Permanent Residence
Our Chicago immigration lawyers can help you become a permanent resident and obtain a green card. A permanent resident is an noncitizen who has the U.S. government's permission to remain, work, and travel in and out of the U.S. indefinitely. Generally, to become a permanent resident an noncitizen requires a sponsoring employer or a qualified family member to petition the USCIS for an immigrant visa to establish a preference category for the noncitizen. A large number of noncitizens may also qualify for permanent residence through a Diversity Lottery if they were born in certain countries. Once the noncitizen is qualified for a certain preference and is eligible to apply for a permanent residence, he or she can either apply in the U.S. for adjustment of status or to a U.S. consulate abroad for a consular processing. Some noncitizens are qualified to apply for permanent residence because they were admitted as refugees or were granted asylum. Other noncitizens can qualify for permanent residence if they can establish that they have lived for a certain period of time in the United States and have special circumstances (cancellation of removal, NACARA, registry).
We can help you navigate the maze of immigration laws that regulate the permanent residence process. Call us at 773-516-4100 or contact us online for a consultation to discuss your immigration law issues or questions.