Trusted Green Card Lawyers

Trusted Green Card Lawyers at Your Service

Our Chicago immigration attorneys are your steadfast partners in securing citizenship. With a deep understanding of the complexities involved, our experienced immigration attorney offers legal services and guidance that transcends geographic boundaries.

Our commitment to our clients extends across the entire United States. No matter where you’re located, our experienced team will ensure that you receive the same exceptional legal service we provide to everyone we work with. Our law firm will offer personalized consultation and support every step of the way.

Reach out to a dedicated immigration lawyer today to learn more about how to obtain a green card.

What Is a Green Card?

A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a government-issued document that confers lawful permanent resident status to foreign nationals in the United States. This status allows qualifying individuals to live and work indefinitely within the country’s borders, providing them with lawful permanent residency.

A foreign national who possesses a green card gains a critical foothold in achieving the American dream, as they can access various rights and opportunities similar to those of U.S. citizens, including education, healthcare, and the ability to sponsor immediate family members for immigration.

The Different Pathways to a Green Card

You can take several different routes to obtain a green card, each of which is tailored to specific circumstances:

• Family-based green card: Based on family relationships with U.S. citizens or permanent residents, this green card allows sponsorship for immediate relatives.
• Employment-based green card: Individuals with specialized skills and job offers can secure green cards through employment-based categories.
• Diversity visa lottery: The Diversity Visa Program, or green card lottery, lets citizens of countries with low U.S. immigration rates apply for residency via random selection.
• Asylum or refugee status: Those fleeing persecution in their home countries can seek asylum or refugee status in the U.S., paving the way to a green card.
• Special circumstances: People in some circumstances, such as human trafficking victims or those with Violence Against Women Act protection, may also be eligible.

Each pathway has unique criteria and intricacies. Our immigration lawyers are equipped to guide you through these routes and ensure that your transition to permanent resident status is smooth and successful by skillfully navigating the complexities of the immigration process.

Who Is Eligible to Sponsor Someone for a Green Card?

Certain individuals in the U.S. can sponsor someone for a green card based on their relationship and immigration status. The following categories of sponsors are typically eligible:

• U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens can sponsor their immediate family relations, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings, provided they’re at least 21 years old.
• Permanent residents (green card holders): Permanent residents can sponsor their spouses and unmarried children under 21 for green cards.
• Employers: U.S. employers can sponsor foreign employees for green cards through employment-based categories.
• Asylum-seekers and refugees: Residents granted asylum or refugee status can sponsor their spouses and children for green cards.
• Special immigrant categories: People in certain categories, such as religious workers or Afghan and Iraqi translators, may be eligible to sponsor family members.

Hiring a lawyer for green card applications can help navigate the complexities of obtaining lawful permanent residency.

How to Obtain a Green Card

Applying for and receiving a green card is a complex process that involves many steps, and consulting with an immigration attorney can be crucial to navigating this process successfully. Here’s an overview of some of the most important requirements.

1. Determine your eligibility: Eligibility is based on categories like family relationships, employment opportunities, asylum, or special circumstances.
2. File a petition: If required, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member or employer can file a petition on your behalf to establish your eligibility.
3. Wait for approval: Wait for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process and approve the submitted petition.
4. Get a visa number: For certain categories, you must wait for a visa number to become available based on priority dates and annual quotas.
5. File Form I-485: Once a visa number is available, file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
6. Schedule a biometrics appointment: At this appointment, you’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken and provide a copy of your signature.
7. Receive a medical examination: Next, you’ll undergo an examination by an approved physician to ensure that you meet the established health requirements.
8. Attend an interview: An interview with USCIS may be required, during which an immigration officer will assess your eligibility and application.
9. Await a decision: Wait for USCIS to make a decision about your application.
10. Receive a conditional green card (if applicable): If your eligibility is based on marriage, you may receive a conditional marriage green card that’s valid for two years.
11. Apply for removal of conditions (if applicable): If you have a conditional green card, you must apply to remove conditions within 90 days of its expiration date.

Once conditions are removed, or if you applied for a non-conditional green card, you’ll receive a permanent green card.

When Will You Get Your Green Card?

The time it takes to receive your green card will hinge on numerous factors, including your application type, USCIS workload, application accuracy, adjudication complexity, service center location, and priority dates.

While timelines can vary, our experienced immigration attorneys will be there to guide you through the process, making sure you’re well-prepared and informed at every juncture. Trust that your bid for permanent residency is in capable hands. In some cases, legal proceedings may be required, and representation in immigration court can be crucial to navigate these challenges effectively.

How SimVisa Can Help

A SimVisa green card attorney can provide vital assistance throughout every stage of the application process. Here are just a few ways an immigration lawyer can help you:

1. Assessment: Our experienced Chicago green card lawyers will evaluate your green card eligibility to determine the best pathway for your unique circumstances.
2. Documentation support: We’ll meticulously compile and review all required forms and documentation for accuracy and completeness.
3. Strategic guidance: Our immigration lawyers provide tailored strategies to address all manner of potential challenges, including inadmissibility issues or waivers.
4. Interview preparation: If an interview is required, we’ll help you get ready, ensuring that you’re confident and ready to present your case effectively when the time comes.
5. Timely updates: We’ll keep you informed about the progress of your application, making sure you’re up-to-date at all times.
6. Reliable advocacy: We’ll advocate tirelessly on your behalf, acting as a go-between with USCIS to get your application processed smoothly and address any concerns.

Furthermore, if you have a conditional green card, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to remove conditions and obtain a permanent green card.