Green Card
Chicago Green Card Lawyer
Navigating Your Path to Permanent Residency with Expertise and Care
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 arduous 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
Comprehensive Green Card Assistance
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.
Personalized Green Card Consultation
At Ray Law International, we understand that every individual's immigration journey is unique. That's why we offer personalized green card consultations to assess your specific situation and provide tailored guidance on the best path to permanent residency in the United States. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers will take the time to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and develop a customized strategy to help you achieve your green card goals.
During your consultation, we will:
- Review your immigration history and current status
- Discuss your eligibility for different green card categories
- Explain the application process and required documentation
- Address any concerns or challenges you may face
Take the first step towards securing your green card by scheduling a consultation with Ray Law International. We are committed to providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.
Top Benefits of a U.S. Green Card
Obtaining a Green Card, also known as Lawful Permanent Residency, is a significant milestone for individuals seeking to live and work permanently in the United States. Having a Green Card offers numerous benefits that can positively impact your personal and professional life.
Some of the key advantages of obtaining a Green Card include:
- Live and work permanently: With a Green Card, you can live and work in the United States indefinitely without needing a visa or work permit. This provides you with stability and security in your professional pursuits.
- Travel freely: As a Green Card holder, you can travel outside the United States and return without a visa. This allows you to visit your home country or travel internationally for business or pleasure.
- Access to government benefits: Green Card holders are eligible for certain government benefits, such as healthcare, education, and social security. These benefits can contribute to your overall well-being and quality of life.
- Sponsor family members: Once you have a Green Card, you can sponsor certain family members to become Lawful Permanent Residents. This enables you to reunite with your loved ones and build a life together in the United States.
- Path to citizenship: Holding a Green Card puts you on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen. After meeting certain requirements, such as maintaining continuous residency and passing a citizenship test, you can apply for naturalization and enjoy the full rights and privileges of being a U.S. citizen.
At Ray Law International, our experienced Green Card attorneys in Novi, MI, are dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complex immigration process and achieve their immigration goals. Whether you need assistance with the application process, understanding eligibility requirements, or resolving any legal issues, we are here to provide expert guidance and support.
Learn more about how our Chicago green card lawyer can help you by contacting us online or by calling (888) 474-8048 today!
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.
Our Chicago green card lawyers 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.
What Types Of Employment-Based Green Card Categories Are Available And Which One Is Right For Me?
As Chicago green card attorneys, we guide clients through the various employment-based green card categories to find the best fit for their circumstances.
The primary categories include:
- EB-1: Priority workers, including individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, and multinational executives.
- EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability.
- EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
- EB-4: Special immigrants, including religious workers.
- EB-5: Investors making substantial financial commitments to U.S. businesses.
Choosing the right category depends on your qualifications, job offer, and long-term career goals. Employment green card lawyers at Ray Law International can assess your situation, help navigate the application process, and ensure you meet the necessary criteria for your selected category. Our expertise ensures you receive tailored advice, aligning your career ambitions with the most suitable immigration pathway. Reach out to us for personalized guidance on securing your employment-based green card.
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