The United States offers freedoms and opportunities that most people cannot find in their own countries, which is why approximately 1,000,000 individuals enter the country legally each year in the hopes of making the Land of the Free their home. However, while the country affords many possibilities, getting here, at least legally, is a struggle. At Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, LLC, we strive to make the visa and migration process as easy as possible on our clients. Part of doing that is informing hopeful visa applicants of what the lengthy process entails. If you and your family plan on migrating to the U.S., there are five things you need to know regarding the process.
Most visa applicants understand that they are required to pay a filing fee, but most are shocked when they discover how much said fee is. Depending on from where a person originates, the filing fee can be upwards of $1,000—per person. For a family from a developing country, this amount can be bank breaking, if not impossible to come up with. Once in the U.S., visa holders are permitted to apply for permanent residency, which costs an additional $1,070 per person. To apply for citizenship, the fee is slightly less, at $680 per person.
Individuals who have not researched the application process or who have never had to go through it before assume that the application is just a page or two long. In fact, the “simplicity of the application” is often an argument used to put down illegal immigrants. The truth is that the application process is far from simple, and it often requires filling out dozens of forms, submitting just as many affidavits, and collecting phone bills, birthday cars, photos, and other pieces of documentation that most people do not think to keep. If you plan on gaining visa status in the U.S., you should start collecting as much documentation that proves your identity as possible—especially if you plan to seek residency through marriage.
Once you submit your application, your wait is not done. Though processing times vary depending on unique circumstances and one’s reason for wanting to move to the U.S., the processing time can take a year or longer. For instance, the processing time for a petition for an alien relative is between 18 and 113 months, depending on which relative is applying. The average processing time for an immigrant petition for an alien worker is between five and 12 months, a timeframe that should provide some perspective, as alien workers are usually on a strict deadline. The petition for an alien fiancé typically takes between five and seven months to process.
While there is no shortcutting the system, you can make the process easier on yourself by retaining the help of a Chicago immigration attorney. At Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, LLC, we strive to take the headache out of the immigration process by helping clients with every aspect of the application process, including the gathering of identifying documentation. If you wish to make America your home, start off on the right foot and call our office today.
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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 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…
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.…
I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to Brittni Rivera! She literally saved my family. We had been waiting seven years for what she accomplished in just three weeks. I was impressed by how accessible the office is—they always answer calls very quickly. A special thank you to paralegal Nataliia Melnyk. You are my heroes. Thank you.
We are incredibly grateful for the help and support we received from this office. From the very beginning, they understood the urgency of our situation and treated our case with real care, professionalism, and speed. They were extremely responsive, clear, and compassionate throughout the entire process. They moved quickly when timing was critical, kept us informed, and helped us navigate a very stressful immigration situation with confidence. Thanks to their…
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