Family Immigration Attorney Evanston

Evanston Family Immigration Attorney

Reuniting families is at the heart of family-based immigration, a process that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their loved ones to immigrate to the United States. For residents of Evanston, Illinois, navigating this complex process can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we are committed to simplifying the process and helping families stay together.

What Is Family-Based Immigration?

Family-based immigration provides a legal pathway for eligible relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to join their families in the United States. This program recognizes the significance of family unity while adhering to U.S. immigration laws. Spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens, as well as certain relatives of lawful permanent residents, may qualify for sponsorship.

This process plays a crucial role in reuniting families separated by borders, creating opportunities for shared lives in the United States. Whether you aim to bring a spouse from abroad or wish to sponsor parents for permanent residency, understanding the eligibility and application process is key to achieving your goals.

Eligibility Requirements

The first essential step in family-based immigration is determining eligibility. For U.S. citizens, eligible relatives include:

• Spouses and children (whether under or over 21, married or unmarried)
• Parents
• Siblings

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may sponsor their:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children under 21
• Unmarried adult sons or daughters

Additionally, special provisions exist for refugees, asylees, and other immigration categories, allowing them to sponsor immediate relatives. To become a sponsor, you must fulfill residency or citizenship requirements and provide detailed financial documentation to prove your capacity to support the family member you wish to sponsor.

Key Steps in the Application Process

The family-based immigration process involves several important stages, each contributing to a successful outcome.

1. Filing the Petition (Form I-130)

The sponsor starts the process by submitting a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This step establishes the qualifying relationship between the sponsor and the applicant.

2. Approval and Visa Processing

Once USCIS approves the petition, eligible relatives living abroad proceed to consular processing, while those already in the U.S. pursue adjustment of status. Required documentation must be submitted, including proof of relationship, financial support affidavits, and identification records.

3. Interview

Applicants attend an interview (at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or USCIS office) to verify the authenticity of the application and relationships. Success here demands careful preparation and well-organized documentation.

4. Final Decision

Upon approval, immediate relatives receive visas or green cards to enter or remain in the United States. Non-immediate family members may face additional waiting periods due to annual visa limits.

Why Hire an Experienced Attorney?

The family-based immigration process can be daunting, with strict deadlines, extensive paperwork, and potential for errors that could delay or jeopardize approval. Hiring a seasoned immigration attorney ensures that your application meets all legal requirements, avoiding common pitfalls such as incomplete documentation or missed deadlines.

Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC has decades of experience assisting clients in overcoming these challenges. We guide you through each step, provide timely submissions, and offer personal attention to address your unique circumstances. Our insight significantly improves the chances of a smooth, successful outcome, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on your future together.

Reunite Your Family Today

Family means everything, and we are here to ensure that nothing stands in the way of keeping your loved ones close. Residents of Evanston can rely on Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, for professional, empathetic, and effective legal support.

Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. Your family’s future deserves care and guidance every step of the way.