Irvine Green Card Attorney

Obtain Lawful Permanent Residence with a Trusted Immigration Firm

In the United States, a card granting lawful permanent residence is often referred to as a "green card" (technically known as the I-551) because it gives an individual the "green light" to remain in the country and to pursue naturalization and citizenship if they choose, and because the first versions of these cards were mostly green in color. At Yekrangi & Associates, our immigration attorneys are ready to be a part of this significant step on your journey to achieving your American dream. Your immigration story matters to us. If you have a complex situation involving green cards, reach out to a green card lawyer in Irvine for guidance.

We keep current with changes to immigration law, USCIS policy updates, and requirements specific to Southern California. As our client, you receive guidance suited to your circumstances and location. We know the procedures at the local USCIS offices serving Orange County, including the Santa Ana Field Office, and make sure your application process matches their requirements.

Contact Yekrangi & Associates online or call (949) 478-4963 to schedule a consultation. Our green card lawyers serve Orange County and are ready to help! Se habla Español. Services also available in Farsi and Mandarin.

Who Can Apply for a Green Card?

Not everyone qualifies for a green card. You may be eligible for permanent residency if you fall under one of several specific categories. For instance, if you have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident willing to sponsor you, then you may qualify for a green card.

With certain limitations and restrictions, "immediate family members" include:

• Husbands and wives
• Fiancés and fiancées
• Children, including adopted children
• Mothers and fathers
• Stepmothers and stepfathers

Relatives who are not considered "immediate" may still be able to sponsor you in many situations, but these cases do not get the same priority as applications for immediate family members. If your family member has started applying, reach out to an experienced green card attorney in Irvine for help.

Many families throughout Orange County are working to build new lives together. Our attorneys provide guidance about how local rules and specific procedures could affect your eligibility or wait times, especially if your sponsor lives in Irvine or other nearby communities.

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Other Ways to Obtain a Green Card

You can also apply for a green card through employment-based immigration. Every year, the United States government issues about 140,000 green cards to foreign nationals who want to work here. Usually, an employer or prospective employer in the U.S. must sponsor you for an employment-based green card.

We routinely work with professionals and families across Irvine’s technology, healthcare, and education sectors to navigate the steps for employment-based green card petitions. The area’s diverse economy opens multiple paths to permanent residency—whether you are applying as an advanced degree professional, skilled worker, or investor. Our team helps you understand the role of your employer and how your job and education factor into the available visa options.

Other opportunities for obtaining a green card include but are not limited to:

• Winning the ethnic diversity visa lottery
• Qualifying for refuge/asylum based on persecution in your native country
• Showing long-time residency in the United States
• Receiving amnesty due to certain criteria

If you are considering permanent residency in the U.S., a green card lawyer in Irvine can explain your options. Contact us to learn more about what may apply to your circumstances.

Benefits of Obtaining a Green Card

Obtaining a green card—or lawful permanent residence—offers a variety of benefits to individuals and families seeking to build a lasting future in the United States.

Here are some of the advantages of obtaining a green card:

• Work and live permanently: With a green card, you hold the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely, offering stability and security for you and your loved ones.
• Access to government benefits: Green card holders may be eligible for certain benefits, including healthcare, social security, and educational opportunities.
• Travel flexibility: With a green card, you can travel into and out of the United States without a visa, making it easier to visit family, explore, and keep connections abroad.
• Path to citizenship: Permanent residents may apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain criteria, opening more opportunities and rights.
• Protection from deportation: A green card grants legal protection from deportation, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to build a future in the United States.

Southern California provides a wide range of opportunities for green card holders, from access to local schools and homeownership options to participation in a growing job market. Residents in Irvine often benefit from educational and professional programs unique to the region, supporting career development and family growth.

At Yekrangi & Associates, our experienced green card attorneys guide you through every step of the application and help you understand the requirements and options available. 

How Can I Get a Green Card for Employment?

An employment-based green card allows immigrants to live and work legally in the United States over the long term. The application process can be complex. Every employment situation is different. A skilled green card attorney in Orange County can help your application proceed smoothly.

Many professionals in Irvine’s tech and business community rely on our knowledge of industry-specific requirements and local trends. We help you organize your documents to meet employer and USCIS expectations, highlighting the strengths of your employment profile. If you want residency through employment, our attorneys review sponsorship letters, qualifications, and timelines to help you position your case within Orange County’s competitive landscape.

Depending on the priority date for your I-140 Petition, you must submit the following documentation to begin the process:

• (USCIS) form I-485.
• Government-issued photo identification
• Copy of birth certificate
• Required employment records
• Vaccination records
• Documentation for spouse and children who may also be seeking residency

After you file the application, USCIS reviews your documentation and schedules an interview. During the interview, the officer will ask about your application and your reasons for seeking residence in the U.S. You may have an attorney with you during the interview.

If you are seeking a green card through your employer, dial (949) 478-4963 to speak with a green card attorney in Irvine.

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What to Expect When Working with Our Irvine Green Card Attorneys

When you choose Yekrangi & Associates, you work directly with attorneys who focus exclusively on immigration law. From your first consultation through to the close of your case, you receive consistent updates and clear explanations at every step. We listen to your goals and your unique situation, recommending tailored options. If your application requires extra documentation, support at your USCIS interviews, or guidance on changing laws, our team provides timely, informed responses. Many clients appreciate our ability to communicate in Spanish, Farsi, or Mandarin, which helps make complex information easier to understand. Being based in Irvine, we are familiar with procedures at the local USCIS offices, especially the Santa Ana Field Office. You benefit from our local knowledge as well as our commitment to personal service on your path to permanent residency.

Local Procedures and Considerations for Orange County Applicants

Obtaining a green card as an Orange County applicant often involves steps that differ slightly from other regions. For most applicants living in Irvine, fingerprinting appointments, interviews, and follow-ups take place at the USCIS Santa Ana Field Office. It is important to prepare for appointments and document requests specific to this office’s process. Wait times for interviews or decisions may differ from other USCIS locations depending on case volume. When you work with attorneys who regularly handle cases at this site, you learn how to be ready for every step along the way. We stay informed about how the local office prefers to communicate and deliver documents, so you are less likely to face surprises like rescheduling or delays. Attention to these local details helps keep your green card application on track and increases the likelihood of a smooth path to permanent residency in Orange County. Connect with a professional green card lawyer in Irvine at our firm as soon as possible.

Call (949) 478-4963 to speak with a green card attorney in Irvine at Yekrangi & Associates today.  We offer services in Spanish, Farsi, and Mandarin.

When Are Green Cards Issued?

USCIS issues green cards after an adjustment of status when the applicant lives in the United States, or through a U.S. Embassy for those living outside the country. The most common ways people receive green cards include marriage, sponsorship by other family members, employment-based petitions, asylum, or an EB-5 investor visa.

The wait for a green card depends on your eligibility category, USCIS processing times, and whether your documentation meets all local requirements. In Orange County, most applicants go to the Santa Ana USCIS office for interviews and biometrics appointments. Knowing how to prepare for local procedures may help you reduce delays.

Marriage-based green cards are similar to employment-based green cards, except they are conditional for the first two years. At the two-year mark, the beneficiary must file to remove the conditions and proceed toward permanent residency. For more information, reach out to a seasoned green card attorney at Yekrangi & Associates.

How Long Does a Green Card Last?

Being granted a green card does not mean you hold permanent residency without conditions. A green card remains valid for 10 years from the date it is first issued. You must renew it if it is within six months of expiring or currently expired. Marriage-based green cards are conditional and last for two years. After two years, you can seek permanent residency.

Many permanent residents in Irvine renew their green cards early to avoid processing delays and to keep full access to local services. Acting before the six-month window closes ensures you retain your work authorization and residency privileges, which is important in Southern California’s busy job market.

How Do I Renew My Green Card?

If your green card will expire in the next six months, you need to request a renewal. To renew or replace your green card, take these steps:

• Fill out a renewal application (Form I-90) either online or by mail.
• Submit all required supporting documents.
• Pay the necessary government fees.

If you live in Irvine, you can file for renewal online through USCIS or by mailing documents to the appropriate address. Those using the Santa Ana Support Center have convenient appointment choices, and in-person service can move biometrics and interviews along if needed. We help clients choose the most efficient way to renew so that their travel and work plans stay on track.

If you are a conditional resident seeking to remove the conditions on your employment-based green card, you must submit Form I-829 to renew your green card. For sound counsel, speak with a trusted green card lawyer at our firm.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?

Most applicants receive a renewed green card within 8 to 12 months after the biometrics appointment at your local Application Support Center (ASC). USCIS mails your new card to the U.S. address listed on your application. If you do not have a U.S. address, the card will be sent to your listed port of entry. If your renewal is denied, you will receive a mailed notice.

The wait time may change based on the volume of applications handled by the nearest USCIS office. Filing as soon as you become eligible, especially in Orange County, helps you avoid delays that often occur during seasonal surges or high processing volume.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Green Card?

The fee to replace or renew a green card with USCIS is $540. This covers both the application fee and the biometrics fee. If you choose to hire an attorney to assist with your renewal, expect to pay between $250 and $350 in addition to USCIS costs.

Government fees and policies can change, so check the USCIS website or consult one of our attorneys to confirm current amounts before you submit your payment. Some residents in Irvine may qualify for fee waivers based on financial need; we can review eligibility during your initial consultation.

How to Change Address on Green Card

To change your address on your green card, you have a few options:

• Online: Log in to your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online account and update your address there.
• Paper Form: Complete a paper AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, found on the official USCIS website. Submit it electronically or mail it to USCIS once done.
• Phone: U.S. citizens can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to report a change. Non-citizens still need to file the AR-11 form.
  You must notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving. This keeps your green card information up to date and prevents missed communications.

If you recently moved within Irvine or Orange County, double-check that both the USPS and USCIS have your current address, so you do not miss official notices or appointment letters. Clients often use the postal service’s Informed Delivery tool to monitor new mail about their green card status. These steps reduce delays caused by address or mailing errors.

Can You Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card?

Green cards typically remain valid for ten years before renewal is needed. If your card expires and you want to apply for U.S. citizenship, you may wonder whether an expired card will affect your application.

While an expired green card does not automatically block you from applying for citizenship, it can complicate your process. Here’s what you should know:

• Eligibility Requirements: You must meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements to apply for citizenship. An expired green card will not invalidate your eligibility if you meet these standards.
• Proof of Lawful Permanent Residence: Your green card serves as proof of your lawful permanent residency. For citizenship, you need to submit evidence of your status. While an expired green card still shows lawful status, USCIS may ask you to renew it before considering your application for naturalization.
• Renewing Your Green Card: USCIS advises permanent residents to submit renewal applications at least six months before expiration. Waiting to renew can add complications when applying for citizenship, so keep all documentation current through your entire journey.
• Travel Considerations: If you plan to travel internationally, have a valid green card or documented travel permission to avoid complications returning to the U.S. Leaving the country on an expired card may delay your reentry or complicate your green card status.
• Consult an Immigration Attorney: If you are unsure about your green card’s status and how it can impact your naturalization application, consider consulting an immigration attorney. They can clarify your options and guide you on the best next step for your circumstances.

Call Yekrangi & Associates for a Consultation!

Our Irvine green card attorneys can help you work toward your immigration goals. Unlike many firms, we provide one-on-one services directly from Attorney Ashkan Yekrangi. With a focus on clear communication and the best interests of each client, Yekrangi & Associates is the firm you want on your side for lawful permanent residency in Orange County, California. We offer personalized legal counsel that is rare among immigration law firms.

Our local presence gives us a direct understanding of the Orange County immigration landscape and the needs of Irvine residents. We support document review, handle communication with USCIS offices, and help you prepare for interviews at the Santa Ana Field Office. Our attorneys assist individuals and families throughout every phase, providing reliable, timely guidance aligned with your local situation.

To schedule a consultation with a green card attorney in Irvine, call (949) 478-4963.

FAQs

What Documents Should I Bring to My Green Card Interview?

Bring official photo identification, your appointment notice, original civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates, and any recent immigration paperwork. Always check your notice for additional documents USCIS may request, as requirements can change based on your case type.

Do I Need to Attend My Green Card Interview in Person if I Live in Irvine?

Most applicants living in Irvine need to attend their interviews in person at the USCIS Santa Ana Field Office. USCIS will send a letter with your interview date, time, and requirements. Attending the interview on time is important for your application to move forward.

Can I Travel Internationally While Waiting for My Green Card Approval?

Travel outside the U.S. can affect your application status. Before making plans, check your current status and consider whether advance permission or travel documentation is required. Leaving the country without approval can delay your green card process or impact eligibility.

Our expert green card attorney in Irvine is ready to provide personalized legal guidance. Call (949) 478-4963 to secure your consultation.