Adjusting Your Status in Palm Beach Gardens: Family vs. Employment Pathways

When residents try to adjust their status in Palm Beach Gardens, they normally choose one of two “pathways.” One pathway involves using your family connections to adjust your status and pursue permanent residence. The other pathway involves using your career as a way to pursue permanent residence. Both options share many similarities, but there are also many distinctions between the two. An experienced immigration lawyer in Palm Beach County can help you choose the right option.

Similarities Between Family-Based and Employment-Based Green Cards

 Whether you choose to adjust your status through a family or work pathway, you face many of the same requirements. For example, you must have been admitted into the country lawfully to pursue both pathways. If you entered the country unlawfully, you will probably struggle to adjust your status.

Secondly, both pathways require someone else to sponsor you. If you choose a family-based pathway, your family member will need to sponsor your application and fill out many forms on your behalf. This is usually a spouse, but it may also be a fiancé in some situations. If you choose a career-based pathway, your employer will need to sponsor your application for permanent residence. Whatever the case may be, you must rely on someone else to pursue permanent residence on your behalf.

Another important requirement is the lack of a criminal record. If you have committed a serious offense during your stay in the United States, you may be ineligible to adjust your status. This is something you might want to discuss with your lawyer.

Employment Pathways Generally Require Special Skills or Qualifications 

If you choose an employment pathway, you’ll need to approach this process with special skills or qualifications that set you apart from the average worker. This might be a doctorate degree, unique experience, rare qualifications, or something else of that nature. The United States generally reserves employment green cards for those with in-demand characteristics that benefit the economy.

Employment Pathways Are Generally Faster 

Another notable difference is the fact that pursuing an employment-based green card is generally faster. Compared to a family-based visa, you can expect the United States immigration officials to act quickly and respond to your application. This is because the United States generally wants to attract in-demand workers as quickly as possible. In contrast, there is less urgency associated with keeping family members together.

That being said, an experienced immigration lawyer may be able to expedite your application – regardless of which pathway you choose.

Can a Palm Beach County Immigration Lawyer Help Me Adjust My Status? 

Adjusting your status in Palm Beach County is one of the most important steps you can take as an immigrant. If you are successful, this step will provide you with the security you need to live in the United States long-term. An experienced lawyer can guide you through this process from start to finish, giving you the best possible chance of success. To learn more, contact The Devore Law Group today.

Sources:

 travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html

uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants