Chicago Non-Immigrant Visa Lawyers
Coming to the United States for a temporary purpose should feel like an opportunity, not an obstacle. Whether you plan to work, study, do business, or simply visit, a non-immigrant visa is what makes that temporary stay possible. These visas are issued to people who have a specific reason to be in the country for a set period of time, and they differ from immigrant visas because they typically do not lead to permanent resident status.
Our team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC understands that a temporary visa can often carry permanent consequences for your career, your studies, or your family. Founded in 1974, our firm has helped thousands of clients secure lawful status across the United States for both short- and long-term stays. We can help you evaluate your options and apply for the visa that is best for you.
Who We Serve
We help a wide range of individuals in seeking temporary visas. Our team can assist when:
- You have a temporary job, school program, or other reason to enter the United States, and you want guidance on choosing the right visa.
- You are an employer with the perfect international candidate, and you need a work visa secured in time to meet a fast-approaching start date.
- You entered the U.S. under one status but have since accepted a new job, switched schools, or taken on another temporary opportunity, and you need to change your status properly.
- Your work assignment, studies, or treatment is taking longer than planned, and you want to extend your stay before your authorized time runs out.
- Your temporary visa application was refused, and you want clear answers about what went wrong and whether a new application or another response can get your plans back on track.
- The government has questioned your qualifications, finances, or intentions, and you need help responding so you do not lose the opportunity tied to your visa.
A temporary visa can involve visiting for a few days or a few years. No matter the duration or the reason, we can help you find the right visa for your needs.
The Purpose and Types of Non-Immigrant Visas
Every non-immigrant visa begins with one essential requirement: you must have a specific, temporary purpose for being in the United States. That purpose might be study, work, tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family. Unlike immigrant visas, which are for people who intend to remain permanently, non-immigrant visas authorize a defined stay and do not necessarily lead to a green card. Our lawyers can review your circumstances, identify the category that fits your goals, and help you prepare, file, and follow through on your application.
Below are some of the most common non-immigrant visa categories we handle.
B-1 and B-2 Visitor Visas
The B-1 visa serves business visitors, while the B-2 visa covers travelers coming for pleasure, tourism, or medical treatment.
E Treaty Trader and Investor Visas
E visas are available to nationals of countries that hold qualifying treaties with the United States. They allow eligible investors and treaty traders to conduct and develop business in the country.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa is designed for international students pursuing academic or language studies at approved U.S. institutions.
H Visas
H visas cover temporary workers in specialized fields, with the H-1B visa for specialty occupations being one of the most sought-after categories for skilled professionals and their employers.
I Visa
The I visa is available to foreign media representatives and journalists coming to the United States to perform their professional duties.
L Visa
The L visa supports intracompany transferees, allowing companies to move qualifying managers, executives, and specialized employees to a U.S. office.
O and P Visas
The O visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement, while the P visa covers athletes, artists, and entertainers. Both recognize distinguished talent and accomplishment.
Our firm handles not only the visas listed here, but all non-immigrant visas for foreign workers and their employers.
What Our Firm Offers
- Decades of Proven Experience: With over 50 years of experience in immigration and nationality law, our firm brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge to every case.
- Thousands of Successful Cases Nationwide: We have helped countless foreign nationals and their employers pursue lawful status, demonstrating a consistent record of results.
- Comprehensive Visa Support: From visitor and student visas to highly specific work visas such as H-1B, O, and P visas, we manage the full spectrum of non-immigrant visas under one roof.
- Dedicated Representation: Our practice focuses solely on the nuances of immigration and nationality law. We will guide you through all the details of your case.
Contact a Lawyer Today to Secure Your Non-Immigrant Visa
Obtaining a non-immigrant visa for yourself or an employee can be a surprisingly complicated task, with many potential issues that may arise along the way. Whether you are seeking an H-1B or any other temporary visa, the smartest first step is a conversation with an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you through your options.
At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, our team is dedicated to providing professional, effective legal counsel to individuals facing every kind of immigration matter. We are ready to review your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine the best path forward. Call our office today at 312-332-2550 or schedule your consultation online.
FAQs About Non-Immigrant Visas
The most common non-immigrant visas include H-1B for specialty workers, F-1 for students, B-1/B-2 for business visitors and tourists, L-1 for intracompany transferees, O-1 for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and E visas for treaty traders and investors. Each visa category has specific eligibility requirements, documentation standards, and permitted activities.
Determining the appropriate visa category depends on your specific purpose for visiting the United States, your qualifications, any relationship to a U.S. employer or educational institution, and your long-term intentions.
Processing times for non-immigrant visas vary widely depending on the visa category, your country of residence, current USCIS and consular workloads, and the complexity of your case. While some tourist visas may be processed within days or weeks, employment-based visas, such as the H-1B, can take several months from petition filing to visa issuance.
Common denial reasons include insufficient evidence of qualifications, failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country, inadequate financial support, incomplete applications, and concerns about immigrant intent for single-intent visa categories. Understanding these common pitfalls allows us to help you prepare a stronger application that addresses potential concerns proactively.
Many non-immigrant visas can be extended if you continue to meet the requirements of your visa category and file the extension application before your current status expires. Extension eligibility and procedures vary by visa type, and some categories have maximum stay limitations that cannot be exceeded.