Immigration Lawyer in Utah

Permanent Residency and Naturalization

Naturalization Processing Times

The processing times for naturalization applications vary, which is the case with all immigration cases. 

• Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for U.S. citizenship after just three years of legal residency. assuming you are your spouse are still married and living together as spouses.
• Employment Sponsorship and Other Categories: For most other green card holders, the waiting period before applying for citizenship is five years.

Key Considerations for Achieving and Maintaining Lawful Residency

To successfully obtain and maintain your lawful residency, keep the following factors in mind:

• Sponsorship: Ensure you have available sponsorship from an immediate family member or employer.
• Legal Compliance: Demonstrate your ability to live and work in the U.S. lawfully, which includes avoiding arrests or criminal convictions.
• USCIS Requirements: Fulfill all applicable USCIS requirements, and meeting important deadlines.

If you have questions about the green card application process or U.S. citizenship, contact JLJ Law Group today. Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate your immigration journey successfully.

Employment Visa Process

For individuals seeking to obtain a green card through employment or aspiring to start a business in the United States, or for businesses looking to hire foreign workers, the immigration journey can be intricate and daunting. At JLJ Law Group, our experienced immigration attorneys are dedicated to providing step-by-step guidance, ensuring that both individuals and employers receive the support they need to successfully navigate this complex process.

Comprehensive Employment-Based Immigration Services

With a proven track record of securing visas and lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for our clients, we offer personalized case evaluations tailored to your unique circumstances and objectives. Our services encompass a wide range of employment-based immigration processes, including:

• Visa Category Identification: We help you identify and verify the most suitable visa category based on your individual or company’s needs. This includes options such as:

  • H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations requiring advanced skills or a higher education degree.
  • L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees who work for a multinational company and are being transferred to a U.S. office.
  • E-2 Visa: For investors and entrepreneurs looking to start or invest in a business in the U.S.
  • EB-1C Visa: For multinational executives and managers.
  • EB-2 and EB-3 Visas: For professionals with advanced degrees or skilled workers.

• Visa Petition Management: Our attorneys handle every aspect of the visa petition and application process, ensuring all documentation is accurate and submitted on time.

• Labor Certification Process: We manage the labor certification process through the U.S. Department of Labor’s PERM program. Our team ensures that all forms and requirements are meticulously completed, allowing for a smooth process that leads to lawful permanent residency for foreign worker.

At JLJ Law Group, we understand the nuances of employment-based immigration and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Whether you are an individual seeking a work visa or an employer wishing to hire skilled workers, contact us today to learn how our dedicated legal team can assist you in your immigration journey.

U Visas and VAWA: Legal Support for Victims of Crime

Being a victim of a crime is a traumatic experience that can have lasting effects on your life. We have extensive experience assisting individuals and families in obtaining essential immigration benefits for those who are victims. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help determine if you qualify to apply for a U Visa or a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petition based on your unique circumstances.

Understanding U Visas and VAWA Petitions

One of the primary differences between qualifying for a U Visa and a VAWA petition is the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, as well as the perpetrator’s legal status. For example, is the perpetrator a U.S. citizen or a green card holder?

U Visa: If you have been a victim of a qualifying crime and helped in the investigation or prosecution of that crime, you may be eligible for a U Visa. This visa allows you to get a work permit and work legally in the U.S. It also provides a pathway to get a green card and eventually U.S. citizenship. 

A U Visa could be available to you if: 

• You are a victim of a qualifying crime.
• You have experienced significant physical or mental abuse because of the crime.
• You have information about the crime. If you are under 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend can provide that information for you.
• You have been, are, or will be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime. If you are under 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend can assist law enforcement on your behalf.
• The crime occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.

If approved for a U Visa, you will receive a four-year work permit. After three years of continuous presence in the U.S., good moral character, and ongoing cooperation with law enforcement, you may apply for permanent residency, and eventual U.S. citizenship. We have helped many individuals and families through this journey, and many have since become U.S. citizens.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act): VAWA provides a pathway for certain individuals who have experienced domestic violence or abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. To qualify for a VAWA petition, you must meet the following requirements:

• Relationship to the Perpetrator: You must have a qualifying relationship with the abuser, such as being a spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Proof of Abuse: You must provide evidence of battery or extreme cruelty, which can include physical, emotional, or psychological abuse.
• Residence with the Abuser: You must have lived with the abuser at some point during your relationship.
• Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate that you are a person of good moral character.

Once your VAWA petition is approved, you may be eligible for work authorization, lawful permanent residency, and eventually U.S. citizenship. 

Navigating the Application Process

Navigating the U Visa and VAWA petition processes requires careful attention to detail and numerous supporting documents. Having a qualified immigration attorney is essential to make sure that your applications are accurately completed and submitted.

We are committed to helping victims of crime find safety and security in the U.S. If you believe you may qualify for a U Visa or VAWA petition, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys. Let us guide you through this complex process and advocate for your rights.