Schaumburg Immigration Lawyers

Schaumburg Immigration Lawyers

Ways to Seek a Green Card

A green card is a way to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. A green card is also called a lawful permanent resident or LPR. Immigrants who wish to move to the United States must seek a green card through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS offers several categories or options under which you can apply for a green card. A knowledgeable Schaumburg immigration lawyer will review your situation and help you determine your options to file for lawful permanent residency.

Green Card Eligibility Categories

There are a variety of eligibility categories for green card applications. Some of these include green cards through family, through employment, by proving exceptional ability, through refugee or asylum status, for victims of abuse, and for victims of crime or human trafficking, among others. Of these, the most common categories are family and employment. Many people have the ability to apply for permanent resident status because of their relationship with a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. 

Green Card Through Family

Obtaining a green card through family is one of the best options. Family immigration allows immediate family members to seek lawful permanent resident status and is one of the fastest and easiest paths to a green card. To qualify, you must be the spouse, unmarried child under the age of 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen. You may also qualify if you are a family member of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under family-based preference categories. A fiance of a U.S. citizen is also eligible. Additionally, an abused spouse, parent, or child may also be eligible to apply for a green card. 

Green Card for Those with Exceptional Abilities

A person who has an advanced degree and years of experience or other notable credentials may be eligible for a green card through the EB-2 category. This type of visa is an employee-based visa without having the requirement of employer sponsorship. This type of visa is for individuals who have advanced skills in their field of expertise and are, therefore, in demand in the United States. You will need to prove that you have exceptional abilities in order to qualify for this type of green card. 

Refugees and Others

There is a pathway for those who are refugees from places that are dangerous. If someone is seeking asylum from a dangerous country, they may be eligible to apply for a green card. To be eligible, you must come from a country that is designated as such by the USCIS. Also, there is a limited number of visa applicants that are accepted each year from specific countries. You can learn more about this on the USCIS website or from your knowledgeable Schaumburg immigration lawyer. 

It can take months or years to obtain a green card, depending on the category under which you apply. You may qualify for a green card under more than one category, so it is best to discuss the matter with skilled Schaumburg immigration lawyers to determine the best choice in your situation. To learn more about the green card process, contact our Schaumburg immigration lawyers at Sverdloff Law Group at (312) 238-9090.