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.
Lo que dicen nuestras clientas
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I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my attorney, Brittni Rivera, for her professionalism and support during a very difficult time. I was in detention for 6 months, and thanks to her hard work and filing a habeas corpus petition, I was finally released. In addition, when I was released, ICE did not return my documents. Brittni did not ignore this issue — she took action and successfully…
My aunt was recently detained by ICE and sent to El Paso, Texas to the East Montana Detention Facility. This place is essentially a prison in the middle of the desert, and the majority of the detainees here get deported. My family and I interviewed a dozen immigration attorneys around the country to help my aunt, and we decided to hire Kevin Raica, an attorney with Kriezelman Burton and Associates.…
Our case was very difficult, and at times it felt like there was no way out. My wife was detained for a long period of time, and it was an extremely challenging experience for our family. Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC truly changed our situation. I would especially like to thank our attorney, Brittni Rivera, as well as Natalia. They were attentive, honest, and always ready to help. It was…
I cannot recommend Kevin Raica highly enough. He helped me successfully obtain my U.S. green card, and the entire process was smooth and stress-free because of his expertise and dedication. From start to finish, Kevin was professional, organized, and extremely knowledgeable about immigration law. He made sure every document was prepared correctly and took the time to explain each step clearly. Anytime I had questions, he responded promptly and made…
Great experience with this attorney office. They helped me with my I-751 waiver after divorce. Kevin was very professional, and supported me through the interview. Everything went smoothly and my case was approved. Highly recommend!
We contacted Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, based on a recommendation, when my wife was detained by ICE. Attorney Khiabett Osuna handled our case, and it turned out to be the right choice. From the very beginning, she proved herself to be a caring and competent professional, clearly explaining the process. You can tell she's truly invested in each case and achieving results for her clients. We've also heard of…
I would like to express my gratitude to Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and especially to attorney Khiabett Osuna, who handled my case. I contacted them based on a recommendation and have never regretted it. From the very beginning, she demonstrated high professionalism. I could tell she was genuinely committed to the outcome and was doing everything possible to protect her client.
Mr. Kriezelman, Mr. Burton and Ms. Erin Cobb, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for handling my case. Your knowledge and dedication to my case is truly appreciated. Thank you.
I highly recommend Brittni Rivera. We are very grateful to her and the entire team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Your dedication, responsiveness, and compassion made an enormous difference during an incredibly difficult time. Serving as the liaison between Brittni Rivera and our friend in ICE detention, I saw firsthand how tirelessly she worked guiding us through the process, answering every question, and never losing sight of the humanity at…
Andrea C. Ochoa is truly the best of the best. ❤️ Our family went through one of the most difficult and frightening experiences of our lives when Feruz was detained by ICE. We felt lost, scared, and unsure of what would happen next. From the very beginning, Andrea brought us not only her professionalism and deep legal knowledge, but also something even more important — hope. She guided us through…
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