Tampa Green Card Attorney

Compassionate Help For Your Green Card Journey

Securing a green card is about more than forms and deadlines. It is about protecting your ability to live, work, and keep your family together in the United States. If you feel uncertain about the rules or worried about mistakes, you are not alone. Many people look for a green card attorney because the stakes are high and the process can feel confusing.

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we focus our work on immigration law and help clients in the Tampa area pursue permanent resident status through family and employment paths. Our immigration attorneys bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to every matter, and we work to match that experience with compassion and clear communication.

Contact us today at (800) 708-4399 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is a Green Card?

A green card grants lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to a non-citizen, allowing them to live and work anywhere in the United States on a permanent basis. Green card holders enjoy many of the same rights as U.S. citizens, including employment authorization and legal protections, though certain rights—such as voting—remain reserved for citizens.

Holding a green card also places you on a path to U.S. citizenship. In most cases, permanent residents may apply for naturalization after three to five years, depending on eligibility category. Because the green card process involves strict eligibility rules and extensive documentation, working with a Tampa green card lawyer can help avoid delays, denials, or costly mistakes.

Eligibility for a Green Card

There are several ways to qualify for a green card under U.S. immigration law. Eligibility depends on your personal circumstances, immigration history, and the category under which you apply. Common green card eligibility categories include:

Family-Based Green Cards

Family sponsorship is one of the most common paths to permanent residency. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition for certain relatives, including:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens or green card holders
• Unmarried children under 21
• Parents of U.S. citizens
• Siblings of U.S. citizens (subject to longer wait times)

Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-based green cards are available to individuals with job offers from U.S. employers or those who qualify under specialized employment categories, such as:

• Professionals with advanced degrees
• Skilled workers
• Investors and entrepreneurs
• Individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, or business

Humanitarian and Special Categories

Some individuals may qualify for a green card through humanitarian programs or special provisions, including:

• Asylum or refugee status
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
• Victims of human trafficking or crime

Our Tampa green card attorney can evaluate your background and identify the strongest legal pathway based on your goals.

How to Obtain a Green Card

The green card process varies depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the United States and which category you qualify under. However, most applications follow these general steps:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

The first step is identifying the correct green card category and ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements. Applying under the wrong category can lead to unnecessary delays or denials.

Step 2: File the Required Petition

Most green card cases begin with a petition filed by a sponsor—such as a family member or employer—or by the applicant themselves in certain cases. This step establishes the legal basis for permanent residency.

Step 3: Submit the Green Card Application

If you are already in the U.S., you may be eligible to file for adjustment of status. Applicants outside the U.S. typically go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Attend Biometrics and Interview

Applicants are usually required to attend a biometrics appointment and a green card interview. Preparation is critical, as errors or inconsistencies can raise red flags.

Step 5: Receive a Decision

If approved, you will receive your green card and become a lawful permanent resident. If issues arise, a Tampa green card lawyer can respond to requests for evidence or pursue appeals when appropriate.

Green Card FAQs

How long does it take to get a green card?

Processing times vary depending on the category, applicant’s location, and government backlogs. Some family-based cases may take months, while others take several years.

Can I work while my green card application is pending?

In many cases, applicants may apply for a work permit while their green card application is under review.

What happens if my green card application is denied?

A denial does not always mean the end of your case. Our Tampa green card attorney can review the reason for denial and explore appeals, motions, or alternative immigration options.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a green card?

While not required, legal representation significantly reduces the risk of errors and increases the likelihood of approval—especially in complex cases.

Why Work With Our Green Card Team

Choosing the right legal team can make a real difference in how confident you feel about your green card process. Our firm concentrates on immigration work, including green cards, visas, and citizenship, for individuals and businesses across the country. This focus means we stay attentive to changes in immigration law and policy that can affect your case, and we apply that knowledge when we evaluate your options.

Our attorneys share more than a century of combined experience guiding clients through complex immigration matters. This background helps us recognize patterns, anticipate common problems, and work with you to avoid preventable issues. When you partner with a green card attorney from our team, you are not starting from scratch. You are drawing on years of preparation, analysis, and advocacy that we bring to each new matter.

We also understand that a green card application is rarely just paperwork. It usually represents a relationship, a job, or a long-held dream. Our firm is built on values of love, compassion, excellence, and loyalty, and we strive to show those values in how we serve clients. We take time to listen to your story, answer questions in plain language, and respond honestly about what we see in your situation.

Many people tell us they worry about delays, requests for more evidence, or misunderstandings at interviews. We work to address these concerns directly by preparing carefully, explaining what to expect, and staying available as your case moves forward. Our goal is that you feel you have a steady, thoughtful guide beside you, not just a name on a form.

To speak with our team, call (800) 708-4399.