BAY AREA IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
Your Green Card.
Your Future.
We Fight For It.
Compassionate, strategic immigration representation for individuals and families across San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose.
AILA Member Firm
Serving All of Bay Area
Results-Driven
Bilingual Support
START YOUR CONSULTATION
Legal Consultation
Request
Tell us about your situation and we’ll outline your options.
Confidential & protected by attorney-client privilege
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Every immigration path,
handled with precision
From green cards to deportation defense — we bring legal clarity and strategic guidance to the most complex immigration situations.
01
Green Card & Adjustment of Status
I-485 filings, USCIS interviews, and permanent residency for those already in the U.S.
02
DACA & Humanitarian Relief
Timely renewals and expanded protections for Dreamers and vulnerable individuals.
03
Removal & Deportation Defense
Aggressive representation in immigration court to fight removal orders.
04
Family-Based Immigration
Spouse visas, fiancé petitions, and consular processing to reunite families.
05
U Visas & VAWA Petitions
Confidential legal support for crime victims and survivors of domestic violence.
06
Asylum & Waivers
Protection from persecution and waivers for grounds of inadmissibility.
YOUR ATTORNEY
Dylan Hackett
Lead Attorney & Managing Partner
Dylan Hackett is the managing partner of Golden Gate Immigration Law. As a former Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, he brings prosecutorial experience and strategic precision to every immigration case. His international background — including leading a business in Nicaragua — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges immigrants and families face navigating the U.S. legal system. Our team provides full bilingual support so every client is heard and understood.
California Bar
Former Deputy D.A. · San Mateo County
USCIS & Immigration Court
Managing Partner
Se habla Español
(415) 622-8792
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, California
GREEN CARD & ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS
Two paths to
your green card
Whether you are already in the United States or applying from abroad, there is a path to permanent residence for you. The right option depends on your current immigration status, where you live, and your relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
01
Adjustment of Status
For individuals already in the U.S. legally. Apply for your green card without leaving the country using Form I-485.
- File I-130 + I-485 concurrently if you are an immediate relative
- Apply for work permit (EAD) and Advance Parole while pending
- Interview at the San Francisco USCIS Field Office
02
Consular Processing
For individuals living abroad. Apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- U.S. petitioner files I-130 from inside the United States
- Case transferred to National Visa Center (NVC) for processing
- Applicant attends immigrant visa interview at local U.S. embassy
Common Questions
How long does a green card take in the Bay Area?
Adjustment of status for immediate relatives at the San Francisco USCIS Field Office typically takes 12–18 months. Consular processing abroad may take 12–24 months depending on the country and embassy workload.
Can I work while my green card is pending?
Yes. Once your I-485 is filed, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765. Most applicants receive their EAD within 3–5 months of filing. Once you have your green card, you may be eligible for citizenship & naturalization after 3–5 years.
What is the difference between a green card and a visa?
A visa allows you to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. A green card — officially a Permanent Resident Card — grants you the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently and is the step before U.S. citizenship.
Can I travel while my green card application is pending?
Not without Advance Parole (Form I-131). Leaving the U.S. while your I-485 is pending without Advance Parole is considered an abandonment of your application. Always consult your attorney before traveling. For current processing times, visit USCIS.gov
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
Determine Your Eligibility
We review your immigration history, current status, and qualifying relationship to identify the fastest and safest path to your green card.
02
Prepare & File Your Application
We prepare every form, gather supporting documents, and file your complete application to minimize the risk of delays or requests for evidence.
03
Biometrics & USCIS Interview
We prepare you thoroughly for your biometrics appointment and USCIS interview at the San Francisco Field Office.
04
Receive Your Green Card
Once approved, you receive your Permanent Resident Card — valid for 10 years and renewable. We also advise you on your next steps, including the path to citizenship.
DON’T WAIT — IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES FAST
Your situation deserves
a real legal strategy
A consultation could change everything.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Or call directly: (415) 622-8792 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Hablamos Español