In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), all consultations will be conducted by phone, Skype or FaceTime until further notice. We are open and fully operational for servicing our clients, but our office will be closed to the public. Please contact the firm for more information.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen Is an Honor & Privilege. Take the First Step Towards Achieving the American Dream.

Tampa Green Card Attorney

Serving Clients in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale & Throughout South Florida

A green card is part of the immigration process that enables an individual to become a permanent resident of the United States. A person with a green card is able to legally reside and work in the U.S. There are a few different methods of obtaining permanent residency. If you need a green card attorney, call Grace Gardiner at Gardiner Immigration P.A.

Interested in obtaining permanent residency? Call (813) 750-0779 to discuss your situation with an experienced immigration attorney in Tampa.

What Are the Methods for Obtaining Permanent Residency?

The Diversity Program allocates 50,000 visas each year for nationals of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The applicants must meet specific requirements related to skills and work experience and the visas are awarded on a lottery basis.

Another method of entering the United States is with an employment-based visa. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, 140,000 employment-based visas are available each year. There are categories of preference for employment-based visas.

The categories for employment-based visas include:

  • Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) – This category is for foreign nationals with demonstrated ability in science, arts, education, athletics, or business. This includes outstanding professors and researchers, executives, and managers.

  • Employment-Based, Second Preference (EB2) – People eligible for this type of visa hold advanced degrees or have exceptional ability.

  • Employment-Based, Third Preference (EB3) – These are skilled workers and professionals with Baccalaureate degrees.

  • Employment-Based, Fourth Preference (EB4) – Special immigrants

  • Employment-Based, Fifth Preference (EB5) – employment creation investors

Each of the five categories of employment-based visas has specific requirements for eligibility. Our Tampa immigration attorney can assess your situation and recommend the best type of visa for your skills and experience.

Family-Based Visas

As with employment-based visas, family-based immigration is divided into categories with preference given to specific family members. Immediate relatives, including spouses and unmarried children younger than 21 and returning residents who have lived in the U.S. in the past are given top preference and there are no yearly quotas for these visas. Others categories, in order of preference, include unmarried children, spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children, and brothers and sisters of United States citizens and their spouses.

Contact our firm by telephone at (813) 750-0779 to schedule a consultation with our Plantation green card attorney.

An Excellent Reputation Built on Client Satisfaction

  • “Great Immigration Lawyer”

    Ashwin

  • “Grace and her staff are phenomenal!”

    R. S.

  • “Detailed Attorney”

    Former Client

  • “An outstanding law firm! ”

    David

  • “Attorney Gardiner is kind, sympathetic, knowledgeable and entirely dedicated.”

    I. D.

  • “Words cannot express the wonderful and good news Grace delivered to me today on the success of my application for my son.”

    Cheryl S.

  • “So grateful!”

    Former Client

  • “Great experience”

    Miguel I.P

  • “Grace serves her clients with dignity and professionalism”

    Roosevelt

  • “An exceptional attorney with excellent skills”

    Jennifer Pichardo

  • “Grace is a nice lady. She works overtime to help her clients.”

    Donna

  • “Attorney with a balance of knowledge and principles.”

    Bryan Copeland

  • ““Best ever””

    Stacey S.

  • “She strongly believes in helping her clients. She takes the time and effort to help her clients. ”

    Clim

  • “Gracious and kind towards every client”

    Former Client

Advocates You Can Trust

What Gardiner Immigration P.A. Has to Offer
  • Seasoned Legal Guidance

    We have over 20 years of experience helping clients in all areas of immigration law.

  • Outstanding Reputation

    Clients throughout Florida turn to our firm because they know that we get results.

  • Personalized Attention

    Our founding attorney spends individual time with each client to help them through the process.

  • Multilingual Staff

    The team at Gardiner Immigration offers English, Mandarin and Japanese languages.