Talk To A Chicago Immigration Attorney
312-332-2550
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.
What Our Clients Say
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
I cannot recommend Kevin Raica highly enough. He helped me successfully obtain my U.S. green card, and the entire process was smooth and stress-free because of his expertise and dedication. From start to finish, Kevin was professional, organized, and extremely knowledgeable about immigration law. He made sure every document was prepared correctly and took the time to explain each step clearly. Anytime I had questions, he responded promptly and made…
Great experience with this attorney office. They helped me with my I-751 waiver after divorce. Kevin was very professional, and supported me through the interview. Everything went smoothly and my case was approved. Highly recommend!
We contacted Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, based on a recommendation, when my wife was detained by ICE. Attorney Khiabett Osuna handled our case, and it turned out to be the right choice. From the very beginning, she proved herself to be a caring and competent professional, clearly explaining the process. You can tell she's truly invested in each case and achieving results for her clients. We've also heard of…
I would like to express my gratitude to Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and especially to attorney Khiabett Osuna, who handled my case. I contacted them based on a recommendation and have never regretted it. From the very beginning, she demonstrated high professionalism. I could tell she was genuinely committed to the outcome and was doing everything possible to protect her client.
Mr. Kriezelman, Mr. Burton and Ms. Erin Cobb, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for handling my case. Your knowledge and dedication to my case is truly appreciated. Thank you.
I highly recommend Brittni Rivera. We are very grateful to her and the entire team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Your dedication, responsiveness, and compassion made an enormous difference during an incredibly difficult time. Serving as the liaison between Brittni Rivera and our friend in ICE detention, I saw firsthand how tirelessly she worked guiding us through the process, answering every question, and never losing sight of the humanity at…
Andrea C. Ochoa is truly the best of the best. ❤️ Our family went through one of the most difficult and frightening experiences of our lives when Feruz was detained by ICE. We felt lost, scared, and unsure of what would happen next. From the very beginning, Andrea brought us not only her professionalism and deep legal knowledge, but also something even more important — hope. She guided us through…
Thank you Matthew for all your help with my case. Highly recommend
In the final stages of our employment based green card, Maya Flores was very helpful. She guided us through the details, made a mock up interview and then went with us to the actual appointment. We were able to see her expertise because she made some clarifications to the officer. Very good service, 5 well deserved stars.
Los mejores abogados !!
Schedule A Consultation!
Libertyville
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
NUVEW | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy