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Immigration

Helping immigrants navigate naturalization and access holistic support.

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Guiding Clients Through the Citizenship Process with Services, Classes, and One-on-One Support

CASL’s Immigration team supports hundreds of clients each year through every stage of the naturalization process. We provide personalized guidance, from assessing eligibility to completing forms and preparing for interviews. Beyond citizenship, our team offers holistic case management for new immigrants through our Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC). 

Our Services:

  • Eligibility Screenings
  • Application Assistance
  • Fee Waiver Support
  • Citizenship Classes
  • Mock Interviews
  • Passport photo services… and more!

How to Get Started

  • Eligibility: You may qualify if you are 18+ and have lived in the U.S. with a Green Card for at least 4 years 9 months (or 2 years 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen).  
  • Register anytime for classes or assistance. Morning and afternoon options available.  

Learn English While Preparing for Citizenship

Pair your immigration journey with English Language classes. CASL offers Absolute Beginner through Advanced ESL and flexible tutoring to fit your schedule. 

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Just Arrived in Illinois? Visit Our Illinois Welcoming Center

CASL’s Illinois Welcoming Center is a one-stop hub for immigrants, offering case management, navigation, and support.

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Immigration Resources and FAQs from CASL’s Legal Services

CASL Legal Services provides consultations on certain family- and employment-based visas and green card applications, and legal representation for survivors of crime seeking protected status (U-Visas, VAWA, T-Visas). We do not handle other types of immigration matters outside these areas. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your situation, contact CASL Legal Services at (888) 764-6125 or request an appointment here.*

Request Legal Services

*Eligibility for services is based on income and residency. 

For more comprehensive information on green cards, please download our brochure. Available in English and Chinese.

Immigration (Green Cards) – English
Immigration (Green Cards) – Chinese

FAQ: Green Cards for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens (Adjustment of Status)

FAQ: Green Cards for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens (Adjustment of Status)

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. This FAQ provides information for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are applying for lawful permanent resident status while inside the United States. This process is called “adjustment of status.” Be sure to review the USCIS Instructions for Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) before applying.

Who is considered an “Immediate Relative”?

To be eligible, you must: 

  • Have been inspected and admitted, or inspected and paroled, into the U.S. 
  • Still have a valid qualifying family relationship with the U.S. citizen who filed Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) on your behalf. 
  • File Form I-485 properly, while physically present in the U.S. 
  • Not fall under any bars to adjustment of status. 
  • Have your case under USCIS jurisdiction (if your case is in immigration court, adjustment must be handled there). 
How can I apply?

If you meet eligibility requirements, you may apply by filing Form I-485 from within the U.S. Immediate relatives may file Form I-485: 

  • At the same time as Form I-130 (concurrent filing), or 
  • While Form I-130 is pending, or 
  • After Form I-130 is approved. 

Immigrant visas for immediate relatives are always available, so you do not need to wait for a visa number. 

What documents are required?

You will generally need to submit: 

  • Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) 
  • Form I-130 and proof of approval/receipt, if not filing together 
  • Two passport-style photos 
  • Government-issued photo ID 
  • Birth certificate (notarized copy) 
  • Passport pages showing visa and admission/parole stamp (if applicable) 
  • Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), printed from CBP if electronic 
  • Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) or appropriate alternative form 
  • Form I-693 (Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) 
  • Police/court records for any arrests or convictions (if applicable) 
  • Forms I-601, I-212, I-612, I-508, I-566, or I-485 Supplement A, if applicable 

Note: Required documents vary by case. Please consult an immigration attorney before submitting your application. 

What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

While your I-485 is pending, you may apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765. Once you receive your Green Card, you no longer need an EAD to work legally.

What is Advance Parole?

If you need to travel outside the U.S. while your I-485 is pending, you must first apply for Advance Parole using Form I-131. Leaving without approval may cause your I-485 to be considered abandoned.

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