Schaumburg Green Card Attorneys

Providing Legal Guidance to Immigrants Pursuing Permanent Residency

The American dream often starts with a green card, as this document allows you to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. When you obtain this immigration status, you can live and work in this country for as long as you’d like, and you can eventually apply to become a U.S. citizen after a few years. In short, green cards are highly sought after among immigrants, making them difficult to get without legal assistance from Illinois immigration attorneys.

That’s why you should contact Metcalf & Associates, P.C. for help becoming a permanent resident. Our Schaumburg, Illinois immigration lawyers have assisted countless immigrants and their families with complex immigration cases, so we have extensive experience helping our clients overcome the legal challenges associated with immigrating to this country. If you’re interested in pursuing permanent residency, call our Schaumburg, IL law firm for support from skilled Chicago immigration attorneys.

What Is a Green Card?

Immigration law is complex, so if you’re unsure how a green card compares to other immigration options, you’re not alone. More specifically, you might wonder how a green card is different from a non-immigrant visa.

The answer is that most visas allow you to enter the U.S. for a specific reason and require you to leave before a predetermined date. For example, an immigrant who wants to attend school in this country can get a student visa but must leave once they graduate. Similarly, foreign workers can get visas to enter the U.S. for work projects but must leave once they’re done.

By contrast, green cards let immigrants remain in the U.S. indefinitely as lawful permanent residents. Green card holders can also work in the U.S., which many visas do not allow. Whether you want to apply for a green card, visa, citizenship, or any other legal status, call our Chicago law firm to talk to experienced Schaumburg, IL immigration attorneys.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Green Card?

If you’re uncertain if a green card will fulfill your immigration needs, you should learn what benefits you could get and hire an immigration lawyer to help you apply. These are the advantages of this immigration status:

• You can travel internationally and return to the U.S. with ease
• You can apply for certain government benefits available to taxpayers
• You can sponsor close family members to immigrate to the U.S.
• You can attend college in the U.S. and may qualify for in-state tuition
• You can apply for citizenship once you’ve been a permanent resident for at least five years, or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen

If these advantages appeal to you, it’s time to discuss your legal options with a Schaumburg, IL immigration lawyer. When you get guidance from a trusted Illinois immigration law firm, you and your family members will be on your way to starting the immigration process with peace of mind. Contact our Chicagoland immigration law firm to talk to immigration attorneys who are ready to assist you.

What Types of Green Cards Are Available to Chicagoland Immigrants?

Now that you know the advantages of getting a green card, the next step is determining your eligibility. This depends on the green card category you’re considering, as each has its own requirements. The main green card categories include:

• Family-based green cards: If you have family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you through family-based green cards. These are meant to keep families together, as they usually allow citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, unmarried children, and parents
• Employment-based green cards: If you have special job skills that stand out to U.S. employers, you can get an employment-based green card. Your employer must sponsor you to begin this process
• Refugee or asylum status: If you entered the U.S. to seek refuge or asylum due to persecution in your home country, you can apply to be a permanent resident after one year
• Victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other crimes: If you can prove you’re a victim of a violent crime, you can apply for special visas that let you remain in the U.S. You can then apply for a green card after living here for a few years and meeting certain criteria
• Diversity visa lottery: If you’re an immigrant from a nation with very low immigration rates to the U.S., you could be randomly selected for a green card through a visa lottery
• Special immigrant status: You can apply for a green card if you’ve helped the U.S. in some way. Examples of special immigrants include religious workers, international broadcasters, and anyone who served in the U.S. military

If you’re unsure which category would apply to you, contact our Schaumburg, Illinois immigration lawyers for assistance. We’ll help you determine which category you’re eligible for and gather the supporting documents you need for the best chance of being approved.

Why Should You Hire Schaumburg Green Card Attorneys?

Applying for a green card can feel overwhelming, as this process will present many legal challenges that you need guidance to navigate. Fortunately, you have access to our skilled green card lawyers. Schaumburg, IL is one of the many Chicago suburbs served by the caring attorneys at Metcalf & Associates, P.C., so we encourage you to call us for the legal guidance you need.

Whether you’re pursuing permanent residency, visas, naturalization, or other immigration options, we’re dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the legal process. When you hire our team for legal representation, we’ll promptly answer your questions, find supporting documents, file paperwork, and assist in any other way necessary for your case. Call our Schaumburg, Illinois law firm at 224-328-1900 today for a free consultation with trusted immigration attorneys.