Immigration Lawyer & Family Law Attorney

It gives you the right to live and work in the United States permanently. Our immigration lawyers can represent you during the marriage-based green card interview, providing valuable support and guidance. We advocate for your best interests, ensuring a smooth and successful interview experience. At Francis Law Center, we guide couples through every stage of the marriage-based green card process from our offices in Chicago, Illinois, Schaumburg, Illinois, and Madison, Wisconsin. Whether you live in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, the greater Chicagoland area, Madison, WI, Milwaukee, WI, or Wisconsin, our team is ready to help.
Failure to timely file the I-751 can result in loss of status and potential removal proceedings, making it important to adjustment of status lawyer stay aware of critical deadlines and requirements. Whether you are in the U.S. or applying from abroad, our network ensures you get reliable support from a qualified lawyer marriage green card expert. This website is an advertisement for an attorney and is intended solely for informative reasons. The choice of an attorney is a significant one that shouldn't be based just on marketing.

If processing through a consulate abroad, work authorization begins only after entry as a permanent resident. Eligibility is based on whether the marriage is legally valid where it was performed, not on the couple’s gender. Same sex marriages are treated the same as opposite sex marriages under U.S. immigration law. That means more detailed questioning at interviews and closer review of supporting documents. If the spouse is outside the United States, the case proceeds through consular processing. They will be subject to a preference based quota system, and have to wait for their turn in the green card waiting game.
Minor mistakes can often be corrected during the interview, but significant errors or omissions may require additional documentation or could affect your case. On the day of the interview, plan on arriving 30 to 45 minutes early so you don't feel rushed. You should wear business professional clothing and be prepared to speak clearly and respectfully as you answer questions. If you're still nervous, ask your lawyer to conduct a practice interview and give you tips on how to improve the delivery of your answers.
U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for certain relatives. Employment-based green cards require a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you. Some people qualify through the Diversity Visa Lottery, which randomly selects applicants from countries with low... A marriage based green card is straightforward when everything is correct, but small errors can lead to long delays or even denials. USCIS officers look closely at the quality of your evidence, the accuracy of your forms and any history that could affect admissibility. Knowing the common pitfalls helps couples avoid preventable problems.

This may include filing a timely extension or applying for a different reason to stay in the country. Violating immigration laws, such as overstaying a Visa, can have serious consequences and may negatively impact the applications. Upon approval, the foreign spouse will receive their Green Card, officially granting them lawful permanent residence in the United States.
Failing to include the medical examination package can lead to automatic rejection or rejection notices, forcing applicants to refile paperwork, repay filing fees, and potentially lose valuable processing time. Immigration lawyers say this change has already caused problems for applicants unaware of the updated filing expectations. USCIS officers are also reportedly relying less on basic financial paperwork alone. In the past, shared leases, joint bank accounts, and utility bills were often considered strong supporting evidence of a legitimate marriage. While those documents remain important, attorneys say officers increasingly want to see broader evidence of a genuine shared life. Immigration lawyers say officers are now asking more granular and personal questions than at almost any point in recent memory.

"USCIS is trying to upend decades of processing of adjustment of status," said Shev Dalal-Dheini, senior director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. "This all applies very broadly to anyone seeking a green card." For marriage-based adjustment of status inside the U.S., you generally must have entered lawfully. If you entered without inspection, your options may be limited, and you’ll need to talk to an attorney about possible waivers or other strategies.
The Department of State marriage-based visa guidelines explain what consular officers look for during interviews abroad. Form I-131 lets your spouse travel during processing. Plus, this prevents delays from leaving the country. Many Houston residents trust immigration attorneys to navigate the legal system. Eighth, prepare thoroughly for your marriage Green Card interview.
He had payed a Chinese immigration assistant a substantial sum of money, but could not locate the individual. Many marriage green card applicants underestimate the significance of the affidavit of support. Some immigrants are interviewed in the United States.

If the visa petition you filed is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to appeal and when you must file the appeal. After your appeal form and the required fee are processed, the appeal will be referred to the Board of Immigration Appeals. When the Form I-130 is approved, it will be sent for consular processing and the consulate or embassy will provide notification and processing information. This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify information with official USCIS sources or consult an immigration attorney. The most important step anyone in this situation can take is to consult with a licensed immigration attorney who is actively tracking these policy changes.
A criminal conviction for green card marriage fraud can result in a fine of up to $250,000, five years in jail, or both. A lawyer ensures your application is complete, your documents are correct, and you are well-prepared for interviews, reducing errors, delays, and the risk of denial. Immigration success isn’t solely about understanding the law.

Experienced immigration attorneys can provide valuable insights and support throughout the process. They can conduct realistic mock interviews, offer tailored advice based on your specific case, and even accompany you to the actual interview for added legal guidance. The situation is undoubtedly challenging, but there are steps you can take to protect your case and your family. First, consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued a policy memorandum discussing adjustment of status and the discretionary nature of green card applications filed inside the United States. Briones helps USCIS argue that Congress did not make adjustment available to everyone. It does not establish that adjustment should be treated as disfavored whenever consular processing is available. A seasoned green card marriage attorney specializes in immigration law, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the intricate legal nuances involved throughout the application process.