Marriage & Family-Based Green Cards in Chicago

Uniting Loved Ones with Expert Legal Guidance

There are multiple ways to get a Green Card in the United States (such as employment), but one of the most common is through a family member or spouse. While the Green Card process might seem straightforward, any mistake in the process could seriously damage your ability to obtain permanent resident status.

With the experienced immigration lawyers at Ray Law International, you can have a dedicated team by your side throughout the Green Card process to ensure your application is accurate, to make sure you meet all deadlines, and to file an appeal in case your application is denied.

Contact our Chicago Green Card lawyers today at (888) 474-8048 to arrange a consultation with our experienced team.

Family Sponsorship for U.S. Green Cards 

It’s common for U.S. immigrants to become permanent residents through a family sponsor. If you are seeking to obtain a green card, the waiting process will likely be shorter the closer your relationship is to the person sponsoring you.

In order to apply for a green card as an immediate relative, you must meet the following critera:

• The spouse of a U.S. citizen;
• The unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen; or
• The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).

Other relatives can apply for a family-based green card based on specific family relationships. However, they are given less preference than immediate family members.

Eligibility for Sponsoring a Relative's Green Card

You can sponsor a family member to obtain their green card under the following circumstances:

• You’re a green card holder.
• You’re a U.S. citizen.

As a sponsor for a family member seeking to acquire a green card, you may also be referred to as a “petitioner.”

Understanding the Marriage Green Card Process

When someone refers to a "marriage green card," they are typically talking about the process of a foreign national marrying a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and then applying for permanent residency (Green Card) based on that marriage. The marriage is the qualifying relationship that allows the foreign spouse to seek lawful permanent residence status in the United States.

How to Get a Green Card Through Marriage

Getting a Green Card through marriage is one of more simple immigration processes and usually involves the following three steps:

• Establishing the marriage relationship by filling out Form I-130.
• Applying for the Green Card or Permant Residency with Form I-485 if the spouse is already in the U.S., or going through consular processing if the spouse is still living outside the country.
• Attending a final interview with USCIS.

If your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card in the mail. If for any reason your Green Card was denied, you should contact Ray Law International right away. There may still be time to appeal the decision by USCIS.

The Chicago Green Card lawyers at Ray Law International are ready to discuss your case today. Call our office at (888) 474-8048 to arrange a consultation!