Application for United States Residency
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How Does The Application Process Work?
The first step in applying for American citizenship is to determine if you meet the requirements. This worksheet was developed by the U.S. government to help people understand their eligibility. Once you’ve determined you are eligible, there are several steps to complete, including the following:
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Contact Us
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prep documents
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File
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Exam
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Interview
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Approval
Contact An Attorney
Starting your immigration journey can be a complex process involving many steps, each requiring careful attention to detail to ensure that your application is not rejected. Therefore, it is essential to complete each step correctly and thoroughly. To ensure that you navigate the immigration process smoothly, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney. By working with an attorney, you can increase your chances of success and avoid mishaps that could derail your application. An experienced attorney can also help you determine whether or not you are eligible for citizenship. So, if you are considering starting your immigration journey, we recommend you speak to an attorney to help guide you through the process. Please feel free to contact us at 312-767-8611 to schedule an appointment.
Prepare Necessary Documents
In order to obtain a green card, it is essential to demonstrate your eligibility to the United States government by submitting various documents. Although many of these documents can be submitted online, some require physical copies to be sent through traditional mail.
Providing the appropriate documentation is a crucial aspect of the green card application process, and it can be a daunting task for many individuals. Fortunately, an experienced immigration lawyer can guide you through this process by identifying which documents you need to submit and how to present them in the best possible manner.
File a petition
When applying for a green card, the first step for many applicants is to file an immigrant petition. This is typically done by a family member or employer on behalf of the applicant, particularly if they are currently residing outside the United States.
Once the immigrant petition has been filed and processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a visa number will be issued to the applicant. This number indicates their place in line for receiving a green card, as there are limited numbers of green cards available each year
It is important to note that the green card application process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is highly recommended to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you determine the best strategy for your specific situation, whether it involves filing an immigrant petition, applying for a visa number, or pursuing other options for obtaining a green card.
Complete a biometrics examination
As part of the green card application process, completing a biometrics examination is required. This involves providing fingerprints and photographs at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The appointment is typically quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes to complete.
It's important to note that attending the biometrics appointment is mandatory for the success of your green card application. Failure to attend or bring the necessary documents may cause delays or result in the denial of your application. Therefore, it's crucial to make every effort to attend the appointment on time and ensure you have all required documents with you.
Complete an interview
After the USCIS has processed your application and biometric information as part of the green card application process, the next step is the interview. The interview is typically conducted by a USCIS officer who will ask questions to verify the information provided in your application.
During the interview, the officer will assess your English language proficiency, as well as your knowledge of U.S. history and government. The officer will also review your biometric information, such as your fingerprints, and inquire about any changes in your circumstances since you submitted your application.
An attorney can help you prepare thoroughly for the interview to ensure that you can answer the questions accurately and confidently. This will increase your chances of a successful green card application process.
Approval
After the green card application process has been completed, a written decision will be issued by USCIS. If the application is approved, you will be notified and receive your green card shortly after. The green card serves as evidence of your status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
However, if your application is denied, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the denial. In some cases, USCIS may allow you to appeal the decision. The appeal process will involve submitting additional evidence and documents to support your case, and may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer.
It's essential to note that the decision made by USCIS is final unless you are granted the opportunity to appeal. If you are granted an appeal, it's crucial to carefully follow the instructions provided and submit all necessary documentation before the deadline.
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What Documents Do You Need for a Residency Application?
If you are applying for residency after marriage, there are several other documents required. Applications for residency can be complicated and confusing, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Ibrahim Law wants to help! Contact us today to request a consultation. There are different requirements based on the type of green card, but in general, you’ll need the following:
Form I-485
Passport-style photographs
Birth certificate
Special immigrant status
Government-issued identity card
Passport and related documents
Form I-94
Check or money order
Copies of marriage certificates, police records, or court records if applicable
Medical exam and vaccine records
Proof of lawful residency in the US
There are a few different ways to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Each of these green card types has its own set of qualification requirements. It’s essential you speak to an immigration attorney before applying to ensure you are submitting an application for the correct one.
Family-Based
People who are close relatives of an American citizen or a current green holder may be eligible for their own green card. The family members considered for these include Spouses, Children, Parents, Siblings, Children and spouses of adult children, and Children and spouses of siblings.
If someone was married to a US citizen and is now a widow or widower may be able to apply for a family-based green card. They would not be eligible if they were not married at the time of the US citizen’s death.
It’s critical to note that extended family members, such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins do not qualify for family-based green cards. This does not mean they may not qualify for another type of green card. If they have a closer relative that is a resident or holds a green card, they may be eligible for a family-based green card through that connection.
Employment-Based
Employment-based green cards are complex. There are several categories and jobs eligible for this type of residency. If someone qualifies for an employment-based green card, their spouses and children may also qualify. The categories include:
Priority workers (arts, sciences, education, business, executives, managers, professors, and researchers)
Professionals with advanced college degrees and exceptional expertise and abilities
Physicians
Skilled, unskilled, and professional workers with minimal training
Special workers (religious professionals, media representatives, Afghanistan and Iraqi nationals who served the US government)
Investors
Diversity Lottery-Based
Every year, the US government chooses 50,000 immigrants from applications to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program to receive permanent residency. Six geographic areas are eligible to send applications. Applicants may or may not already reside in the US when chosen.
Humanitarian-Based
Asylum seekers, refugees, and sex trafficking and crime victims all fall under the humanitarian-based green card category.
Asylum seekers and refugees who fear for their lives if they return to their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, social status, and political opinion may qualify for this type of green card. Asylees or refugees can apply for permanent status after living in the US for one year under asylum or refugee status.
Sex trafficking and crime victims can apply for a T visa to stay in the US under the condition they help prosecute those responsible for the crimes against them. These people can apply for humanitarian-based green cards after a specific period and if they meet several qualifications.
Why Choose Ibrahim Law?
Ibrahim Law is a dedicated and compassionate firm that offers ongoing legal support for a variety of legal immigration issues. We’ve helped countless clients obtain visas, residency, and naturalization. We are proud of being rated positively by SuperLawyers.com.
Our application for residency lawyer, Michael Ibrahim, is the son of immigrants. He understands the struggles his clients face and works tirelessly to help them reach their dreams and goals. He is a passionate, trustworthy, and dedicated attorney who helps clients all over the world.
Immigration Attorneys In Chicago
Applying for residency can be exciting but also very stressful. You can ease the burden and stressors of the process by working with an application for residency lawyer in Chicago, IL. The team at Ibrahim Law has helped countless applicants receive residency, and we want to help you!
If you’re ready to secure your stay in the US and enjoy the freedoms the country has to offer, our team wants to help. Contact us today to request a consultation to discuss if we can assist.
*Please note: We require a consultation fee. The consultation fee will be credited towards our service fees.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
A green card means someone has permanent US residency status. This allows them to work and live in the US without visas or other documentation. To be eligible for a green card, the applicant must fit one of the following categories:
Relative of a US citizen
Spouse of a US citizen
An immigrant worker or investor
Special immigrant status
An asylee or refugee
Human trafficking or crime victim
An abuse victim
Several other special requirements
The laws and processes for green cards are extremely complicated. Each category has several sub-categories with their own set of qualifications. If you’d like to determine your eligibility for a green card, Ibrahim Law may be able to help. Call our office at 312-767-8611 to request a consultation to discuss your questions and qualifications.
There are many benefits of hiring an application for residency attorney. First, they have immigration legal expertise and help clients to develop strong applications without errors. Second, they are well-versed in the law and the process, meaning they provide clients with ongoing guidance so mistakes are not made at any time.
Immigration lawyers also know how to appeal decisions, may help speed up the process, and protect their client’s rights. Working with an immigration attorney is invaluable for most clients.
The timeline depends on a few factors. The first is how fast you complete your application. Once the application is in the processing phase, it is up to the USCIS timeframes. These vary, but currently it is 10 months for Chicago. You can check the most recent processing time here.
On average, the entire process from start to finish is between 18-24 months. It’s important to note that a high number of applicants, delays, and other factors may make the process last longer.
In short, it depends. Some crimes are more serious than others and would ban applicants from the process. Without seeing the record and understanding the situation, we can’t offer legal advice. We do offer consultations if you’d like to understand your legal options better.
Each situation is unique, so it’s impossible to answer this as a simple yes or no. However, our office wants to help and is available for a consultation to understand your situation. We encourage you to call our office at 312-767-8611 to set up an appointment.
Ibrahim Law helps clients with all sorts of immigration matters. We are well-versed in appeals, deportation defense, applications for residence, visas, and American citizenship. If you have an immigration issue that isn’t listed, please call and speak to our team to determine if and how we can assist.
You may need an application for residency lawyer if you’re in Chicago. An attorney helps their clients to save time and money while proactively avoiding common application errors. The application for residency process is often tiresome and frustrating, but hiring an attorney gives many clients peace of mind.
The application process for US residency can be daunting. Some challenges include understanding which documents are needed, meeting strict deadlines, and navigating complex immigration laws. Mistakes can lead to delays or denials, which is why seeking professional help can be beneficial.
Hear From Our
"One of the top immigration lawyers in Chicagoland. Michael Ibrahim is attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable. One of his best abilities is his availability. He responds to emails with attention and detail, often on the same day. Don't underestimate that in dealing with any immigration matter. He is personable; he does not simply collect fees and treat you like a client but rather like a friend. Your success is his success, and he understands that. If Michael were a surgeon, accountant, or another lawyer in any other field. I would want him. You cannot replicate him.." -Yousef S.
"My wife and I are very thankful for Micheal Ibrahim. Before we hired him, we approached many immigration lawyers over ten years to duplicate documents that were destroyed in a fire. The results were disappointing. Micheal was able to find the lost documents. My wife got her permanent residency. He was always available for us during a stressful time. We would like to thank Michael for his knowledge, professionalism, and expertise. We would definitely recommend Michael for immigration services." -Farzad D.
"Michael took over my case, which had been in immigration proceedings for many years, and I am so glad that he did. He is very professional, kept my husband, and I informed of every step of the process, and gave us the most honest and beneficial advice! Highly recommended for anyone who is in need of a great immigration attorney! Thank you again, Michael!" -Nida F.
