Green Card and Residency Attorney in Waco, Texas
First-Time Residency
Your Green Card, Prepared Carefully From the First Form
A green card, or lawful permanent residency, allows you to live and work in the United States permanently, travel abroad and return, and eventually apply for citizenship. For most of the families we serve in Waco, the path runs through a relative: a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent or adult child who files a petition on your behalf.
The process has two parts. First, your relative proves the family relationship with Form I-130. Second, you apply for the green card itself, either through adjustment of status inside the United States (Form I-485) or through consular processing at a U.S. embassy abroad. Which path is available depends on how you entered the country, your immigration history and the category you fall into. Abogados Vasquez Law Firm evaluates your situation honestly, chooses the right path and prepares every form and piece of evidence.
What We Handle
How We Help With Green Cards
Family Petitions (Form I-130)
U.S. citizens may petition for spouses, parents, children and siblings; permanent residents may petition for spouses and unmarried children. We prepare the petition with the evidence USCIS expects, especially in marriage cases, where proof of a genuine relationship is essential.
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
If you are in the United States and eligible, you may apply for your green card without leaving. We file the I-485 with the medical exam, affidavit of support, work permit and travel document applications, and prepare you for the interview.
Consular Processing
When adjustment is not available, the case moves through the National Visa Center and an interview at the U.S. consulate, commonly Ciudad Juárez for Mexican nationals or Guatemala City for Guatemalans. We prepare the DS-260, the civil documents and the financial evidence, and coach you for the interview.
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Prior unlawful presence and certain other issues can bar a green card unless a waiver is approved. The I-601A provisional waiver lets many applicants get the waiver decided before leaving the country. Building a strong hardship case is detailed work, and it is one of the things we do most.
Affidavit of Support
The petitioner must show income above the federal guideline or use a joint sponsor. We review tax returns and pay records, identify a joint sponsor if needed and prepare Form I-864 correctly the first time.
Conditional Residents
If your marriage was less than two years old when the green card was approved, you receive a two-year conditional card and must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions. We handle joint filings and, where the marriage has ended or there was abuse, waiver-based filings.
Our Process
What to Expect
- 1
Consultation
We review your immigration history, ask the questions that matter and tell you honestly which options may be available to you.
- 2
Case Preparation
We assemble your application, supporting evidence and translations, and prepare you for biometrics and interviews.
- 3
Filing and Follow-Through
We file with USCIS or the immigration court, track deadlines, respond to requests for evidence and keep you informed at every step.
What to Expect During a Family Green Card Case
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21) have a visa available right away, so the petition and the green card application can often be filed together. Other categories wait for a priority date on the monthly Visa Bulletin, which can take years. After filing, USCIS issues receipts, schedules biometrics and, in most family cases, an interview. Adjustment applicants usually receive a work permit while the case is pending. We track every step and respond to any request for evidence.
Your Waco Immigration Attorney
Work With an Attorney Devoted to Immigration Law
Esmeralda Sosa SerratosImmigration Attorney
Esmeralda Sosa Serratos is a Texas-licensed immigration attorney with over a decade of experience dedicated to representing immigrants and their families, with a particular focus on removal defense, immigration litigation, and complex immigration matters.
Where We Serve
Serving Waco and Central Texas
Our office is on Lake Air Drive in Waco, a short drive from downtown, Baylor University and the McLennan County Courthouse. We serve clients across Waco, Bellmead, Woodway, Hewitt, Robinson, Lorena, McGregor, West and the surrounding communities of McLennan County, as well as Temple, Killeen, Hillsboro and the rest of Central Texas. Consultations are available in person, by phone or by video, in English or Spanish.
Waco Office
Talk to an Attorney Today
Call our Waco office and speak with our bilingual team in English or Spanish.
Se Habla Español
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Office: 1215 Lake Air Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Get directions
FAQ
Green Card FAQs
Can I get a green card if I entered the country without a visa?
Sometimes. Spouses and parents of U.S. citizens who entered without inspection generally cannot adjust inside the United States but may qualify through consular processing with an I-601A provisional waiver. There are exceptions, including for people covered by older petitions. A consultation will tell you which path applies.
How long does a family green card take?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often complete the process within roughly a year to two years, depending on the office. Other categories depend on the Visa Bulletin and can take much longer. We check current processing times for your case.
Can I work while my application is pending?
Applicants for adjustment of status can request a work permit (EAD) with the I-485, and most receive it within several months. Consular processing applicants generally cannot work in the U.S. until they enter as residents.
Do I need a joint sponsor?
If the petitioner's income is below 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline for their household size, a joint sponsor who meets the requirement can sign a separate affidavit of support.
What happens at the green card interview?
An officer reviews the application, confirms your identity and documents and, in marriage cases, asks questions about your relationship. We prepare you for the questions and attend the interview with you.
Contact Us
Start With a Consultation
Whether you were hurt in an accident, need help with an immigration matter or are facing a criminal charge, the first step is a conversation. Tell us what happened, and we will explain your options in plain language, in English or Spanish.
Call (254) 900-7947 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and talk with our bilingual team. Se habla español.
Call Us Today
(254) 900-7947Call (254) 900-7947Se Habla Español
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Office: 1215 Lake Air Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Get directions