What is the Difference Between Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas?
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Individuals who wish to come and live in the United States have many options, but many do not know which one is right for them. It is important that anyone wishing to remain in the country understands the difference between immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Knowing these differences can help immigrants and their families take the practical and positive steps toward resolving their immigration status in the United States. A Chicago immigration lawyer can advise on which type of visa is right for a specific situation and, when necessary, help individuals adjust their status.
Immigrant Visas
Individuals who wish to live, work, and study in the United States on a permanent basis can apply for an immigrant visa, also known as a green card. Green cards bring many benefits for those who successfully obtain them. Green card holders can sponsor immediate relatives who want to come to the country, contribute to political campaigns, travel in and out of the United States with ease, and receive social security benefits.
Perhaps the biggest benefit to securing an immigrant visa is that green card holders can eventually apply for citizenship, which brings all of the benefits that American citizens enjoy. These include the right to be free from the risk of deportation, the right to vote, and more. Green cards do expire, but individuals can renew them within six months of the visa’s expiration date. Anyone who wishes to remain in the country indefinitely should speak to an immigration lawyer about obtaining a green card. Applicants who are successful with their application and secure a green card are known as lawful permanent residents.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas are issued to individuals that wish to enter the United States on a temporary basis. There are many different types of non-immigrant visas and the type a person applies for will depend on the purpose of their travel. Like green cards, non-immigrant visas also have an expiration date. If the visa is not renewed or extended before or on the expiration date, the immigrant will have to leave the country.
Individuals must apply for non-immigrant visas while they are still abroad. When a temporary visa is issued, it still does not guarantee entry into the United States. The United States customs official at the port of entry will review the paperwork and determine if the individual is eligible to live in the country on a temporary basis.
Our Illinois Immigration Lawyers can Help With Your Visa Needs
For individuals wishing to enter the United States, there are many options available. However, the process of obtaining a visa is complex. At Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, LLC, our Chicago immigration lawyers can help. We know how to navigate the complex immigration system and our experienced attorneys will give you the best chance of success with your application. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What Our Clients Say
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Highly recommend attorney Kevin Raica and attorney Agata Bigdanowicz. They were super helpful, responded on time, and won my case in record time. It took about a month and half in total for me to get my approval after filing!
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
Kevin Raica and his team handled my immigration application and i can other recommend them enough. They made a stressful process very easy. They are very knowledgeable in this area and helped us at every stage from beginning to end.
Brittni Rivera She is my Attorney from 2017 Thank you so, so much. This truly wouldn’t have been possible without you, Brittni. Can’t wait to file for the green cards.
We hoped and prayed for this day, not knowing if it would ever come. Deportations are incredibly scary and overwhelming. We wanted to give a very special thank you to Jennifer Peyton of Chicago for securing this victory for us! With Jennifer on our side we were able to get our loved one back. On behalf of our family, thank you. When we started this journey, we had hoped and…
Matthew Kriezelman, first of all, thank you very much; you and your team are the best immigration lawyers in Chicago. I had a great experience—your professionalism was outstanding, and you were always there whenever needed. I give you five stars for the wonderful work you and your team did. Thanks again.
Hay momentos en la vida en los que una familia siente que el mundo se detiene. Nosotros vivimos uno de esos momentos y, en medio de la incertidumbre y el miedo, tuvimos la fortuna de encontrar a la abogada Sheila McNulty y al paralegal Rafael Rodríguez . Nos escucharon con empatía, nos guiaron con paciencia y defendieron nuestro caso con un profesionalismo, una dedicación y una calidad humana realmente excepcionales.…
We would like to take a moment to sincerely thank Khiabett for her exceptional work and dedication in handling my husband’s removal proceedings case. We also want to thank Agata for her great communication during the gathering of all documents. Khiabett we are incredibly grateful for your expertise, guidance, and persistence throughout the entire process. I can't thank you enough for your empathy and standing by me during such a…
Justin Burton is extremely professional knowledgeable and helpful. I’m extremely thankful for his help and patience with my case. I strongly advise to use his services and refer him to anybody in need of legal help. Thank you.
I wanted to share my experience and say that attorney Britney Rivera is extremely competent in her work. I had heard from friends that she was a very strong lawyer, and she certainly proved to be one. She won our case in a very short time, and my family and I are incredibly grateful to her!🌹And a big thank you to her team as well!🌹🌹🌹
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