Green Card
Chicago Green Card Attorney
How to Become a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States
If you wish to live and work on a long-term basis in the United States, you must first obtain a green card. The application process for obtaining a green card is an ardious process requiring many different forms and supporting documents. It is easy to make a critical mistake on these complicated forms, which can forever harm your chances of fulfilling your American Dream.
If you are seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States, our experienced immigration attorneys in Chicago are here to help you navigate the green card process.
Speak with a skilled Chicago green card immigration lawyer at Ray Law International by calling (888) 474-8048. We offer services in English, Spanish, and Japanese.
What is a Green Card?
A green card — also known as a “permanent resident card” — allows immigrants to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. There are three types of green cards:
- Employment-based green cards
- Family-based green cards
- Asylum/Refugee-based green cards
How Can A Green Card Lawyer In Chicago Help Me?
Are you trying to obtain a green card in the United States of America? Hiring a green card lawyer in Chicago can work wonders for you. Don't go through the legal process of obtaining a green card without a legal professional next to you to help guide you through each step. Your lawyer will be responsible for taking care of all of the hefty paperwork involved and will help you prepare for your interview among many other things.
Some ways that a green card lawyer can help you include the following:
- Paperwork: Your lawyer will file all of your paperwork and make sure that everything is completed correctly and in a timely fashion.
- Guidance: Your lawyer will answer all of your questions and will be able to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that you know where you stand and all of the options available to you.
- Emotional Support: Your lawyer will have worked with many individuals looking to obtain a green card, and will be able to offer you the emotional reassurance that you may need.
- Interview Preparation: Your lawyer will have several valuable tips that can help you tremendously during the time of your interview.
- Time: Your lawyer will ensure that you avoid making any costly mistakes that may delay the process.
- Credibility: Having a lawyer by your side can help to add credibility to your case.
Have specific questions about your situation? Call (888) 474-8048 or complete our online form to request a consultation with a green card immigration lawyer at Ray Law International. Our immigration team is backed by years of experience and is ready to help you out.
How to Get a Green Card in the United States
If You Already Have a Visa
If you’re the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you should already be assigned a visa number under the U.S. immigration system. You can review specifics regarding green card eligibility and immediate family relationships on the USCIS website.
If You Do Not Yet Have a Visa
If you don’t have a visa, you’ll have to wait for a visa number to become available to you under the immigration system before beginning the green card application process.
If Your Sponsor Has a Green Card
It’s possible for you to get a green card through a family member who is a lawful permanent resident (has a green card and is not yet a U.S. citizen).
You can get a green card through such a relative if you have one of the following types of relationships with them:
- You’re married to them.
- You’re their child, and your marital status is “single.”
Other Ways to Get a Green Card
There are other scenarios in which you may be eligible for a green card, including:
- Through a job
- If you obtain “special immigrant,” “refugee,” or “asylum” status
- If you’ve been a victim of various injustices including human trafficking, crime, and abuse
- If you’ve lived in the U.S., without interruption, since December 1971 or earlier
If you are unsure of your green card eligibility, Ray Law International is happy to speak with you. During an initial consultation with a Chicago green card immigration lawyer, you may ask any questions and discuss any issues you are having with the green card application process. We are prepared to guide you and help you understand what your legal options are – reach out today at (888) 474-8048 for a consultation.
How to Apply for an Employment-Based Green Card
Applying for a U.S. Green Card, also known as Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR), can be a complex process with different pathways based on various factors. While each case is unique, the following are general guidelines for how you can apply for a Green Card in the United States:
- Determine Eligibility: There are several categories that can determine if you are eligible for a Green Card. The most common types of Green Card applicants are alien workers, family members of immigrants, and immigrants seeking asylum. If you are applying for a Green Card as an alien worker you will need to fill out Form I-140.
- File the Immigrant Petition: If applying through an employer, they need to file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, on your behalf. Once the petition is approved, you'll receive a Priority Date. The waiting time can vary greatly based on the category and your country of origin.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If you're already in the U.S., you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If you're outside the U.S., you'll go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Biometrics Appointment: You'll need to attend a biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be taken for background checks.
- Attend Interviews: In many cases, you'll need to attend an interview. USCIS will schedule an interview to verify the information in your application.
- Receive a Decision: After your interview (if applicable) and all required checks, USCIS will issue a decision on your Green Card application.
The Chicago Green Card attorneys at Ray Law International have years of experience helping immigrants obtain the work visas and Green Cards they are seeking. You can count on our dedicated team to guide you through the complex immigrant process.
The Green Card Application Process
The steps necessary for you to apply for a green card will vary depending on your individual circumstances, but this is a general overview of what you can expect from the process.
- Immigrant petition: You may be eligible to file it yourself. Otherwise, your sponsor will file it on your behalf.
- Green card or visa application: If certain criteria are met (namely that USCIS has approved your immigrant petition and a visa is available for you), then you can start the application process for a green card or visa. The former (green card application) will be with USCIS and the latter (visa application) will be with the U.S. Department of State.
- Biometrics appointment: Biometrics is a process in which a person’s identity is confirmed. Simply put, you’ll have photos and your fingerprints taken, and your signature will be collected.
- Interview: An interview may be held to confirm that the information you and your sponsor provided in your application is true. The interview is typically about 20 minutes long. It’s a good idea to make sure you have information such as addresses (yours and your sponsor’s) and important dates (for example, birth dates and anniversaries) memorized.
- Decision: While you await the decision on your application, you can check for updates on your case status using the USCIS website or smartphone app.
Where Can I Apply for a Green Card in Chicago?
You can visit a USCIS field office to apply for your green card. The USCIS Chicago field office is located at:
101 West Ida B. Wells Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Need help with the green card process? Let an experienced Chicago green card application lawyer at our firm ease your frustration. Call (888) 474-8048 today.
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Call Us Today
The attorneys at Ray Law International are committed to providing clients in the United States and abroad with effective, innovative immigration solutions. We find fulfillment in advocating for our clients by helping them understand the immigration process and reach their goals. We offer services in English, Spanish, and Japanese.
Call us today at (888) 474-8048