Best Green Card Attorney in Chicago

Best Green Card Attorney in Chicago

Did you know it’s often harder to obtain your green card (lawful permanent residence or LPR) than U.S. citizenship? Immigrant visas are limited and highly coveted. They might also take years to obtain. Many aspiring residents struggle to gather the identity documents necessary to submit their green card applications, especially if they came to the United States as children. Sometimes it’s even impossible to acquire original birth certificates after natural disasters or following political turmoil. 

Whether you’re overseas or stateside, contact the best green card attorneys in Chicago at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. With nearly fifty years of experience navigating the LPR process, we might be able to help you and your loved ones become lawful residents of the United States. 

Categories of Immigration Visas in the United States

The phrase green card is a term of art used to describe a permanent resident card issued by USCIS. Applying for a green card means you want to permanently live in the U.S. and potentially become a naturalized citizen. Only certain individuals qualify for green cards, and the U.S. limits the number of immigrant visas available in each category. Country limits and bans might also apply. Generally, you must fall into one of the following categories to apply for lawful permanent residence: 

• Immediate family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses, parents, and minor children (no annual limit) 
• Other family members of U.S. citizens, such as siblings and in-laws, and immediate family members of green card holders 
• Qualified Iraqi/Afghani translators and workers 
• Employer-sponsored preferred workers, including skilled and in-demand workers with advanced degrees, investors, and certain corporate officers
• Special religious workers 
• Citizens of countries selected in the diversity lottery 

Additionally, individuals granted asylum in the U.S. might apply for green cards for themselves and their immediate family members after one year. Our Chicago green card attorneys might also help qualifying individuals with nonimmigrant visas, such as students or temporary workers, apply for an adjustment of status to obtain their immigrant visas. It’s important to connect with our immigration lawyers before your current visa expires to avoid potential legal barriers. 

Basic Requirements for Obtaining Green Card

Many Chicago immigrants qualify for permanent residency but struggle to meet the application and evidentiary requirements. You must generally submit official, original, and lawfully translated birth certificates, marriage licenses, and associated identity documents with your application. You must also obtain official copies of criminal history checks and, if necessary, hire counsel to petition for waivers of potentially disqualifying convictions. Green card applications might also require certain health checks, affidavits, witness statements, and consulate interviews. Most applicants also need financial sponsors who meet certain income guidelines and take ten years of emergency financial responsibility for the applicant.  

Hire the Best Chicago Green Card Lawyers

The visa application process can seem overwhelming, but it’s not impossible with the help of the top-rated LPR attorneys at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. Numerous temporary residency options exist for immigrants waiting for green card approval, especially if you came to the U.S. as a child, need medical assistance, or qualify as an immediate family member. Discuss your case with our multilingual Chicago immigration team today by connecting with us online.