Trusted Green Card Lawyer

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, we offer 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.

A foreign national who possesses a green card gains a critical foothold toward 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: Building on family relationships with U.S. citizens or permanent residents, this route allows sponsorship for immediate relatives and certain family preference categories
• Employment-Based Green Card: Individuals with specialized skills and job offers can secure green cards through employment-based categories to contribute to the U.S. economy
• Diversity Visa Lottery: The Diversity Visa Program, or green card Lottery, provides an opportunity for citizens of countries with low U.S. immigration rates to apply for permanent 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 after meeting certain requirements
• Special Circumstances: People in particular circumstances, such as human trafficking victims, crime victims, or those granted VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) protection, may also be eligible for a green card

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.

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. However, the wait time for green cards in these categories might be longer due to annual quotas.
• Employers. U.S. employers can sponsor foreign employees for green cards through employment-based categories. This sponsorship is often tied to specific job offers and requires demonstrating the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers for the position.
• 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 special immigrant categories, such as religious workers or Afghan and Iraqi translators, may be eligible to sponsor family members.

How to Obtain a Green Card

Applying for and receiving a green card is a complex process that involves many steps. 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, to adjust your status to that of a lawful permanent resident
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
12. Receive Your Permanent Green Card: 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.

How SimVisa Can Help

A SimVisa green card lawyer can provide vital assistance and legal representation throughout every stage of the green card 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, guaranteeing accuracy and completeness
3. Strategic Guidance: Our immigration lawyers provide tailored strategies to address all manner of potential challenges, including inadmissibility issues or waivers, and enhance the strength of your application
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 that arise

Removal of Conditions Assistance: 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