Chicago Consular Processing & Adjustment of Status Attorneys
Obtaining permanent residence status (a green card) in the United States can confer a number of important benefits to individuals. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), there are two main ways through which a person can obtain permanent resident status – consular processing and adjustment of status. While both methods achieve the same result, there are important differences of which potential immigrants should be aware. In addition, both consular processing and adjustment of status can be extremely complicated, so it is highly advisable for anyone seeking permanent resident status through either process to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Consular Processing
Consular processing is used by people overseas who are the beneficiaries of an approved immigrant petition and have an immigrant number immediately available. In order to obtain permanent resident status, they must apply at U.S. consulate abroad for an immigrant visa in order to be admitted into the United States as a permanent resident. The steps associated with consular processing are as follows:
- Determine whether you have the ability to immigrate
- File the appropriate immigrant petition
- Obtain a decision on your petition
- Wait for the National Visa Center to inform you that an immigrant visa number will be coming available
- Attend an appointment at the consular office
- Notify the Visa Center of any Changes
- Obtain a visa packet to present to a Customs and Border Protection Officer
- Receive your green card
Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of status, on the other hand, permits an individual who is already in the United States to change his or her status from non-immigrant or permanent immigrant status. In order to obtain an adjustment of status, a person must meet all required qualifications for permanent resident status in a given category. The steps involved with obtaining adjustment of status include the following:
- Determine whether you have a basis to immigrate
- File the appropriate immigrant petition
- Check to see whether there are visas available in your category
- File Form I-485
- Provide biometric information at your Application Support Center
- Attend your interview, if applicable
- Obtain a final decision through the mail
Importantly, if you are denied an adjustment of status, your notification will inform you whether you have the right to appeal. In some cases, you may not. If you do have the right to appeal, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the date on which you were served the decision. In some cases, you may be able to file a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider. If any of these appeal options apply to you, you should contact an attorney immediately.
Contact A Chicago Immigration Law Firm Today
Whether you are seeking permanent resident status through consular processing or through an adjustment of status, the assistance of an attorney can be invaluable. In many cases, retaining an attorney can help make the process go much more quickly and efficiently, and can also help avoid any issues before they even arise. For more than 40 years, the Chicago consular processing and adjustment of status lawyers of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC have been helping people with legal issues related to United States immigration law. To schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at 312-332-2550.
I highly recommend attorney Brittni and Legal assistant Violetta. Their expertise and professionalism were instrumental in successfully handling our case. They guided us, answered all our questions, and ensured everything was submitted accurately and on time. Thanks to their efforts, we achieved a positive outcome. I’m immensely grateful for their outstanding service and highly recommend them to anyone seeking immigration assistance.
I highly recommend this firm to the folks who really need any type of legal advice, assistance in any of theirs issues. Whole team is very knowledgeable, dedicated and truly committed. Laura McClure is really one of their GEMS . She always without missing even one emails in the whole process, very promptly she gets back. If you really want to get your process done, this is the firm I recommend.
One of my relatives just received her Green Card and the credit goes to Kevin Raica and his Paralegal, Aga Bogdanowicz. The final “Adjust Status Petition” including the supporting documentation was 128 pages long! There is no way we could have compiled this level of detail much less have it be error free on our own. The whole process took around 8 months which is to be expected; however, the Petition package was so complete that no interview was required. If you ever have need of immigration legal service you just can’t go wrong with Kevin Raica and the immigration…
My international partner and I needed assistance with completing the process to receive a green card and residency in the United States. I am astounded with how quickly we received residency status thanks to the experience and quality of Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Attorney Kevin Raica was a pleasure to work with and demonstrated professionalism and depth of knowledge with the process. Paralegal Donald Rogers was attentive to all the details, followed-up with us, and ensured all of our documents were submitted on time and tracked. I can't praise this firm enough for how easy they made what could be…
Our Team Of Attorneys
Founding member of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC & serves as our Of Counsel.
VISIT PROFILE
Dedicated to the practice of Immigration & Nationality Law.
VISIT PROFILE
Erin Cobb is a member of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC
VISIT PROFILE
Matthew S. Kriezelman is a member at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC.
VISIT PROFILE
Lauren McClure is an Associate Attorney with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC.
VISIT PROFILE
Brittni Rivera is an Associate Attorney with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC.
VISIT PROFILE
Kevin Raica is an Associate Attorney with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC.
VISIT PROFILE
Nicole Provax is an Associate Attorney with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC.
VISIT PROFILE
Khiabett Osuna is an Associate Attorney with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC.
VISIT PROFILE