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.Â
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.
Meet The Attorneys
What Our Clients Say
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
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.
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 for standing by me during such…
I used their services for my case, and everything went smoothly. Rafael and Matthew are very knowledgeable and helpful, and answered all my questions. I highly recommend them!
I have used their services since 2022, and my experience was great. My own case was successfully finished this year. I want to say Matt and Raf were of great help throughout, and also Jennifer, who attended the interview with me. I would highly recommend their services.
Mr. Jeffery and Mr. Kevin Racia were the attorneys handling a complex immigration case of mine. On the assurance of both attorneys that the case is going to be presented in a systematic way, I went ahead with confidence. I was able to become a legal permanent resident. I highly recommend Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC for all your immigration needs.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the remarkable team of Khiabett Osuna, Brittani Rivera, and Rafael Rodriguez, who were responsible for the successful release from detention of one of our parishioners, husband and father of four, after over 10 weeks of incarceration. From his detention to the payment of his bail and from Immigration Court to his reunion with his family, there were blessings aplenty made possible through the…
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my attorney, Brittni Rivera, for her professionalism and support during a very difficult time. I was in detention for 6 months, and thanks to her hard work and filing a habeas corpus petition, I was finally released. In addition, when I was released, ICE did not return my documents. Brittni did not ignore this issue — she took action and successfully…
My aunt was recently detained by ICE and sent to El Paso, Texas to the East Montana Detention Facility. This place is essentially a prison in the middle of the desert, and the majority of the detainees here get deported. My family and I interviewed a dozen immigration attorneys around the country to help my aunt, and we decided to hire Kevin Raica, an attorney with Kriezelman Burton and Associates.…
Our case was very difficult, and at times it felt like there was no way out. My wife was detained for a long period of time, and it was an extremely challenging experience for our family. Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC truly changed our situation. I would especially like to thank our attorney, Brittni Rivera, as well as Natalia. They were attentive, honest, and always ready to help. It was…
I cannot recommend Kevin Raica highly enough. He helped me successfully obtain my U.S. green card, and the entire process was smooth and stress-free because of his expertise and dedication. From start to finish, Kevin was professional, organized, and extremely knowledgeable about immigration law. He made sure every document was prepared correctly and took the time to explain each step clearly. Anytime I had questions, he responded promptly and made…
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