BAY AREA IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
Your Marriage.
Your Future.
We Fight For It.
Compassionate, strategic representation for marriage-based green cards 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
MARRIAGE-BASED GREEN CARD
Two paths to
permanent residence
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible for a green card. The process depends on where your spouse currently lives — and getting it right from the start matters.
01
Adjustment of Status
For spouses already living in the U.S. legally. You apply for the green card without leaving the country using Form I-485.
- File I-130 + I-485 concurrently (if immediate relative)
- Apply for work permit (EAD) while pending
- Interview at San Francisco USCIS Field Office
02
Consular Processing
For spouses living abroad. They apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- U.S. spouse files I-130 petition from the U.S.
- Spouse attends visa interview at local U.S. embassy
- Enters U.S. as lawful permanent resident
Common Questions
How long does a marriage green card take in the Bay Area?
Adjustment of status at the San Francisco USCIS Field Office typically takes 12–18 months. Consular processing abroad may take 12–24 months depending on the country. For current processing times, visit USCIS.gov
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, which allows you to work legally while your case is processed. Once you have your green card, the next step may be citizenship & naturalization
What documents do I need?
Marriage certificate, proof of your spouse’s citizenship or residency, birth certificates, Form I-864 (financial sponsorship), and evidence of a genuine marriage — such as joint bank statements, photos, and lease agreements.
What if I entered the U.S. without authorization?
It depends on your specific situation. Some individuals may still qualify for adjustment of status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. An attorney must evaluate your case before you take any action.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
File the Petition
Your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse files Form I-130 to establish the qualifying relationship.
02
Apply for Your Green Card
File for adjustment of status in the U.S. or go through consular processing abroad.
03
Biometrics & Interview
Attend your USCIS biometrics appointment and marriage interview. We prepare you for every question.
04
Receive Your Green Card
Approved cases receive a 2-year conditional or 10-year permanent green card.
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