Green Card & Adjustment of Status
Green Card & Adjustment of Status Attorney
Santa Ana, Orange County
A green card grants lawful permanent residence in the United States. H&H Law guides Orange County families and professionals through every path — in Korean and English, from our office across the street from the USCIS building in Santa Ana.
Who Qualifies for a Green Card?
Most green cards are obtained through a family relationship, an employer, or investment. Many applicants already in the U.S. can complete the final step — adjustment of status — without leaving the country.
Two Ways to Finish: Adjustment vs. Consular Processing
Eligible applicants inside the U.S. with an immigrant visa available can often file Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) without departing. Applicants abroad complete consular processing at a U.S. consulate. H&H Law reviews how you entered, your category, and visa availability to recommend the right route.
The Three Main Green Card Categories
Family-Based
- Spouses, parents & children of U.S. citizens
- Immediate relatives: no annual cap (fastest)
- Family-preference categories (with wait times)
Employment-Based
- EB-1, EB-2 (incl. NIW), and EB-3
- Many require PERM labor certification
- Employer-sponsored or self-petition
Investment-based green cards are available through the EB-5 program — H&H Law has processed 2,000+ EB-5 petitions. See our EB-5 Investor Visa page.
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) lets eligible applicants already in the United States become permanent residents without returning to their home country. It is generally available to those who entered lawfully and have an immigrant visa immediately available.
Consular processing is for applicants outside the U.S. (or who are not eligible to adjust). After the underlying petition is approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center and then to a U.S. consulate abroad for an immigrant visa interview.
The Green Card Process: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm the category and file the petition
H&H Law determines your eligible path and files the underlying petition — for example, Form I-130 for family or Form I-140 for employment.
- 2
Wait for visa availability
Immediate relatives are current; preference categories follow the monthly Visa Bulletin. We track your priority date.
- 3
File Form I-485 (or begin consular processing)
If you are in the U.S. with a visa available, we prepare your adjustment-of-status application — often with a work permit (EAD) and Advance Parole request.
- 4
Biometrics and interview
USCIS collects fingerprints and, in most cases, schedules an interview. We prepare you for it.
- 5
Decision
On approval, you receive your green card. Spouses married less than two years receive a 2-year conditional card and later file Form I-751 to remove conditions.
Green Cards for the Korean Community in Orange County
Orange County is home to one of the largest Korean communities in the United States. H&H Law serves Korean families and professionals throughout the county, with Attorney Austin Kim conducting full consultations in Korean. With a Seoul office connection, we also assist clients who are still in Korea and planning their move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers by Austin Kim, J.D. · Updated June 2026
Start Your Green Card Process
Speak with Attorney Austin Kim directly. Free consultation in Korean or English.
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