How to Get a Green Card in the U.S.

Green Card Guide 2025 – Los Angeles Immigration Attorneys
What is a Green Card?

A green card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States. Green card holders enjoy numerous benefits, including eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements, access to certain social benefits, and legal protections.

How to Get a Green Card in 2025
  • Determine Eligibility: Check which green card category applies to you, such as family-based, employment-based, or investor-based. Consult with our immigration attorney to confirm eligibility and avoid errors.
  • File the Appropriate Petition:
    • Family-Based: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to establish the qualifying relationship.
    • Employment-Based: Employer typically files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
  • Complete Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Apply for permanent residency if you are in the U.S. or undergo consular processing if outside the U.S.
  • Attend Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks.
  • Attend Green Card Interview: Interviews are required for most family-based and certain employment-based green cards. Bring evidence supporting your application.
  • Receive Your Green Card: Approved applicants receive their card by mail. Standard cards are valid for 10 years; conditional cards (e.g., marriage < 2 years) are valid for 2 years.
Why Obtain a Green Card?
  • Work and Residency Rights: Legally live and work in the U.S.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for naturalization after 3–5 years of permanent residency.
  • Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsor certain family members for U.S. immigration.
Green Card Categories
  • Family-Based Green Cards:
    • Marriage Green Card: For spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
    • Green Card for Parents: U.S. citizens aged 21+ can sponsor parents.
    • Child Visa: For children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including adopted children.
  • Employment-Based Green Cards:
    • EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational managers/executives.
    • EB-2: Advanced degree professionals or exceptional ability; may include National Interest Waivers (NIW).
    • EB-3: Skilled, professional, and unskilled workers.
    • EB-4: Special immigrants, including religious workers or international organization employees.
    • EB-5: Investors investing $800,000–$1,050,000 creating U.S. jobs.
  • Fiancé(e) Visa to Green Card: K-1 visa holders may apply for a green card after marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Green Card vs. Visa
  • Duration of Stay: Green Card = permanent residency; Visa = temporary entry.
  • Work Authorization: Green Card = unrestricted employment; Visa = employment depends on visa type.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: Green Card leads to citizenship eligibility; most visas do not.
  • Family Sponsorship: Green Card holders can sponsor family; visa holders generally cannot.
  • Renewal: Green Card = every 10 years (2 years if conditional); Visas = depends on type, may require extensions.
  • Cost: Green Card = higher upfront, long-term benefits; Visa = generally lower cost, temporary benefits.
Important Considerations
  • Green Card Processing Times vary by category and applicant’s country.
  • Work Authorization: Apply for Form I-765 if needed while green card is pending.
  • Maintaining Residency: Avoid long absences and comply with taxes to preser
Employment Visas

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Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Affirmative and Defensive Asylum
  • Employment Immigration
  • Cancelation of Removal
  • Credible Fear Inerview

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida
  • Miami – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List
Universidad Francisco Gavidia, San Salvador
  • B.S. – 2008
  • Major: Engineering

Representative Clients

  • Hispanic

Current Employment Position

  • Senior Partner

Mariano F. Herrera

Mariano Herrera is a passionate and dedicated United States Immigration Attorney originally from El Salvador, Central America. His personal journey as an immigrant to the United States inspired him to pursue a career devoted to helping others navigate the complex path of immigration law. After earning his Juris Doctor from Florida International University (FIU) College of Law and passing the bar exam, Mariano began his practice as an immigration attorney with an unwavering commitment to advocacy and justice. Drawing on his own immigrant experience, Mariano deeply understands the hopes and challenges faced by those seeking a new life in America. He brings empathy, precision, and determination to every case, representing clients before the Immigration Courts and USCIS. His mission is simple yet profound — to help as many immigrants as possible realize their American dream. Mariano’s legal expertise covers a wide range of immigration matters, including business and employment immigration, family-based petitions, asylum, deportation defense, and naturalization. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and steadfast dedication, he ensures that each client receives personalized guidance and strong representation. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mariano effectively serves a diverse community of clients from around the world. Beyond his legal practice, Mariano is actively engaged in community outreach and education. He regularly leads workshops and seminars to inform immigrants about their rights and legal options, and partners with nonprofit organizations to provide pro bono legal services to those in need. Outside the office, Mariano enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, and discovering new cuisines — experiences that broaden his worldview and deepen his empathy for clients from all backgrounds. A passionate reader and keen follower of global affairs, he continually enriches his knowledge of immigration trends and international issues. Mariano Herrera’s journey from El Salvador to the United States, combined with his compassion and professional excellence, has made him a trusted advocate and a respected figure in the field of immigration law.

Past Positions

  • Brandis and Associates, Associate Attorney, Feb. 2022 – July 2022

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Member, 2020
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2022 – 2023

Bar Admissions

  • El Salvador, 2003
  • Wisconsin, 2020
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
  • U.S. Immigration Court

Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Business Immigration
  • Employment Immigration
  • Family Based Immigration
  • Non-Immigrant Visas

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida

  • LL.M – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Bowling Greend State University, Bowling Green, Ohio

  • M.A.
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Representative Clients

  • Caribbean

Current Employment Position

  • Partner

Juliette A. Potter

Juliette Potter is a highly accomplished United States Immigration Attorney with over two decades of legal experience. She began her legal journey as a Barrister in the United Kingdom and was later admitted as an Attorney-at-Law in Antigua and Barbuda before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Ms. Potter’s academic background is equally distinguished. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Florida International University College of Law, a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) from the University of Wolverhampton, and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. She also earned a Master’s degree in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University’s College of Business in Ohio.

Her professional experience spans both the corporate and legal worlds. Before entering private immigration practice, she served as Chief Legal Officer for an international group of companies. Today, she is a Licensed Attorney in the State of New York, representing clients before the Federal Immigration Courts of the United States, while also maintaining her active law license in Antigua and Barbuda.

As an immigrant herself, Ms. Potter brings a unique perspective and deep empathy to her practice. Her personal experiences inspire her unwavering commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law with confidence and care.

Outside the courtroom, Ms. Potter enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new cuisines — passions that reflect her appreciation for diversity and global cultures, both in life and in law.

Past Positions

  • The Fairweather Group, Chief Legal Officer, 2012 to 2018
  • Elite Island Holding Company Ltd., Legal Counsel, 2005 to 2012

Professional Associations

  • New York State Bar Association, Member, 2022
  • Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association, Member, 2005
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2023 – 2024

Bar Admissions

  • England and Wales, 2003
  • Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, 2005
  • New York, 2023