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.
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Exceptional Legal Representation I want to sincerely thank Kevin Raica for handling my case so efficiently. From our very first meeting, he demonstrated confidence and a clear plan for moving forward, which put us at ease right away. He kept the process moving and resolved our case in a timely manner. His professionalism and dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I have already recommended his services to…
Kriezelman Burton & Associate are Excellent immigration law firm that understands and guide one through any immigration cases. Attorney Khiabett is one of their best attorneys you can trust, she understands, patient, attentive, and gives honest advice about any immigration case her client has. I HIGHLY recommend the law firm to anyone having immigration concerns. Thank you for all you do.
Outstanding experience and successful Green Card approval with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC! The immigration process can often be stressful and overwhelming, but working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC in Chicago made the entire journey smooth, transparent, and successful from start to finish. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Justin Burton for his exceptional professionalism, strategic guidance, and confidence from day one. Knowing my case was in…
Great lawyer, helped us to get a green card in few months, so thanks a lot. Recommended
Kevin Raica literally saved my life. He helped me out of a dangerous situation that my previous attorney had put me in. After 17 years without status and 6.5 years of working with my previous attorney, I had experienced so many denials that I had completely lost hope. When I met Kevin, everything changed. He genuinely cared about my situation and gave me hope when I couldn’t see any for…
We sincerely thank the entire team for the professionalism, responsiveness, patience, and dedication shown throughout our case. From our very first visit, Justin reassured us that everything would be all right. Thank you, Khiabett, for your expertise, professionalism, and calm guidance before and during the interview, which greatly reduced our stress and gave us confidence. We also deeply appreciate Kamila's hard work, patience, and responsiveness throughout the process. For sorting…
I would like to sincerely thank Attorney Justin Burton and PL Kamila Lada for support with my adjustment of status case. I have been working with the firm for over a year now, and I have received nothing short of exceptional services and support throughout various cases for myself and family members. Highly recommend consulting and retaining this firm.
We have been in the dark with our case for over 2 decades, while working with other big firms who just kept me in the dark and sat on our case without making any effort to move it forward until I met the wonderful team at Kriezelman & Burton. AO and JP are truly God-sent angels who with their knowledge, collaboration, sense of direction and outside the box thinking, managed…
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…
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