once the individual’s request is reviewed a second time, they will be notified of one of the following:

  • Their claim was overturned and USCIS ruled in their favor;
  • The decision was upheld and USCIS ruled against them; or
  • Their claim was sent back with further instructions to the office that made the original decision.

An applicant may also submit a legal motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider within 30 days with the office that denied their request. The applicant can request to be present at the review and make an oral argument.

The applicant must present new evidence, affidavits, or facts to support their motion. The applicant must show that the original decision was based on an incorrect application of the law or USCIS rules to the facts of their case when it was originally decided.

This is a complex process that is best handled by a lawyer who will be familiar with the laws and the standards that must be met.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me With My Evidence?

There are numerous requirements and pieces of evidence that must be submitted by green card applicants in order to be approved for a green card. If you are applying for a green card and you make a mistake or provide false information on your application, it may have serious and devastating repercussions.

It is essential to consult with an immigration attorney if you wish to apply for a green card. Your attorney will know the immigration laws as well as the green card application process.

Your lawyer will help you complete your application, making the process more efficient and less complicated. If there are any issues with your application or you have to appeal a denial, your lawyer will help you fix them and give you the best chance at approval for your green card.