What is the Difference Between Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas?
Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below
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.
Lo que dicen nuestras clientas
Calificación de 5 estrellas | Basado en 200+ reseñas de clientes satisfechos en Google
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…
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.
I decided to use the services of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and Kevin was nothing short of professional and amazing. From the consultation to the final approval, he gave us confidence and reassurance throughout the entire process. When I first told him about my wife’s wish to change her status, the first thing he said was, “We will get it done.” Even during the USCIS pause, he continued to…
Great service and attention. Felt safe and confident since the first meeting. Couldn't be happier with the results and services. I had the pleasure of working with attorney Andrea Ochoa and it was a great experience would absolutely reccomend her services
Our experience with the firm was extraordinary. We worked with attorney Andrea Ochoa. Since the very first meeting we met, Andrea gave us all the confidence to proceed with our case. She always answered our questions shortly and offered clear guidelines to proceed. When my son's case received a notice of intent to deny, she planned how to fight that decision effectively. We totally recommend everyone to trust their case…
I just want to say huge thank you to Mr. Kevin A. Raica. for everything he has done for me throughout my immigration case. When I first came to Kevin, he explained the SIJS process clearly and walked me through the steps. We first needed to get the guardianship court order before moving forward with the I-360, and he connected me with a trusted attorney to help with that part.…
¡Programe una consulta!
Publicidad de abogados. Esta información está diseñada solo para información general. La información presentada no debe interpretarse como asesoramiento legal formal ni como la formación de una relación abogado/cliente. Los resultados y testimonios anteriores no son garantía ni predicción del resultado de su caso, y no deben interpretarse como tales. Los resultados pasados no pueden garantizar el rendimiento futuro. Cualquier resultado en un solo caso no pretende crear una expectativa de resultados similares en asuntos futuros porque cada caso involucra muchos factores diferentes, por lo tanto, los resultados diferirán caso por caso. Al proporcionar información de contacto, los usuarios reconocen y dan su consentimiento explícito para ser contactados a través de los métodos de comunicación proporcionados, incluido SMS. Se pueden aplicar tarifas por mensajes y datos. La frecuencia de los mensajes puede variar. Responda STOP para optar por no participar.
NUVEW | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy