We serve immigration clients nationwide. Contact Us to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers today.

The U.S. government issues many different types of visas, each with their own unique qualifications. Determining which visa to apply for and demonstrating eligibility is a challenge, but a Wheaton visa lawyer could make the process much easier.

An experienced immigration lawyer could assist you all throughout the proceedings, from the start of a petition through following up on delays or resolving problems. Assistance from an experienced legal advocate could help you reach your objectives as efficiently as possible. En Español.

Types of Visas Available in Wheaton

A visa is an endorsement authorizing a foreign individual to enter a country and remain for a specified period. Visas may be issued for a finite time, in which case they are referred to as temporary visas. If a visa is issued for an indefinite period, allowing the holder to live in the country, it is known as a permanent or immigrant visa.

Visas may give the holder permission to work or undertake other actions while he or she is in the country. Because immigrant visas are often in high demand, people may apply for a temporary visa while they work to obtain a permanent visa.

Those seeking an immigrant visa in the U.S. usually have a connection of some type to the country, such as a family member who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident or the sponsorship of an employer. A Wheaton visa lawyer could determine which types of visas may be appropriate for a particular applicant and help obtain and prepare documentation to support the application.

Family Visas for Immigrants

Those with family connections in the U.S. may be able to obtain an immediate relative immigrant visa or a family preference immigrant visa. Only certain relationships establish eligibility to petition for a relative to obtain a permanent visa to the U.S. These include:

  • Husbands and wives of citizens or lawful permanent residents
  • Children of U.S. citizens
  • Unmarried children of lawful permanent residents
  • Minor children in the process of overseas adoption by citizens
  • Parents of citizens
  • Brothers and sisters of citizens

In some cases, those eligible to seek an immigrant visa may also include their spouses and children. However, many family visa petitions are ranked by preference categories and subject to annual quotas, so many applicants may have a substantial wait before their visa application is considered. The exception is those considered “immediate” relatives of U.S. citizens, who may be granted permanent visas regardless of the number of applicants each year. A Wheaton visa could help an applicant demonstrate eligibility in the highest possible ranking category.

Employment Visas for Migrant Workers

Employers may sponsor workers for temporary or permanent visas to live and work in the U.S. In many cases, they must obtain approval from the Department of Labor before formally applying. An experienced visa lawyer in Wheaton could assist with gaining necessary approvals.

As with family preference visas, employment visas are also subject to annual quotas and ranked according to preference. Generally, the more education or professional acclaim a worker has received, the higher the preference for receiving an immigrant visa. In most cases, a worker must have a job offer from an employer in order to obtain a work-based visa.

Assistance from a Visa Attorney in Wheaton

The U.S. government also issues immigrant visas to those fleeing persecution, victims of certain crimes, and those who apply through programs such as the diversity visa lottery. Anyone who needs assistance with either permanent or temporary visas should consider consulting an attorney for advice as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines.

An experienced Wheaton visa lawyer could help navigate the complex visa process and help achieve your objective on your behalf. Call now to learn how a visa attorney could make a difference in your case.

Lead Counsel Rated
expertise
Illinois State Bar Association
American Immigration Lawyers Association
ASLA
DCBA