Chicago Family Visa Attorney

Chicago Family Visa Attorney

Immigration rights have been severely impacted in recent years. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic will only make it more difficult to obtain visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. This does not mean that there are no options for keeping your family together in these difficult times. There are many types of family visas. There are also work visas and special family visa categories. Consult with a Chicago family visa attorney to learn more about the many options for sponsoring family members for lawful immigration status, so you can select the option that is right for your family.

What Types of Family Visas Are Available?

There are two types of family visas: immediate relative and family preference. Immediate relative visas are only for spouses, unmarried children, and parents of the sponsor. This makes them more difficult to qualify for, but the federal government does not limit the number of immediate relative visas that are issued in a year. This means that immediate relatives do not have to wait for a visa to become available through the quota system.

Family preference visas are available to a wider range of family members. This can include married children, their children, and siblings of the sponsor. Family preference is also ranked within these categories, with closer relatives having priority over more distant relatives. Family preference visas are subject to annual quotas. 

How Do I Sponsor a Family Member For a Visa?

In order to sponsor a relative for a visa, you must be at least 21 years old, and be either a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder). Citizens can sponsor a wider range of relatives, including spouses, parents, siblings, and children. Lawful permanent residents can only sponsor spouses and unmarried children. 

In the event that you are not eligible to sponsor a family member for a visa, it is important not to give up hope. There are many other immigration options that might apply to your situation. For example, a fiance (or fiancee) visa can be used to sponsor a fiance outside of the United States, so long as you marry that person within ninety days of their admission into the country. A fiance visa can even be used to sponsor the fiance’s children, so long as they are under the age of 21. There are also many types of work visas for permanent workers, temporary workers, agricultural workers, students, business visitors, and others. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer about the particular details of your family’s specific situation. Only an experienced immigration attorney can help you explore all possible options for getting your family members a lawful immigration status.

The Right Family Visa Attorneys For Chicago Families

The experienced Chicago family visa attorneys at Minsky, McCormick and Hallagan have helped many clients sponsor family members for lawful immigration status. We can help you plan the right strategy for keeping your family together during these dramatic global events. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.