Live and Work in Chicago With a Green Card

Chicago, home to almost three million green card holders, offers many opportunities. A green card, officially known as a Permanent Residence Card, allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. Having a green card in Chicago opens the door to a promising future.

Applying for a green card in Chicago, brings many challenges and can be an overwhelming process that takes months to years. An experienced Chicago green card attorney can help you:

• Navigate the steps
• Accurately fill out forms
• Manage any obstacles that arise
• Speed along the process as much as possible

Our green card lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you obtain any type of green card.

Types of Green Cards

There are many categories and subcategories of green cards to help you live out your dreams in Chicago. The following are some of the most common. A Chicago immigration lawyer for green cards can help you navigate any type of green card process.

1. Chicago Family-Based Green Card

You are eligible to apply for a family-based green card in Chicago through various kinds of familial relationships.

Immediate Relative of a United States Citizen

• Married to a U.S. citizen
• Unmarried child who is under the age of 21
• Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21

Other Relatives of a United States Citizen

• Unmarried son or daughter who is under the age of 21
• Married son or daughter
• Brother or sister who is at least 21

Relatives of a Lawful Permanent Resident

• Spouse
• Unmarried child who is under the age of 21
• Unmarried son or daughter who is under the age of 21

Other Categories

• Fiance(é) or fiance(é)’s child
• Widow(er)
• Family member who is a victim of abuse

2. Chicago Employment-Based Green Card

Chicago needs diversely skilled workers in many industries. The following are examples of who may be eligible for an employment-based green card.

First Preference Immigrant Worker

• Extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
• Outstanding professor or researcher
• Multinational executive or manager

Second Preference Immigrant Worker

• Member of a profession that requires a degree
• Exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business
• Seeking a National Interest Waiver

Third Preference Immigrant Worker

• A skilled worker whose job requires two years or more of training or work experience
• A professional whose job requires a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent
• An unskilled worker who requires less than two years of training

Physician National Interest Waiver

This is for physicians who agree to work in a clinical setting in an underserved area.

Immigrant Investor

As an investor, you may qualify for a Chicago green card if you have invested, or are investing, at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial venture that will create full-time employment for at least 10 employees. Another route is if you have invested $800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project.

Chicago Special Immigrant Green Card

Several other green card paths to Chicago in the special immigrant category include the following, but this is a partial list. Our Chicago green card lawyers can help you find the best path for your unique circumstances.

• Religious worker
• Abused juvenile
• Afghanistan or Iraq national
• International broadcaster
• Through a relationship with NATO
• Refugee or asylee status
• Human trafficking and crime victims
• Victims of abuse
• Selected by the diversity visa lottery

Chicago Green Card Process Step by Step

If you live in Chicago and want to apply for a green card, you must take several steps and carefully navigate the process by correctly completing all the required forms and turning them in promptly. Applying for a green card is also known as an “adjustment of status.”

• Step 1: Usually, someone, such as an employer or family member, files an immigrant petition for you. You can file for yourself in some circumstances.
• Step 2: If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your petition and your visa card category is available, you can file a green card application with USCIS, Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
• Step 3: USCIS will mail you a notice for your biometrics services appointment. This appointment includes fingerprinting, photographs, and gathering your signature. Biometrics are used to verify identity and for a background and security check.
• Step 4: USCIS will contact you for an interview to answer questions under oath if necessary. You must also bring certain documents, such as your passport.
• Step 5: You must respond to any additional questions and inquiries.
• Step 6: You will receive written notification as to whether or not your application is approved or denied.

Chicago Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards

When you apply for a green card, you want to ensure the best possible outcome. Our experienced Chicago green card attorneys are here to guide you through the process whether you are seeking an employment-based green card, family-based green card, or any other category of green card.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your Chicago green card.