Getting a Green Card for a Family Member in Chicago

A Green Card is a United States Permanent Resident Card. A green card is proof that someone is a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States and has permission to permanently live and work in the United States. Often green card holders in Chicago need information and assistance in getting a green card for a family member.

Many people become permanent residents through a family sponsor. If you are a green card holder or a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor a family member to get a green card. The closer the relationship you have to the green card holder or U.S. citizen, the greater success and the shorter the wait you will have in obtaining your green card.

Eligibility for a Green Card as a Relative of a U.S. Citizen
Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen automatically have a visa number available to them. You may be eligible as a:

• Spouse
• Unmarried child under the age of 21
• Parent
• Widow, if married for at least two years and widowed within two years of applying.
• Adopted child, formally adopted prior to age 16
• Stepchild, if the relationship began before your 18th birthday
• Stepparent, if the relationship began before the petitioner’s 18th birthday

The following relatives may also be sponsored for an immigrant visa but will need to wait until their visa number becomes available under the immigration system:

• Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens over the age of 21
• Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
• Brothers and Sisters of adult U.S. citizens

Eligibility for a Green Card as a Family Member of a Green Card Holder

Family-based green cards are only available for certain types of relatives. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can petition for a green card for a family member if you are: 

• Spouse of a lawful permanent resident
• Unmarried child under the age of 21 of a lawful permanent resident
• Unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident 21 years old or older

If you are a permanent resident or are the spouse or unmarried child of a permanent resident, you may be eligible for a green card under this category. There is a limited number of relatives who may immigrate in these categories each year, so there is usually a waiting period before an immigrant visa number is available.

Do you want to get a Green Card for a family member in Chicago? With experience in many immigration cases, Mario Godoy and the other experienced immigration attorneys at the Godoy Law Office can assess your situation and advise you on your best options. Call today at 855-554-6369.