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Understanding Family-Based Immigration
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When citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States wish to bring family members from other countries over to America, they can sponsor their relatives who wish to obtain a family-based visa. The USCIS offers two types of family-based visas and the type applied for depends on the relationship to the American citizen or lawful permanent resident. To give you and your family member the best chance of a positive outcome, it is important to understand what type of family-based visa to apply for, and to speak to an Illinois immigration attorney who can help.
Immediate Relative Visas
For many individuals, being sponsored by an American citizen or lawful permanent resident that is also a family member is the first step to obtaining legal permanent resident status or citizenship for themselves. Individuals that can apply for these visas include:
- Spouses of American citizens
- Parents of adult American citizens
- Unmarried children of American citizens
- Orphans that were internationally adopted by American citizens
- Orphans that were adopted by an American citizen but their adoption is still pending
There is no limit on the amount of Immediate Relative visas that are available, and any number of immigrants can apply for this type of visa every year.
Family Preference Visas
Family Preference visas are limited, so only a certain number of people are approved for these types of visas every year. These visas are divided into the following categories:
- Family First Preference (F1): This category applies to children of American citizens that are not married, as well as their minor children, if applicable.
- Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses of American permanent lawful residents and their adult children that are not married fall into this category.
- Family Third Preference (F3): Children of American citizens that are married, as well as any of their minor children and their spouses, fall into this category.
- Family Fourth Preference (F4): This category of Family Preference visas includes siblings of adult American citizens, as well as their minor children and spouses, if applicable.
The categories are numbered as they are because they are listed according to preference. So, for example, family members that fall into the Family Second Preference category are given more consideration and will likely receive a visa before individuals in the Family Fourth Preference category. It is also important to apply for the appropriate type of visa, as applying for the wrong preference type can greatly delay an application and, therefore, a person securing their visa.
Our Illinois Immigration Lawyers can Help with Your Application
The visa application process can be quite complex. If you are applying for a visa or sponsoring a family member, our Chicago immigration lawyers at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, LLC can help. We can advise on which type of visa you may qualify for, assist with the application process, and give you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us today or contact us online to arrange a consultation with one of our attorneys so we can get started on your case.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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