Chicago Immigration Attorney
Green Card Application Process
Sverdloff Law Group
Green Card Application Process
Many foreign people dream of becoming legal U.S. residents, but the process can be difficult. Below is a description of the typical steps an applicant will face when applying for a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card. While this overview can be helpful, no two cases are ever the same, and speaking with a skilled immigration attorney is highly recommended.
1. Request Consultation
It may be best to consult with an immigration attorney before you begin your application. Errors and misunderstandings during the immigration process can delay or prevent you from obtaining a green card. A skilled attorney can advise you on how to avoid costly mistakes.
2. Determine Eligibility
There are five basic categories of eligibility for a green card, which vary based on your circumstances and reason for entering the U.S. This can include sponsorship from a family member or employer, seeking asylum due to persecution in your country of origin, or several other scenarios. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can help determine your eligibility and which type of application is most appropriate for you.
3. Open Case with Sverdloff Law Group
It is possible to file your immigration paperwork without an attorney but having someone on your side who understands the process and can help you prepare for what comes next can be extremely valuable. Our attorneys will explain the fees associated with your case and our payment options before you commit to working with us.
4. Determine Application Process
If you are already in the United States when applying for a green card, you will need to use a process known as adjustment of status. For applicants who live outside the U.S., the application will be processed by a United States Department of State consulate. This is known as consular processing.
5. Prepare Necessary Documents
Demonstrating your eligibility to receive a green card will require you to provide several documents to the U.S. government. Many of these can be submitted online, but some cannot. Your lawyer can assist you in determining which evidence to provide and how to submit it.
6. File Petition
Most green card applicants will start the process by filing an immigrant petition. This is normally filed by a family member or employer if you are living outside the U.S. Once this is processed, a visa number will be issued. For some immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, a visa number is not needed.
7. Apply for Green Card
Once the immigrant petition is approved, and a visa number is available if needed, the next step is normally to register for permanent residency or adjustment of status by filing Form I-485. In some specific cases, a different form may be used.
8. Biometrics Appointment
You will be notified by email that a biometrics interview is needed. This will take place at an Application Support Center and involves collecting fingerprints, photos, and sometimes other data to confirm your identity and complete security checks.
9. Green Card Interview
After reviewing your application, USCIS officials will decide if an in-person interview is necessary. You will be notified of the time and location, and at the interview, you will be required to present originals of all documents submitted with the Form I-485 application.
10. Approval!
Finally, a written decision will be issued, and if approved, you will receive your green card soon after. If the application is denied, you will be informed of why and whether or not you may appeal the decision.
Sverdloff Law Group is Here to Help
If you or a loved one is planning to apply for a green card, our skilled immigration attorney can help. Contact Sverdloff Law Group today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
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Julia Sverdloff, Esq.
Attorney Julia Sverdloff is the founder and owner of Sverdloff Law Group in Chicago, Illinois. Our firm speaks Russian and Spanish.
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Reviews from our clients from around the world.
Very knowledgeable attorney. I had the chance to work with many attorneys last ten years. Julia was most knowledgeable and helpful. She got the job done right. Thank you. Read More
Mirrakhim
Julia's help was invaluable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, straightforward, fast, and empathetic. She was able to solve a green card issue I had been dealing with for 5,5 years in 4 months and helped me with the naturalization process as well. She prepared me thoroughly for the interview, and… Read More
Veronique
Highly recommended!!! Julia and Addilene are amazing, easy reachable and very professional. Read More
Bokica
They work professionally and thoughtfully and I see they always find the best way for their customers. Read More
NyNa N.
My experience with Julia reached my expectations, she handled my case with professionalism, communicating to me every aspect of the matter. I am very satisfied with the results and I recommend her.Thanks again for all your help! Read More
Andreea C.
My family of five recently relocated to the United States, and we were faced with the daunting task of navigating the complex asylum process. Fortunately, we found Julia at Sverdloff Law Group, and she proved to be an exceptional lawyer who guided us through every step of the way. From… Read More
Exceptional Legal Representation for Asylum Cases
Mrs Julia very knowledgeable, and she’s never too busy to respond to my email. My fiancé and I use her law firm for our k1 visa everything went smooth from start to finish. I can’t thank her enough and Dan and I am looking forward to use her service for… Read More
Minedarlyne L.
Julia is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney. You cannot go wrong by hiring her to assist you with your immigration issues! Read More
Pamela F.
Great experience! I’ve hired Julia Sverdloff to support me in two concurrently cases. Her office prepared kit of necessary paperwork with strong evidences. I received instructions what to do. During the naturalization interview I felt confident accompanied by Julia. Everything had happened exactly like she said. After the interview my… Read More
Alexander
Julia is the best immigration law attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, she explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney, then go… Read More
Mir M.
Sverdloff law group is the best immigration and visa attorney I have ever worked with. From our first phone meeting, she explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand she also tells you right away how much you’ll be paying and she’s always very responsive when you have… Read More
Tannahi H.
From the first contact with Sverdloff Law Group and Julia and her team I was delighted with such professionalism and care that they have provided to me in process to obtain the Green card and obtaining the necessary documentation, providing guidance if you are in need to obtain Green card… Read More
Armin C.
Julia and her team were so helpful throughout the entire process of our case. They were super efficient and always very responsive if we had questions or needed updates. They made our case so easy and we got our case approved without having to go on an interview. They are… Read More
Allison P.
We liked the fact that she told the price right away on the phone. Others wanted to say this only in a paid consultation. Julia met us immediately. It was a pleasure to work with her during about 4 years. She prepared us perfectly for the interview. She also did… Read More
Igor S.
The Julia Sverdloff law group is highly professional, trustworthy and exceptional for legal representation that any client may wish to have. I was denied of US Citizenship before, but meeting her as my attorney brought a positive result to become a US citizen today. I highly recommend that anyone looking… Read More
John
I want to start by saying a very big thank you to Julia and her team for their thorough work in getting my adjustment of status filed and approved. I will highly recommend her to every single person who needs an immigration lawyer. Her professionalism and guidance was so impressive.… Read More
Hussaina O.
I have since had a consultation call with Julia and she explained the basics and costs, will certainly be giving it some consideration. Thank you Read More
Jorge A.
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