Green card lawyer: family, EB-1A, NIW, employment

To get a green card, you generally need a basis: family, a job offer, achievement (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW), investment (EB-5) or humanitarian protection. Then you file with USCIS or process at a consulate. Form I-130 costs $625 online (October 2026). Merit Law LLP reviews which basis fits.

Green card government fees depend on the path. For a family case, Form I-130 costs $625 online and Form I-485 costs $1,390 online or $1,440 on paper. For an employment case, Form I-140 costs $715 on paper. Fees as of October 2026; attorney fees are quoted after a first conversation.

Yes, in some cases. EB-1A and EB-2 NIW let you self-petition without a job offer: EB-1A needs a major award or 3 of 10 criteria, and Form I-140 costs $715 on paper plus a $300 Asylum Program Fee. EB-5 is an investment route. Merit Law LLP reviews eligibility.

A conditional green card is valid for 2 years. EB-5 investors file Form I-829 in the 90 days before it expires, and spouses married to a citizen for under 2 years file Form I-751. Missing the window can end conditional residence. An attorney at Merit Law LLP checks your dates.

EB-1 is for priority workers, such as people with extraordinary ability; EB-2 for advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including the national interest waiver; EB-3 for skilled workers, professionals and other workers. In October 2026 EB-2 filing needed a priority date before 15 March 2026 for most countries. An attorney reviews which fits.