Immigration Lawyers Chicago
Immigration Lawyers Chicago
Going through the immigration process can be a daunting and often long experience that leaves many exasperated. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, our experienced immigration attorneys in Chicago know what needs to be done to make the process less daunting and file the necessary paperwork without unnecessary delay for our clients.
The process of immigration into the United States is divided into two broad categories, which are family-based and employment-based immigration. Both categories are further divided into several categories, depending on whether the immigration is temporary or permanent.
Family-Based Immigration
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can petition the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to have their qualifying relatives be given permanent residency status (green card) based on the relationship.
These family-based immigration visas (green cards) are classified into several categories, which in turn determine the processing time for one to be approved and obtain a green card under that category.
These family-based immigration categories are as follows:
Immediate Relative. An immediate relative is an individual in a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child, or parent. This is the most desired category for family-based immigration because there is no limit as to how many immigrant visas (green cards) can be issued under this category on an annual basis. This, in turn, means if you are an immediate relative, your application will be approved, and you will receive your green card ahead of all others who applied for the green card at the same time as you but based on the other family-based immigration categories.
Family Preference. This is a category for more removed family relationships of a U.S. citizen and some specific family relationships of green card holders. The number of green cards available under this category is limited each year, and for this reason, there is a backlog creating long wait times – sometimes years – before the qualifying relative has their green card approved and received.
Employment-Based Immigration
Obtaining a green card through employment usually requires an employer to sponsor the prospective applicant for a job in the United States. This requires the employer, in most cases. to first obtain a labor certification approval from the Department of Labor. If the labor certification is required and the prospective employer obtains one, then the employer can file Form I-40 Petition for Alien Worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The prospective foreign worker would then apply for a green card once the I-140 petition is approved. The processing time for the green card application will depend on what subcategory of the employment-based visa categories under which they apply.
Individuals with extraordinary abilities in their respective fields of endeavor are exempt from the requirement to have an employer first file a petition.
Learn More From Our Immigration Attorneys in Chicago
There are a variety of other ways one can temporarily come to live and work in the United States or to permanently immigrate as a green card holder. If you are interested in learning more about any of these options, contact Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today for a consultation.
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What Our Clients Say
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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…
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!🌹🌹🌹
Huge thanks to Attorney Matthew for his incredible support on our immigration case! 🙏 He was professional, responsive, and his expertise led to a successful outcome. We truly appreciate his hard work and highly recommend his service.
I’m deeply grateful to God for leading us to this law firm; it is a true blessing to work with such professional and passionate individuals. Their dedication and commitment help make a difficult situation far less traumatic. In our case, we received 100% support from Attorney Andrea Ochoa and paralegal Rafael. May God bless them and allow them to continue this wonderful work. Thank you—a thousand thanks.
I give my total recommendation and trust in this great organization that has supported me and my family in very difficult times, especially the lawyer Andrea Ochoa and her paralegal Rafael who were little angels that God has sent us to be able to face all the obstacles that we have had along the way. Thank you very much with all my heart. ❤️
I have heard from several people that Brittni is a great attorney. When my friend was detained, I recommended Brittni to take his case. She did an amazing job putting together all the necessary information, especially given that we had only a couple of days to submit the habeas corpus application. She and her team worked very professionally and provided clear guidance throughout. She stayed in touch consistently and was…
Highly recommend Jennifer Peyton in federal litigations. She’s very polite and experienced.
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