Chicago Immigration Attorney
Green Card FAQs
Who is Eligible for a Green Card?
Eligibility for a Green Card is determined by several factors. You may qualify if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Special class individuals recognized by the US Government.
- Winners of the diversity visa lottery.
- Previous refugees granted asylum due to persecution in the homeland.
- Sponsorship by a US-based employer.
- Sponsorship by a relative who is a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the US.
How Long Does it Take to Receive a Green Card?
The length of time it takes to receive a Green Card varies greatly and depends on the category you fall under. The waiting times are divided into preference categories:
- First preference: adults aged 21 years or older, unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens.
- Second preference: unmarried children of lawful permanent residents, spouses, and unmarried sons/daughters of the same.
- Third preference: married daughters and sons of US citizens.
- Fourth preference: sisters and brothers of adult US citizens.
How Do I Apply for a Green Card?
To apply for a Green Card, follow these steps:
- Determine your eligibility.
- File an immigrant petition.
- Wait for the petition to be approved.
- Obtain an immigrant visa number.
- Adjust your status if you are already in the United States or go through consular processing if you are outside the United States.
- Attend a biometrics appointment.
- Attend a Green Card interview.
- Receive a decision on your application.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a Green Card?
The cost of applying for a Green Card varies depending on your specific circumstances. The fees typically include filing fees, biometrics fees, and any additional fees associated with the application. For the most up-to-date fee information, consult with an immigration attorney or visit the official USCIS website.
Can I Work and Live Anywhere in the US with a Green Card?
Yes, with a Green Card, you have the right to live and work legally anywhere in the United States. After holding a Green Card for three to five years, you can also begin the process of qualifying for citizenship. Keep in mind that certain jobs may require additional authorization or security clearance, but overall, a Green Card grants you the freedom to work and live in the US.
What Happens if My Green Card Expires?
If your Green Card expires, you are still considered a lawful permanent resident. However, it is important to renew your Green Card as soon as possible to avoid any complications or issues with travel or employment. To renew your Green Card, you will need to file Form I-90 and pay the filing fee.
Can I Lose My Green Card?
Green Cards can be lost in a few different ways:
- Committing certain crimes that lead to deportation.
- Residing outside of the United States for an extended period of time without obtaining a re-entry permit.
- Failing to disclose information or commit fraud during the Green Card application process.
If you believe you may lose your Green Card for any reason, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible. They can help assess your situation and provide guidance on how to maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident. Overall, maintaining compliance with US immigration laws and regulations is crucial for keeping your Green Card. So, make sure to stay informed regarding any changes or updates that may affect your status.
Julia Sverdloff, Esq.
Attorney Julia Sverdloff is the founder and owner of Sverdloff Law Group in Chicago, Illinois. Our firm speaks Ukranian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Spanish.
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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
I received my Permanent Resident Card in the mail today. I'm impressed by this lawyer's expertise. Julia Sverdloff handled my case with professionalism and achieved an outstanding result. I truly appreciate all your help and definitely recommend the firm. Read More
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Julia was extremely supportive throughout my case, she is very experienced and knowledgeable about immigration laws. She understands the nature of the issues and helps during the whole process. She listens to the clients and pays attention to their needs. I felt extremely confident in her presence during my interview.… Read More
Sana
I cannot thank Julia and her team enough for all the help and support during our challenging immigration process. My husband finally got his green card, and we were so glad we trusted Julia to lead us through this journey. If you are looking for an immigration layer, she is… Read More
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My experience with Attorney Julia Sverdloff has been excellent, her service and dedication is outstanding. She is honest and professional with her approach to my concerns. I trust her expertise. I would highly recommend her to represent any complex legal matter. Read More
Shelssie K.
I had a great experience with Julia while filing my permanent residency and travel document applications. The entire process went smoothly; she answered all my questions in detail and provided support throughout. This isn't the first time Julia's office has assisted me with my immigration inquiries, and each time, they… Read More
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Sverdloff Law Group and Julia was the best law firm I have ever worked with . Julia is so kind and understanding and she will go far and beyond to help you out with your case . My previous lawyer was telling me how complicated and complex my case was… Read More
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I had an AMAZING experience with Julia and her team, and can’t recommend them enough. From the first Zoom meeting with Julia, till the day I got my green card, it was a super smooth process. Love love the way Addilene took care of me; she is amazing at what… Read More
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Julia is a very experience immigration attorney that treats every case with the same drive, compassion, and empathy. I have seen Julia interact, advise, and guide clients in a manner that emits trust and knowledge. Julia is an asset to the practice of law! Read More
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A wonderful team amazing people you feel they are the real professionals who can give you the best for your case , never let you down in communication through the phone or the E-mail. Julia and Scot are the perfect lawyers for my case , Becca was amazing, knowledgeable, and… Read More
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Great experience, I recommend to anyone that's dealing with USCIS. USCIS is a shame itself, and doing things on my own was not the right path, after 3 years waiting we finally got a NOID, that's when we start to work with Sverdloff law group. Sverdloff Law Group, P.C know… Read More
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I highly recommend this law firm, as Julia and her team are top-notch professionals who are always available to communicate and answer any questions. If you are in need of a competent and capable lawyer, I would highly recommend this law firm for their expertise and dedication to their clients. Read More
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Excellent attorney. I am an attorney myself in NYC, but i refer all clients out of state. Everyone been giving extremely positive feed back. Read More
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Julia, Addilene and team made very simple and straightforward what could otherwise been a lot of work and research on my own. If you are in need of assistance with the complexities of immigration, it is well worth partnering with Sverdloff Law Group! Read More
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