Chicago Green Card Lawyer
Officially called a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, a green card allows you to live and work in the U.S., and offers an eventual path to citizenship. A Chicago green card lawyer at Cho Immigration Law will help you navigate the various stages of applying for and obtaining lawful permanent resident status.
We have more than 30 years of experience guiding clients through the process of obtaining green cards, so they can begin living their versions of the American Dream.
Whether you’re seeking to join family already living in the U.S., pursuing job opportunities, or needing asylum, we will explain how to become a lawful permanent resident. Our green card immigration attorneys act as advisors and advocates, walking you through each step toward setting down your roots in the U.S.
Contact a Chicago green card lawyer at Cho Immigration Law, for a free consultation.
Call (312) 853-3088
What Is a Green Card?
The green card is an essential immigration document issued by the U.S. government to foreign nationals who have applied for, qualified for, and received lawful, permanent resident status. It serves as proof an individual has the right to indefinitely live and work in the U.S., and allows travel in and out of the country. Additionally, green card holders may take advantage of many government-offered benefits, including certain Social Security benefits, access to public education, and eligibility for federal student aid.
In exchange for the rights afforded to those granted green cards, they also take on certain responsibilities. These include paying state and federal taxes, registering for Selective Service (if applicable), and obeying all U.S. laws. Failing to meet these obligations can jeopardize your status.
Benefits of Having a Green Card
A green card offers far more than just the right to live in the U.S. It opens doors to opportunities, protections, and stability that nonimmigrant visas cannot match:
- Work Freedom: Ability to work for any U.S. employer without visa sponsorship.
- Travel Flexibility: Easier re-entry into the U.S. after international travel.
- Legal Protections: Security from deportation under most circumstances.
- Family Sponsorship: Ability to petition for certain relatives to immigrate.
- Path to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
For many, securing a green card is the most important step toward building a permanent life in America.
Green Card Eligibility Categories
Depending on your circumstances, several eligibility categories exist through which you may obtain lawful permanent resident status. To apply for this status, you will need to meet the criteria of one of these categories. A green card immigration lawyer will help you determine where you fit, and guide you through the process to secure your place in the U.S.
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Family-Based Green Card
The U.S. immigration process emphasizes the importance of keeping families together. Through a family-based green card, a U.S. citizen or green card holder can sponsor certain family members for lawful permanent resident status. Eligible family members include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21-years-old, and parents. More distant relatives may also be eligible under certain circumstances, though these cases often involve longer wait times.
Employment-Based Green Card
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also has preference categories for those seeking permanent residency for employment-based reasons or opportunities. This category covers workers with specialized skills, investors contributing substantial capital to the U.S. economy, and professionals in industries facing labor shortages. There are five preference levels, with EB-1 reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability and EB-5 for immigrant investors.
Special Immigrant Status
The special immigrant preference category recognizes those who have served the U.S. For example, current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, certain embassy or international organization employees, religious workers, and international broadcasters may have preference in getting approved for lawful permanent resident status. These cases often require unique documentation and legal arguments to establish eligibility.
Asylee or Refugee Status
USCIS also offers preferential consideration for those seeking refuge from persecution in their home countries. After a year, those granted asylum in the U.S. become eligible to apply for green cards. This path offers long-term security and a route to citizenship.
Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes
Victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes may qualify for U visas and T visas. Under certain conditions, they may pursue lawful permanent resident status after receiving a U- or T-visa, offering them legal status and protection, and the chance to rebuild their lives. These cases require proof of cooperation with law enforcement and evidence of continued eligibility.
Diversity Visa Lottery
Eligibility for a green card in the U.S. may also come through the USCIS diversity visa lottery program. Through the lottery, those whose home countries have historically low immigration rates may receive lawful permanent resident status through random allocation. Winning the lottery does not guarantee a green card, but it allows you to apply under this special category.
At Cho Immigration Law, our legal team will help you identify your eligibility status and category, and guide you through the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident.
Common Challenges and How We Overcome Them
Many applicants run into issues during the green card process that can cause costly delays or denials. Our Chicago immigration lawyers know how to anticipate and address these problems, including:
- Missing or incorrect documentation
- Inconsistencies between application forms and supporting evidence
- USCIS requests for additional evidence (RFEs)
- Criminal record complications
- Prior immigration violations or overstays
- Category quota backlogs
We proactively prepare your case to avoid these pitfalls and respond quickly to any issues that arise.
How To Apply for a Green Card
Applying to obtain a green card in the U.S. is a multistep process. The green card application process depends on your category, location, and immigration history. Generally, it involves:
- Determining Eligibility – Identifying the correct immigrant category for your situation.
- Filing an Immigrant Petition – Typically filed by a sponsoring family member or employer, though some individuals can self-petition.
- Completing Form I-485 – The Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (if inside the U.S.). If you are abroad, you’ll go through consular processing instead.
- Biometrics Appointment – Providing fingerprints, photographs, and signatures for background checks.
- USCIS Interview – Attending an in-person interview with an immigration officer.
- Decision – USCIS will approve, deny, or request additional evidence.
Mistakes at any stage can result in significant delays or even denial. Working with an experienced Chicago green card lawyer can help ensure every document is complete, every deadline is met, and every interview is properly prepared for.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
Processing times vary greatly based on your category, country of origin, and whether you are applying from inside the U.S. or abroad.
- Family-Based: 10 months to several years, depending on relationship and visa category.
- Employment-Based: 12 months to multiple years, based on demand and priority dates.
- Asylee or Refugee: About 1 year after asylum or refugee status is granted.
USCIS backlogs and changes in immigration law can affect timelines. Our attorneys help prevent avoidable delays by ensuring your application is complete and properly filed the first time.
Green Card Renewal and Replacement
If your green card is about to expire, has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for renewal or replacement as soon as possible to avoid legal complications.
- Renewal: File Form I-90 within 6 months before expiration.
- Replacement: Required if your card is lost, stolen, or contains incorrect information.
- Conditional Cards: If you have a 2-year conditional green card, you must file Form I-751 to remove conditions before it expires.
Failing to renew or replace your green card on time can impact your ability to work, travel, or eventually apply for citizenship.
Why Hire a Chicago Green Card Immigration Lawyer?
Applying for lawful permanent residency in the U.S. is a complex process that deals with ever-changing regulations. The experienced green card attorneys at our law firm stay up-to-date on these changes, giving us the knowledge needed to handle your case with proficiency.
When you hire our green car attorneys, we will:
- Identify the best eligibility category for your case.
- Prepare and file all necessary forms and supporting evidence.
- Track deadlines and respond quickly to USCIS requests.
- Represent you in interviews and hearings.
- Help avoid errors that could cause delays or denials.
A mistake on a green card application can set you back months or even years. With professional legal guidance, you can streamline the process and maximize your chances of approval.
Why Choose Cho Immigration Law?
- 30+ Years of Immigration Law Experience
- Track Record of Successful Green Card Approvals
- Personalized Case Strategies
- Multilingual Staff to Assist Diverse Clients
- Convenient Chicago Office Near USCIS and Consulates
We are committed to guiding you through the process with precision, compassion, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.
FAQs About Lawful Permanent Residency in the United States
Is it possible for a U.S. green card to expire?
Yes. With few exceptions, U.S. green cards are valid for up to 10-years. To keep your lawful permanent resident status, you must renew your card before it expires. Failing to do so may void your status, and cause issues with travel, employment, and access to benefits.
Renewing your green card will follow a similar process to that of your initial application. You must complete and submit the appropriate form with supporting documentation and pay a filing fee. In some cases, you may be required to attend a biometric appointment. After processing your application, which can take several months, USCIS will issue a decision. You will receive your new card in the mail if approved.
Can I become a U.S. citizen after getting my green card?
Yes. Getting a green card is an important first step toward citizenship. To apply to become a U.S. citizen, you must have held your green card for three or five years, depending on the circumstances, and have continuously resided in the U.S. during that time. Any extended periods of time spent outside the U.S. may affect your eligibility.
In addition to these requirements, you must also show good moral character and pass an English and civics test demonstrating you can speak, read, and write in English, and that you have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.
Can a U.S. green card holder sponsor a family member for a green card?
Yes, green card holders can sponsor certain family members to obtain green cards themselves, and become lawful permanent residents. Eligible family members include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21-years-old, and other immediate relatives. Green cardholders seeking to sponsor family members should keep in mind that they will have to prove financial stability and have a willingness to take on responsibility for the sponsored family member.