What to Expect During the Green Card Process
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Many people living in the United States on a temporary visa, or even with no status at all, seek ways to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders). The process of becoming a green card holder is tedious, long, and sometimes just frustrating. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, we have experienced immigration attorneys who routinely guide clients in the Chicago area to successfully apply for and obtain green cards.
Steps in Green Card Application Process:
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Determining Basis for Applying
There are two primary avenues through which one can obtain a green card, and these are employment or family-based immigration. There are other situations under which one can obtain a green card, but these two are the most common. You should first determine what is the best basis to proceed under, and if you are not sure, an experienced immigration lawyer.
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Preparing and Filing Application
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the agency that handles all applications and petitions for immigration benefits such as green cards. In some cases, the agency works in collaboration with the U.S. State Department, especially in cases involving applicants outside the United States. As with all government benefits, an application with USCIS is paperwork heavy.
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Obtaining Work Authorization
Depending on what type or category under which one applies for a green card, you may be eligible to also apply for an employment authorization document (EAD). An EAD will normally be approved so long as that application for the green card was properly filed within the United States, and under a proper basis.
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Biometrics
After you have filed your application for a green card, USCIS will send you a letter of appointment to have your biometrics (fingerprints, photo, and signature) taken at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) nearest to you. It is important not to miss this appointment because doing so will result in further delay in this already lengthy process.
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Interview
An interview for a green card will be conducted at a local USCIS office if the applicant is in the United States or at an embassy or consulate closest to the address listed on the application. As with the biometrics appointment, the applicant invited for the interview must attend – otherwise, the application will be denied or the applicant will suffer long delays in having the case reopened or rescheduled for another interview date. A decision to approve or not to approve the application will be made either during or after the interview.
A Chicago Immigration Lawyer Can Assist With the Process
If you are applying for a green card and wish to go through the process seamlessly, contact our office to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.
What Our Clients Say
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Highly recommend attorney Kevin Raica and attorney Agata Bigdanowicz. They were super helpful, responded on time, and won my case in record time. It took about a month and half in total for me to get my approval after filing!
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
Hay momentos en la vida en los que una familia siente que el mundo se detiene. Nosotros vivimos uno de esos momentos y, en medio de la incertidumbre y el miedo, tuvimos la fortuna de encontrar a la abogada Sheila McNulty y al paralegal Rafael Rodríguez . Nos escucharon con empatía, nos guiaron con paciencia y defendieron nuestro caso con un profesionalismo, una dedicación y una calidad humana realmente excepcionales.…
We would like to take a moment to sincerely thank Khiabett for her exceptional work and dedication in handling my husband’s removal proceedings case. We also want to thank Agata for her great communication during the gathering of all documents. Khiabett we are incredibly grateful for your expertise, guidance, and persistence throughout the entire process. I can't thank you enough for your empathy and standing by me during such a…
Justin Burton is extremely professional knowledgeable and helpful. I’m extremely thankful for his help and patience with my case. I strongly advise to use his services and refer him to anybody in need of legal help. Thank you.
I wanted to share my experience and say that attorney Britney Rivera is extremely competent in her work. I had heard from friends that she was a very strong lawyer, and she certainly proved to be one. She won our case in a very short time, and my family and I are incredibly grateful to her!🌹And a big thank you to her team as well!🌹🌹🌹
Huge thanks to Attorney Matthew for his incredible support on our immigration case! 🙏 He was professional, responsive, and his expertise led to a successful outcome. We truly appreciate his hard work and highly recommend his service.
I’m deeply grateful to God for leading us to this law firm; it is a true blessing to work with such professional and passionate individuals. Their dedication and commitment help make a difficult situation far less traumatic. In our case, we received 100% support from Attorney Andrea Ochoa and paralegal Rafael. May God bless them and allow them to continue this wonderful work. Thank you—a thousand thanks.
I give my total recommendation and trust in this great organization that has supported me and my family in very difficult times, especially the lawyer Andrea Ochoa and her paralegal Rafael who were little angels that God has sent us to be able to face all the obstacles that we have had along the way. Thank you very much with all my heart. ❤️
I have heard from several people that Brittni is a great attorney. When my friend was detained, I recommended Brittni to take his case. She did an amazing job putting together all the necessary information, especially given that we had only a couple of days to submit the habeas corpus application. She and her team worked very professionally and provided clear guidance throughout. She stayed in touch consistently and was…
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