Cook County Family Immigration Lawyers

Cook County Family Immigration Lawyers

Now, more than ever, it is important to obtain lawful immigration status for family members who are not citizens of the United States. Uncertain global circumstances mean that a temporary separation can become lengthy – or even permanent. You can take proactive measures to obtain a lawful immigration status that will prevent unnecessary separations. Consult with a Cook County family immigration lawyer to learn about the different visas that might be available to you and your family members.

Nonimmigrant Visas

If your family member is only planning a temporary stay, he or she may not need to go through the difficult process of obtaining an immigration visa. There are many different types of nonimmigrant visas. Among others, these include: 

• Amateur and professional athletes who are competing for prize money
• Performing athletes, artists, and entertainers
• Visitors receiving medical treatment
• Physicians
• Au pairs, nannies, and domestic employees
• Journalists and other media specialists
• Mexican border crossing cards
• Crew members 
• Foreign government officials and diplomats
• Treaty traders and investors
• Employees of designated international organizations (such as NATO)
• Foreign military personnel stationed within the United States
• International cultural exchange visitors
• Employees transferring within an international company
• Professors, scholars, and teachers
• Religious workers
• Temporary agricultural workers

Immigrant Visas

Of course, many families want to stay together on a more permanent basis. This will require an immigration visa that allows a long-term stay in the United States. There are many immigrant visas, including those for spouses and fiances of United States citizens. Specified family members of United States citizens are also eligible for family immigration visas, and there are also special visa categories for orphan children adopted by United States citizens. 

In addition to visas sponsored by family members, there are also many types of visas that can be sponsored by an employer. This is a good option when the sponsor is a lawful permanent resident (and can thus sponsor only very close family members). Employment visas are categorized into five different preference groups based upon their abilities. In addition to employment visas, there are also work-based visas available for religious workers, Iraquis and Afghans who work for the U.S. government, and those who work as translators or interpreters. 

Even if your family member is not eligible for a family immigration visa or a work immigration visa, he or she may still be eligible for a humanitarian visa. Asylum is available for refugees, and there are special visa categories for victims of human trafficking, sexual violence, and other specific crimes. This is why it is so important to ask an immigration lawyer about all the many options available for keeping Chicago families together.

Experienced Chicago Immigration Lawyers Serving Cook County

At Minsky, McCormick and Hallagan, we believe in helping Chicago families stay together. We fight hard to access all possible options for obtaining a lawful immigration status for our clients. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced Cook County family immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t delay – the sooner you begin working towards a lawful immigration status, the more secure your family’s future will be.