Residency Services in Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Permanent Residency (Green Card) grants indefinite legal status in the U.S., whereas Conditional Residency is often granted through marriage-based immigration and is valid for 2 years. Conditional residents must apply to remove conditions before it expires. Many applicants mistakenly believe conditional residency automatically converts to permanent status, but missing deadlines can lead to removal proceedings. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law ensures all timelines are met and supports clients through the Form I-751 petition and interview process to secure full residency.

Residency timelines vary widely depending on your visa category, country of origin, and case complexity. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens usually experience faster processing, while employment- or family-preference cases may take years. Common delays include Request for Evidence (RFE), background checks, or improperly filed forms. At Ibrahim & Dobaria Law, we ensure meticulous preparation to avoid unnecessary delays, while providing regular updates and strategic advice to keep your case moving efficiently.

Not always. Many people qualify for Adjustment of Status (AOS) without leaving the U.S., particularly if they entered legally and are applying through a U.S. citizen spouse or employer. Others may need to pursue Consular Processing abroad. Choosing the wrong process can lead to barred re-entry or long wait times. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law carefully reviews your background and immigration history to choose the safest, fastest legal path to residency.

Criminal convictions—especially those involving moral turpitude or drug offenses—can severely impact your ability to obtain or keep residency. Even minor charges may raise red flags with USCIS. Our firm offers criminal-immigration crossover expertise, reviewing all charges and outcomes, and if needed, collaborates with criminal defense attorneys to pursue post-conviction relief or waivers. We help protect your residency path from legal pitfalls that many overlook until it’s too late.

Traveling outside the U.S. without Advance Parole (Form I-131) can cause your application to be abandoned, even if you have a valid visa. This is a common and costly mistake. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law assists clients in applying for Advance Parole, ensuring you don’t jeopardize your pending adjustment of status. We also assess any risks reentry might pose based on your status or immigration history.

A solid application includes proof of lawful entry, identity, financial support, relationship legitimacy (if family-based), and clean criminal records. Supporting documents such as joint financial records, affidavits, photos, lease agreements, or tax returns help establish credibility. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law creates a custom document strategy tailored to your case, reducing the chance of RFEs or denials by anticipating what USCIS looks for.

The interview is a critical step, particularly in marriage-based cases, where officers evaluate the authenticity of the relationship. Common pitfalls include conflicting answers, missing documents, or nervousness. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law offers mock interviews, walks you through likely questions, and ensures your documents are perfectly aligned. We also attend interviews with clients in person or virtually where allowed—offering reassurance and advocacy throughout.

Beyond the obvious—legal status, ability to work, and stay with family—permanent residency offers access to in-state tuition, Social Security benefits, broader job opportunities, and travel flexibility. It also puts you on the path to citizenship, unlocking further rights like voting and sponsoring family members abroad. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law helps clients understand the long-term advantages of residency and how it can transform your family’s future.

Many assume a green card is permanent regardless of what they do—but that’s not true. Long absences from the U.S., tax issues, or certain criminal offenses can trigger removal proceedings. To maintain permanent resident status, you must reside primarily in the U.S., file taxes, and avoid immigration violations. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law advises clients on travel plans, tax reporting, and legal behavior to ensure residency isn’t unintentionally lost.

Yes. Depending on the reason for denial, you may file an appeal, a motion to reopen/reconsider, or reapply with stronger documentation. In cases of procedural error or officer misjudgment, appeals can be successful. Ibrahim & Dobaria Law reviews denial notices in detail, explains your options, and strategically determines whether to fight or rebuild the case. Acting quickly is essential, as appeal deadlines are tight.