Processing times for green card applications vary significantly depending on your category of eligibility, your country of birth, and current USCIS workloads, typically ranging from several months to several years. Family-based applications for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens generally process faster than employment-based or preference category applications, which may face longer wait times due to annual numerical limitations.
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Green Cards
Chicago Green Card Lawyers
The process of obtaining permanent resident status, or a “green card,” can be extremely complicated, especially for people who are unfamiliar with U.S. immigration law. Even the simplest of the rules that dictate whether a particular person is eligible to obtain a green card have substantial exceptions that may or may not apply in your case. In addition, the documentation that a green card applicant is required to produce in order to successfully obtain a permanent residency can be extremely complicated, and errors or omissions could very easily result in significant delays or even the denial of your application. For this reason, it is highly advisable for anyone who is seeking a green card to do so with the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer.
In order to obtain a green card, you need to have some recognized basis for applying. Some of the more common ways in which people obtain green cards are discussed below.
Family-Based Green Cards
Individuals who are related to United States citizens may be eligible for permanent residency based on their degree of relation. According to the Immigration & Nationality Act, people with the following relationships to U.S. Citizens may be able to obtain green cards:
- Immediate relatives, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are over 21;
- Family members who fit into a preference category, including unmarried daughters or sons over 21, married children of any age, and siblings of U.S. citizens who are over the age of 21;
- Certain family members of green card holders; and
- Special category members, including survivors of domestic violence or people born to foreign diplomats in the United States.
Employment-Based Green Cards
People seeking permanent resident status can often obtain it through getting a job offer, by investing in an enterprise that creates jobs in the United States, by demonstrating extraordinary ability, by obtaining a National Interest Waiver, or by having a job that fits into a special category such as an Iraqi translator, broadcaster, employee of the Panama Canal, or religious worker.
Asylum or Refugee Status-Based Green Cards
Refugees and asylees who have entered the United States are generally eligible for permanent resident status after one year in the United States for refugees and after one year after the grant of asylum for asylees. Importantly, although asylees are not required to apply for permanent resident status after one year, refugees must.
Importantly, there are many issues that may have the potential to result in the denial of an application for permanent residency. These can include minor criminal convictions, overstaying on a past visa, serious health conditions, or job loss. They can all result in an individual being deemed inadmissible by immigration authorities, an issue that can also be overcome through the legal process.
Contact a Chicago Green Card Attorney Today to Discuss your Case
Individuals who are seeking permanent resident status should always talk to an attorney regarding their situations. Even in the most straightforward and uncomplicated circumstances, the assistance of a Chicago immigration lawyer can make the process of obtaining a green card as simple as possible. To schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers, call Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today at 312-332-2550.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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