Green Card Filing Strategy for Immigrants with Criminal History

For immigrants with criminal history who need a strategy-first review of records, immigration risk factors, and filing options before submitting applications.

Green Card Filing Strategy for Immigrants with Criminal History starts with precise record analysis before any filing move. Criminal and immigration law overlap in ways that can affect eligibility, admissibility, and case timing. We screen case facts, identify missing court records, and map practical decision points so families can plan responsibly.

This service is about informed preparation, not fear. Many cases have workable paths, but success depends on accurate records and careful sequencing. You receive a clear strategy roadmap with next steps tailored to your history.

During this strategy stage, we focus on decision quality before documents are submitted. That means confirming facts, screening practical risks, and setting a work plan you can realistically complete. The goal is not speed at any cost. The goal is forward progress with fewer avoidable surprises.

Schedule a Strategy Consultation Request Evaluation by Email

What happens after you contact us: we confirm your goals, request key records, and provide a clear strategy consultation plan.

Who This Is For

Applicants with prior arrests, charges, or convictions.
People with sealed, dismissed, or expunged cases needing immigration review.
Clients unsure what records USCIS may request.
Families seeking risk screening before paying filing fees.
Applicants with prior denials tied to criminal disclosures.
People with multiple incidents across jurisdictions.
Clients balancing immigration goals with criminal-case documentation gaps.
Families needing clear, non-alarmist planning for next steps.

Common Situations We See

Single offense with unclear immigration impact

A client has one prior case and needs an accurate screening of how charge level and disposition may affect filing strategy.

Multiple incidents over time

Even older events can matter, so the strategy process reconstructs timeline and record completeness before decisions.

Expunged or dismissed case confusion

Applicants often assume no records are needed, but immigration review may still require certified court documentation.

Pending criminal matter and immigration timeline pressure

When criminal and immigration timelines overlap, filing sequence and scope decisions need careful coordination.

Prior filing omitted offense history

Inconsistencies in prior disclosures can increase risk and should be addressed before submitting new forms.

Key Risks to Screen Before Filing

Missing certified dispositions for prior cases.
Incomplete disclosure of arrests or charges across forms.
Assuming expungement removes all immigration relevance.
Filing while criminal matters are unresolved without strategy review.
Not screening for possible inadmissibility waiver needs.
Inconsistent timeline narratives between court and immigration records.
Underestimating interview preparation needs in record-sensitive cases.

How Our Strategy Service Works

Case intake and event timeline reconstruction.
Court-record completeness review and issue identification.
Immigration risk-screening analysis tied to filing options.
Evidence and disclosure strategy planning.
Final roadmap session with practical next actions.

Each step is designed to reduce guesswork. By the end of the process, you should know what to do next, what to postpone, and what records are required before moving into filing or representation.

Why New Horizons Legal

New Horizons Legal takes a strategy-first approach so key decisions are made before forms are filed. We use careful risk screening to identify issues early and reduce avoidable mistakes. Our process emphasizes practical organization, plain-language communication, and realistic planning. You leave with clear next steps that match your facts and timeline.

What You Receive

Charge-and-disposition review summary for planning purposes.
Record retrieval checklist for missing criminal documents.
Disclosure consistency framework for future filings.
Risk notes on potential inadmissibility concerns.
Filing sequence recommendation based on case readiness.
Interview preparation topics linked to record history.
Scope clarification for strategy versus representation phases.
Written implementation checklist with priorities.

Typical Documents to Gather

Arrest records and charging documents.
Certified court dispositions for each incident.
Probation, completion, or program records when applicable.
Expungement or sealing orders, if any.
Prior USCIS filings and notices.
Identity and immigration status documents.
Timeline of incidents and legal outcomes.
Attorney correspondence or case summaries, if available.
Character references or rehabilitation documentation when relevant.
Certified translations for non-English records.

Pricing and Scope

Typical strategy planning range: $1,500 to $3,500. Final fee depends on complexity, record volume, and urgency. We confirm a flat-fee scope before work begins.

This helps families understand exactly what is covered in planning versus what would require a separate engagement for filing support, submissions, or agency representation.

Usually Included

Crimmigration-focused strategy consultation.
Record and risk-screening analysis before filing.
Written filing-readiness and evidence roadmap.
One structured follow-up clarification round.

Usually Not Included

Criminal defense representation or court appearances.
Full green card package preparation unless separately retained.
Government fees and third-party record fees.

Pricing reflects number of incidents, jurisdictions, and record complexity.
Representation for filing or hearings can be quoted separately by phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all criminal cases block green cards?

No. Impact depends on charge details, disposition, timing, and other factors. A careful case-specific review is essential.

Does expungement solve immigration problems automatically?

Not always. Immigration agencies may still require records and evaluate underlying conduct depending on circumstances.

Can I file while a criminal case is pending?

Sometimes, but timing can be critical. We screen risks and sequencing options before filing decisions are made.

Will you review my old court records?

Yes. Record review is central to this strategy service, including identifying missing certified documents.

Do you represent criminal court cases?

This service does not include criminal defense representation unless separately arranged under a different scope.

Can this include waiver planning?

Yes. If screening suggests waiver issues, we outline next-step waiver planning options.

Is this page legal advice?

No. It is general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Related Services

Green Card Strategy for Immigrants with Prior USCIS Denials

Structured planning for applicants with one or more prior USCIS denials who need a stronger approach before filing again.

Naturalization Eligibility Review for Long-Term Permanent Residents

Eligibility and risk-screening service for long-term green card holders preparing for naturalization and wanting a reliable pre-filing review.

Inadmissibility Waiver Planning for Immigrants Facing 3- and 10-Year Bars

Pre-filing waiver strategy for families managing unlawful presence bars and planning evidence before consular or adjustment decisions.

Immigration Risk Assessments for Mixed-Status Families

Comprehensive strategy assessment for mixed-status households that need coordinated planning, documentation priorities, and clear family decision points.

Schedule a Strategy Consultation

What happens after you contact us: our team confirms scope, collects key records, and schedules a focused strategy session with clear preparation instructions.