U.S. citizens can petition for their spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents (if the citizen is 21 or older), married children of any age and siblings. Lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders, have fewer petitioning options. They can sponsor only their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and unmarried adult children.
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Family-Based
Chicago Family Immigration Attorneys
For many people, relationships with family members are among the most important aspects of their lives. As a result, many United States citizens and lawful permanent residents seek to have family members living overseas come to live and work in this country. Other U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents seek to apply for family members who are already here but may not yet have status. Fortunately, under United States immigration law, a citizen or the holder of a green card (a lawful permanent resident) may petition to have certain relatives immigrate to the United States and obtain a green card. These relatives may also later be eligible to obtain citizenship through naturalization time if they meet certain requirements.
Who is Eligible for Family-Based Immigration?
The family members that are eligible for family-based immigration depend on whether you are a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The information below outlines which of your family members may be eligible based on your own status:
- United States Citizens – As a U.S. citizen, you may petition for your spouse, children (whether over or under 21, married or unmarried), parents, and siblings. In addition, you may petition for a specialized fiancé(e) visa in the event that you are engaged to a foreign national living abroad. In addition, some spouses and children are eligible for a K-3 or K-4 Nonimmigrant Visa while a Petition for Alien Relative for permanent residence is pending.
- Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) – Individuals who have a green card have more limited options when it comes to family-based immigration petitions. They may file a petition for their spouse, unmarried children under 21, or an unmarried son or daughter of any age.
In addition to the above two categories, individuals who are in the United States in certain other categories may also be able to file a petition for their spouse and unmarried children. For example, refugees and asylees may petition for their spouses and children, and U visa applicants may submit applications for their spouses and children before or after their U visa approval. In all of these cases, there are specific rules that may or may not apply in your situation. As a result, anyone considering filing a family-based immigration petition should consult with a knowledgeable and reputable immigration lawyer.
Contact a Chicago Family-Based Immigration Attorney Today to Retain Legal Counsel
Family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents are often eligible to enter the country and obtain a green card or various types of visas allowing them to live and work in the U.S. The laws and regulations regarding family-based immigration are complicated, and there are ample opportunities for complications to arise during the process. Fortunately for people wishing to take advantage of family-based immigration laws, the assistance of an attorney can often help ensure that your case is resolved in the way in which you desire. For over 40 years, the attorneys of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC have provided legal counsel and represented the legal rights of people with issues related to immigration law. To schedule a consultation with an experienced and trusted immigration law attorney, call our office today at 312-332-2550. If you would like to contact us via email, please fill out and submit our online contact form available here.
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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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